Daily driver - living outside
Discussion
Went to the Christmas drinks in London a couple of weeks back, as the new boy I was forced to consume insane amounts of alcahol, to the point of not being able to see. Waking up the following day I couldn't remember a thing other than a comment from one member
Leaving it outside
Is it okay for it to be left out in the elements? Regular cleaning and polishing a must, however will the glass fibre object to being left out? Are they leak free enough?
Ease of use
We've just sold our practical but insanely dull Vauxhall Astra and currently my station car, a 1.0 Metro has been pressed into service as a daily hack for my partners school run (she teaches) and it's about bearable. Will using an Elise every day be less comfortable? I forsee issues in leaks and misting up being problems? We've tried the getting in and out test and luggage space is fine. Metro will still be on hand for when lots of stuff needs to be moved but an Elise should be fine for the weekly shop?
Running Costs
The only issue seems to be servicing. It'll be on for about 15000 over the year, a large part being a planned european holiday and the pilgrimages to Le Mans and Nurburg. Are all versions on low service intervals or do later ones go for something a bit longer? How does the VX220 compare?
The car, essentially, will be an only car with a backup car for weekends when myself and Helen do something different. Her comute is 9 miles and mine is on the train.
Obviously, if this is a go-er then we need to work out which one to go for. In terms of looks we both love the original S1, think the S2 is still gorgeous and rate the Vauxhall in third, though agree that they're all pretty enough. Engine wise, ecconomy is important and I don't feel the need to go mad on power. A linear power delivery and good character are really important. Thinking a K series or the 2.2 VX lump maybe the way forward?
Budget at the moment is £5k + any finance. We should be able to push that up to around £10k + finance in the nexxt three months, possibley a little more. I guess this means a VX220 or an S1 could be bought outright or a brand new one on finance. We plan on keeping it for a long while, though this may obviously change. When Helen decides it's too much as a daily driver we'll buy another car to replace the 'tro
Lastly, where to buy? We went and saw the good people at Silverstone Lotus who were really accomidating and even suggested a test drive (politely declined, it was icey as hell!) and the thought of a main dealer car is really appealing. Am I right in thinking the best stuff will be there? Specialist cars seem a little cheaper while private makes sense too, though does the cost of bringing them up to a main dealer standard negate the saving. I was very suprised that my normal route of car buying, the auction, seems to be out. I could only find on VX and no Elises (Elisi?) on any auction sites
Anyway, thanks for your help on this and I hope you have a very merry christmas!
Dave
(excuse the long, rambling, mildly self indulgent post!)
Mobile Chicane said:
Why don't you go and get an Elise
This has stuck with me. I'm going to be 28 next year, having driven for 11 years and I still haven't bought an Elise. I haven't even driven one. I've therefor spent the run up to Christmas coming up with some reasons as to why I don't have one. With this in mind, I've come up with the following pottential issues which I care for your view onLeaving it outside
Is it okay for it to be left out in the elements? Regular cleaning and polishing a must, however will the glass fibre object to being left out? Are they leak free enough?
Ease of use
We've just sold our practical but insanely dull Vauxhall Astra and currently my station car, a 1.0 Metro has been pressed into service as a daily hack for my partners school run (she teaches) and it's about bearable. Will using an Elise every day be less comfortable? I forsee issues in leaks and misting up being problems? We've tried the getting in and out test and luggage space is fine. Metro will still be on hand for when lots of stuff needs to be moved but an Elise should be fine for the weekly shop?
Running Costs
The only issue seems to be servicing. It'll be on for about 15000 over the year, a large part being a planned european holiday and the pilgrimages to Le Mans and Nurburg. Are all versions on low service intervals or do later ones go for something a bit longer? How does the VX220 compare?
The car, essentially, will be an only car with a backup car for weekends when myself and Helen do something different. Her comute is 9 miles and mine is on the train.
Obviously, if this is a go-er then we need to work out which one to go for. In terms of looks we both love the original S1, think the S2 is still gorgeous and rate the Vauxhall in third, though agree that they're all pretty enough. Engine wise, ecconomy is important and I don't feel the need to go mad on power. A linear power delivery and good character are really important. Thinking a K series or the 2.2 VX lump maybe the way forward?
Budget at the moment is £5k + any finance. We should be able to push that up to around £10k + finance in the nexxt three months, possibley a little more. I guess this means a VX220 or an S1 could be bought outright or a brand new one on finance. We plan on keeping it for a long while, though this may obviously change. When Helen decides it's too much as a daily driver we'll buy another car to replace the 'tro
Lastly, where to buy? We went and saw the good people at Silverstone Lotus who were really accomidating and even suggested a test drive (politely declined, it was icey as hell!) and the thought of a main dealer car is really appealing. Am I right in thinking the best stuff will be there? Specialist cars seem a little cheaper while private makes sense too, though does the cost of bringing them up to a main dealer standard negate the saving. I was very suprised that my normal route of car buying, the auction, seems to be out. I could only find on VX and no Elises (Elisi?) on any auction sites
Anyway, thanks for your help on this and I hope you have a very merry christmas!
Dave
(excuse the long, rambling, mildly self indulgent post!)
Edited by CampDavid on Thursday 24th December 19:44
RE leaving it outside - I've recently bought an S1. The roof does leak (from corners of either window) so I've bought a showercap which extends over the edges of the roof to prevent this. Cost £50-60 from Eliseparts IIRC. Takes seconds to fit. I think the S2 and VX220 tend to leak less with a better designed roof.
Lot's of points - I won't try and answer them all, but here goes.
Yes they can live outside - but you really need an S2 to do this - the S1s do leak, no matter what you try. The S2 is also comfier as a daily drive. My S2111S lived outside for the first 18 months I owned it with no ill effects at all.
You will be lucky to find one in an auction. Check PH classifieds if buying privately, dealer wise, depending on whereabouts you are, try Bell & Colvill, nr Guildford. Castle Lotus, Essex. Lipscombs, Maidstone, Kent. Don't go near London Lotus - they are no longer Lotus dealers.
Plenty of info on www.seloc.org - but before you post up like this do a search and also have a read through bits of the techwiki - lots of questions will already have been answered, many many times!
Again - put your location in when you do ask things on seloc - plenty of very friendly people who will be nearby and won't mind you having a ride in theirs, nosey around etc etc
If you are near Surrey, I still have the liz, my other half has a Jim Clark SC Elise and I also have a s/c 2-11. We'll happily talk you through ours if it'll help.
Good luck, enjoy the search
Yes they can live outside - but you really need an S2 to do this - the S1s do leak, no matter what you try. The S2 is also comfier as a daily drive. My S2111S lived outside for the first 18 months I owned it with no ill effects at all.
You will be lucky to find one in an auction. Check PH classifieds if buying privately, dealer wise, depending on whereabouts you are, try Bell & Colvill, nr Guildford. Castle Lotus, Essex. Lipscombs, Maidstone, Kent. Don't go near London Lotus - they are no longer Lotus dealers.
Plenty of info on www.seloc.org - but before you post up like this do a search and also have a read through bits of the techwiki - lots of questions will already have been answered, many many times!
Again - put your location in when you do ask things on seloc - plenty of very friendly people who will be nearby and won't mind you having a ride in theirs, nosey around etc etc
If you are near Surrey, I still have the liz, my other half has a Jim Clark SC Elise and I also have a s/c 2-11. We'll happily talk you through ours if it'll help.
Good luck, enjoy the search
I'd say go for it.
I took my S1 up to Scotland (south west) recently, just before that massive flooding in the south west part; i've got a hard top on it and the only signs where a few drops on the sills.
Running them is cheap; the parts are easily available, doing things yourself is easy as they are mechanically quite simple, access is the biggest headache and rusted bolts!
you can get a surprising amount of stuff in them and they are comfortable considering how stiff and noisy they are.
I considered a VX220 and a S2 but I just loved the looks of the S1 (and it was a dream car for me).
As has been mentioned try to go and speak to some owners, I doubt you will hear a bad word said and it will make you want one even more; you will be straight round to the dealers!
I took my S1 up to Scotland (south west) recently, just before that massive flooding in the south west part; i've got a hard top on it and the only signs where a few drops on the sills.
Running them is cheap; the parts are easily available, doing things yourself is easy as they are mechanically quite simple, access is the biggest headache and rusted bolts!
you can get a surprising amount of stuff in them and they are comfortable considering how stiff and noisy they are.
I considered a VX220 and a S2 but I just loved the looks of the S1 (and it was a dream car for me).
As has been mentioned try to go and speak to some owners, I doubt you will hear a bad word said and it will make you want one even more; you will be straight round to the dealers!
My twoppence worth:
Drive as many variants as you can and also as many of each variant as you can to get a feel of a oold one and a bad one (they can vary enormously). The S1 is the lightest, purest but also rawest Elise but many are used as daily drivers and have covered well over £100k and live outside in all weathers. The S2 111S is often recommended as the best all-rounder as you get the 156bhp K engine, sound proofing and carpets and generally reasonable (for an Elise) liveability.
I've had an S1 for four years now: it started as a second car, become my daily driver out of preference and is now a track focused toy. Its always lived outside (showercape keeps it watertight), it starts first time and has been totally reliable. The only thing is that S1s are getting on now so bits and bobs need replacing and refurbing on many cars: if you go for an S1 try and get a car that has had some recent spending on things like suspension refurbishment (not just a damper change btw - my refurb cost nearly £2k diying it), regular oil changes (I wouldn't worry if these have been done by the owner as its not a complex Fezza engine) etc (check the buyers guides on here and dig around on Seloc). You can also find cars with re-trimmed interiors and desirable improvments to brakes (just discs and pads needed, no fancy calipers) sports exhausts and induction systems (the latter two are pretty standard.
Pretty much all of the above (except the age thing) also applies to most S2s which will also need things replacing with miles.
An Elise won't cost a mint to run fo0r what it is but it will (probably) cost more than a similiarly priced hot hatch. Think of ssupesnion bits as consumables and you get the idea!).
Whatever you do I'd keep a grand or two in your back pocket 'just in case'.
Aldso when you get it can I recommend a day with Walshy at Carlimits for yourself and wife - great fun and really almost essential.
Final point: is the S1 a daily drive proposition. I think so and I'm a slightly portly 52 year old
Drive as many variants as you can and also as many of each variant as you can to get a feel of a oold one and a bad one (they can vary enormously). The S1 is the lightest, purest but also rawest Elise but many are used as daily drivers and have covered well over £100k and live outside in all weathers. The S2 111S is often recommended as the best all-rounder as you get the 156bhp K engine, sound proofing and carpets and generally reasonable (for an Elise) liveability.
I've had an S1 for four years now: it started as a second car, become my daily driver out of preference and is now a track focused toy. Its always lived outside (showercape keeps it watertight), it starts first time and has been totally reliable. The only thing is that S1s are getting on now so bits and bobs need replacing and refurbing on many cars: if you go for an S1 try and get a car that has had some recent spending on things like suspension refurbishment (not just a damper change btw - my refurb cost nearly £2k diying it), regular oil changes (I wouldn't worry if these have been done by the owner as its not a complex Fezza engine) etc (check the buyers guides on here and dig around on Seloc). You can also find cars with re-trimmed interiors and desirable improvments to brakes (just discs and pads needed, no fancy calipers) sports exhausts and induction systems (the latter two are pretty standard.
Pretty much all of the above (except the age thing) also applies to most S2s which will also need things replacing with miles.
An Elise won't cost a mint to run fo0r what it is but it will (probably) cost more than a similiarly priced hot hatch. Think of ssupesnion bits as consumables and you get the idea!).
Whatever you do I'd keep a grand or two in your back pocket 'just in case'.
Aldso when you get it can I recommend a day with Walshy at Carlimits for yourself and wife - great fun and really almost essential.
Final point: is the S1 a daily drive proposition. I think so and I'm a slightly portly 52 year old
Personally I wouldn't dream of using an Elise as every day transport but then I'm a lot older than you and most likely a lot less inclined to put up with the inconveniences of doing so. The Elise really is a toy and not designed to be practical. It's cramped, noisy, steams up easy without aircon and unless you have the Probax seats it isnt very comfortable.
I certainly wouldnt be prepared to rely on an old Metro and an old Elise. At least one of them needs to be reliable and both of them have Rover engines. So if you do go Elise I would suggest you are better getting one of the S2 with the Yota engine. It will be dry, have decent heating and comfort and will be really reliable.
But better still. Flog the cr*p Metro, get something reliable for daily use and get an old Elise for the weekend.
I certainly wouldnt be prepared to rely on an old Metro and an old Elise. At least one of them needs to be reliable and both of them have Rover engines. So if you do go Elise I would suggest you are better getting one of the S2 with the Yota engine. It will be dry, have decent heating and comfort and will be really reliable.
But better still. Flog the cr*p Metro, get something reliable for daily use and get an old Elise for the weekend.
bordseye said:
Personally I wouldn't dream of using an Elise as every day transport but then I'm a lot older than you and most likely a lot less inclined to put up with the inconveniences of doing so. The Elise really is a toy and not designed to be practical. It's cramped, noisy, steams up easy without aircon and unless you have the Probax seats it isnt very comfortable.
I certainly wouldnt be prepared to rely on an old Metro and an old Elise. At least one of them needs to be reliable and both of them have Rover engines. So if you do go Elise I would suggest you are better getting one of the S2 with the Yota engine. It will be dry, have decent heating and comfort and will be really reliable.
But better still. Flog the cr*p Metro, get something reliable for daily use and get an old Elise for the weekend.
I've got a 111R MY04.I certainly wouldnt be prepared to rely on an old Metro and an old Elise. At least one of them needs to be reliable and both of them have Rover engines. So if you do go Elise I would suggest you are better getting one of the S2 with the Yota engine. It will be dry, have decent heating and comfort and will be really reliable.
But better still. Flog the cr*p Metro, get something reliable for daily use and get an old Elise for the weekend.
Right other than a few minor issues i've had mine sitting outside and it never misses a beat... I live in Edinburgh and tbh if your flexible and accomadating any newer Elises are fine cars to have as your only mode of transport or daily beater.
I havent got aircon and coming from climate control car i dont miss it tbh. Yes it takes a few mins longer in the morning to demist the screen but its not the end of the world.
The only thing i would consider is motorway use. If its high a stage 2 exhaust may not be for you although the factory exhaust is a bit limp.
Mine's a daily driver and lives outside without any problems. B&C do my servicing (at SELOC rates - worth joining) and also give the car its annual clean.
Techy / maintenance aspects have been comprehensively covered by the above - just get out there and drive a few. Also check SELOC for cars for sale.
CooperS said:
I've got a 111R MY04.
Right other than a few minor issues i've had mine sitting outside and it never misses a beat... I live in Edinburgh and tbh if your flexible and accomadating any newer Elises are fine cars to have as your only mode of transport or daily beater.
I havent got aircon and coming from climate control car i dont miss it tbh. Yes it takes a few mins longer in the morning to demist the screen but its not the end of the world.
The only thing i would consider is motorway use. If its high a stage 2 exhaust may not be for you although the factory exhaust is a bit limp.
I'm a wastline challenged 42 year old and am on my 3rd Lotus - all are everyday cars and live outside in all weathers.Right other than a few minor issues i've had mine sitting outside and it never misses a beat... I live in Edinburgh and tbh if your flexible and accomadating any newer Elises are fine cars to have as your only mode of transport or daily beater.
I havent got aircon and coming from climate control car i dont miss it tbh. Yes it takes a few mins longer in the morning to demist the screen but its not the end of the world.
The only thing i would consider is motorway use. If its high a stage 2 exhaust may not be for you although the factory exhaust is a bit limp.
I had a Rover engined S2 for around a year, then an S2 Exige for 2 years and now also have a 2004 111R Elise which I've owned for a year.
I did close to 30k miles in the Exige and have done 18k in my current Elise.
It's used for commuting (45 miles each way), going to the airport, shopping, summer holidays (4k this summer) etc etc etc. Done 2 track days also at Zandvoort.
If it rains particularly heavily the passengers side window leaks a little, but nothing that won't wipe away.
I don't have a hard top - spoils the fun of removing the roof on a sunny winters day
Like Cooper said, touch wood the car has never missed a beat. It gets serviced every 9k on the button. I use rear tyres every 15k or so and have just replaced the disks and pads for Pagids.
When I bought the car I had a Stage 2 exhaust fitted. Whilst it makes a great noise, ( http://www.autojunk.nl/2008/12/lotus-in-de-p-c-hoo...) it does become a little boomy on long motorway journeys sitting in 6th at 3,500 revs. But the Mrs put up with up on our summer excursion
Plenty of people use them everyday so just do it or regret it later.
My Elise was my daily driver for three years, and the only downsides were motorway noise and the lack of carrying space for trips to B&Q etc. Mine did suffer a bit from being left outside for the first few years - heavy rain has caused paintwork bubbling by the boot lid, and when the temperature got down to -10 last year it peeled some of the paintwork off the side. Lotus quoted me something silly for mending it (several thousand) and I'd lose my Queen's Award stickers from the side of the car so I haven't bothered.
Have a drive in an Elise and see what you think They're streets ahead of anything else you might try that can be used practically everyday.
Have a drive in an Elise and see what you think
They're streets ahead of anything else you might try that can be used practically everyday.
Thanks for all the responses and info, most really positive.
Bordseye, I can your point about the Elise being uncomfortable which is entirely the reason to do it now while we're both 27. While the Metro may be "crap", it isn't unreliable. A rouge stone punchured the rad about 2 years ago and it killed the engine (Helen has since bcome better at monitoring coolant use, a good lesson to learn running a K series I see!), a rebuilt one was then fitted my a local Metro specialist (and fan) to keep it on the road. The car's been in the family from new and we're all quite fond of it. Since selling the Astra it's done all the Christmas visiting includng a lot of time sliding round rural roads and it's been absolutely perfect, aside from a crap heater.
It is, however, a pretty miserble place to be in the wind and rain so we're thinking of passing it on to a cousin and buying something for these conditions as well as something better for filling up for music gigs. I can fulfil my dream of owning a ratty old Volvo or Merc.
It's great to see that so many are using them as daily cars, the plan is definately on to take our time and pick out something perfect.
Have registered on SELOC, though it's told me my password will be through in a moment on Christmas Eve, may be it's a bit slow over Christmas
Bordseye, I can your point about the Elise being uncomfortable which is entirely the reason to do it now while we're both 27. While the Metro may be "crap", it isn't unreliable. A rouge stone punchured the rad about 2 years ago and it killed the engine (Helen has since bcome better at monitoring coolant use, a good lesson to learn running a K series I see!), a rebuilt one was then fitted my a local Metro specialist (and fan) to keep it on the road. The car's been in the family from new and we're all quite fond of it. Since selling the Astra it's done all the Christmas visiting includng a lot of time sliding round rural roads and it's been absolutely perfect, aside from a crap heater.
It is, however, a pretty miserble place to be in the wind and rain so we're thinking of passing it on to a cousin and buying something for these conditions as well as something better for filling up for music gigs. I can fulfil my dream of owning a ratty old Volvo or Merc.
It's great to see that so many are using them as daily cars, the plan is definately on to take our time and pick out something perfect.
Have registered on SELOC, though it's told me my password will be through in a moment on Christmas Eve, may be it's a bit slow over Christmas
[quote=bordseye
I certainly wouldnt be prepared to rely on an old Metro and an old Elise. At least one of them needs to be reliable and both of them have Rover engines. So if you do go Elise I would suggest you are better getting one of the S2 with the Yota engine. It will be dry, have decent heating and comfort and will be really reliable.
[/quote]
I don't want to start the old K series argument again but 75k with no issues at all on the car other than routine maintenance/consumables doesn't suggest unreliability to me: plenty of others out there like it too.
I do plenty of track days an think nothing of doing 300+ mile trips in my car - a set of £10 ear plugs turns it into a quiet and enjoyable tool.
Heating on my S1 is more than good enough and opening a window wide prevents misting up whilst the engine warms up enough to get the heater and demister going.
The Elise is never going to be a limo, but accept it for what it is and it'll give a huge amount of enjoyment as a daily driver. Something bargetastic for skip runs/use in snow and ice and general abuse makes agreat foil for the Elise.
I certainly wouldnt be prepared to rely on an old Metro and an old Elise. At least one of them needs to be reliable and both of them have Rover engines. So if you do go Elise I would suggest you are better getting one of the S2 with the Yota engine. It will be dry, have decent heating and comfort and will be really reliable.
[/quote]
I don't want to start the old K series argument again but 75k with no issues at all on the car other than routine maintenance/consumables doesn't suggest unreliability to me: plenty of others out there like it too.
I do plenty of track days an think nothing of doing 300+ mile trips in my car - a set of £10 ear plugs turns it into a quiet and enjoyable tool.
Heating on my S1 is more than good enough and opening a window wide prevents misting up whilst the engine warms up enough to get the heater and demister going.
The Elise is never going to be a limo, but accept it for what it is and it'll give a huge amount of enjoyment as a daily driver. Something bargetastic for skip runs/use in snow and ice and general abuse makes agreat foil for the Elise.
I've got an S2, and it lives outside and is my daily drive. I'm 28 and three months ago had the same thought as you. I had loved the elise since it came out.
I got ride of a perfectly good Focus RS to get the elise, and love it to bits. After a long day at work, nothing beats jumping in an elise, even though my commute is mainly the M25!
It leaks a little, but it's not awful, and I have a shower cap for when it's frosty.
I've not regretted it, and by the sounds of it neither would you!
I got ride of a perfectly good Focus RS to get the elise, and love it to bits. After a long day at work, nothing beats jumping in an elise, even though my commute is mainly the M25!
It leaks a little, but it's not awful, and I have a shower cap for when it's frosty.
I've not regretted it, and by the sounds of it neither would you!
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