What is the consensus on an Elise ... for a daily driver?

Yeah, a lot more than a MINI but it sure looks sweet.

 

Uncomfortable and no luggage space. I could live with it if I had the cash but I'm a nut.

 

I should add that to us, a MINI is huge ... we are used to having two seaters, mid-engined, NO trunk at all in various cars from X1/9 to SC MR2, MR2 Turbo .... Storage space is not an issue (of course money is)

 

Have you tried to get in and out of one. I thought that it was one of those cars that you can look good sitting in and standing next to, but noone can look graceful getting in and out. But I haven't tried, so I dunno. Also, aren't the oil changes like $300? Never heard of one as a good daily driver, but I guess you'd have to try one out and see. They are beautiful though

 

exige

 

If I didn't need to regularly haul two kids and windsurf gear (and had the cash to burn on depreciation) there is no doubt I'd get an Elise. Well, I might get an Exige instead...

 

this question sounds like you should ask these folks...http://www.puresportscar.com/

 

Yes, there is even a video out showing you HOW to get in/out Thats a small price to pay for a real sports car.

From what I've read, first Service is about $300. More than just an oil change ... ECU dump and other stuff? Oil change is just an oil change. What does MINI charge? Probably about the same.

As to Exige, aint worth the extra 10K. Not any faster for normal street driving but definitely faster at the track ... dont care about the track. Beautiful car though! Try finding one ... very hard.

 

Although I have always been a fan of the Elise/Exige I would never consider one for a daily driver myself - it's just not comfortable enough for that task for me. I have not driven either, but it appears that strengths of those cars really only shine in track-like conditions anyway. Guess it depends what your daily drive is like

 

Chows,

I owned an Elise. Actually, I traded mine back into the dealer for my MINI. I'm more than happy to help you with any questions you (or anybody else) has regarding the Elise. There are probably a few other Elise owners lurking about on NAM as well, although I don't know their NAM member names.

The best place on the net for info on the Federal Elise is EliseTalk - period. No other forum on the net is more active. Lots of nice, very helpful people. I'm a member there as well (same member name - Goose).

Everything said on this thread up to this point is correct. Anybody that tells you that an Elise is an inexpensive daily driver is probably pretty well-off, so keep this in mind when talking to them.

The primary cost of living with an Elise is the parts costs. Believe me -- if you think MINI parts/service is expensive, you would faint over Lotus part costs. The main daily-driver concern is the front and rear "clams" as they're called. The entire front half (as well as the rear half) of the Elise is a single piece of fiberglass. There is no "bumper" to speak of under the skin. As a daily driver, don't even THINK of parallel parking one; one bump on either clam can be very expensive. Although they can be repaired, many replace cracked/damaged clams. Replacement can be many thousands of dollars, and can take your Elise off the road for some time as it waits for parts.

Sorry... probably more than you wanted to know. Let me know if you'd like to know more.

 

Here's the link to EliseTalk:

http://www.elisetalk.com/

EDIT: Feel free to PM me if you have questions - I love talking about the Elise, and think I'm pretty unbiased on the subject.

 

Nice set of cars. My dad owned an X 1/9 and my best friend has an '89 MR2. What a fun car. I'm actually looking into buying a Lotus Europa from a friend of the family in the next few years.

The Elise is definitely an extreme car. It can be daily driven but you have to be prepared to pay for the repairs and other costs. Tires will have to be replaced every year, etc. If your finances allow, go for it. Otherwise, TC your MINI, upgrade the suspension, and be happy with more money in your pocket

 

Our Mad Apple is a shared toy for hubby and myself. I find it a fabulous machine. Although I drive it every chance I would be very unlikely to use it as a daily driver. Getting out of it is not so bad. Getting out of it in a skirt is ............ We will probably have it at the Dragon Run along with the Minis.

 

Last year I had the opportunity to sit down inside a brand new '05 Elise (Yellow). It was the most embarrasing moment of life trying to get in and out of the cockpit. I just can't see a sane human being even attempting to live with this car as an daily driver. Once you are seated, is not so bad. The seats are reasonably comfortable for this type of car.

The Elise is plain and simple a pure breed sports car, built for speed. This is a weekend toy for those who can afford to buy it and maintain it.

The car has almost no creature comforts. Power nothing, just the basics...Radio and A/C (But it can be ordered without it). It is a beautiful car that handles incredible well, but it is just not for me.

As previously stated, maintenance/repairs are prohibitive. Just having the "Lotus" badge automatically makes this car an "exotic" with exotic prices to boot.

I have seen a couple of them driven around Miami (Then again here in Miami Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Rolls, Astons, etc are "Normal" everyday cars ).

There is only one dealer here in Miami is The collection Lotus (you have to see one of the most beautiful car showrooms in the country) in ritzy Coral Gables and they are selling them with a $10K markup and loooong waiting lists if you are lucky enough to get a space at the factory.

Funny, because the Lotus salesman was asking me lots of questions about my MCS as he was seriously considering purchasing one for himself.

 

I want one! What a bitchin car, with the track ablity and handeling to boot right out of the box.

 

I'd love to own one if I didnt live in a place where it snows.

 

We have both too.

I actually used mine as a daily driver, and have a few customers who do as well. Ours is now turbocharged and sporting close to 300hp, but it is still drivable.

I took my 8 year old to Indy for the F1 race in it, and it is a very comfortable long distance car. There is also surprisingly more room in it for luggage than you think - the rear opens up to quite a decent trunk.

We offer maintanance, and it is MUCH cheaper than the dealer, but if you aren't in Denver, that doesn't help. Factory service is expensive.

Once you learn how to get in and out, it isn't that bad, but it is much harder with the top on.

I would say the MINI is certainly a better daily driver, but the Lotus is just plain dream-car cool. I am a believer in this car being a daily driver, but look at the type of driving you do and how comfortable you are with the additional cost. If it isn't a stretch financially, I say go for it.

Here's a pic or two of our car:





Hope that helps!
Randy

 

I really like that color! I think the ugliest color they offer is krypton green! yuck!

 

Just made me want one more Randy, but I need to win the lotto before I have that much spare $$$$

 

It is taxing on the wallet for sure - and if I couldn't work on it myself, I'd be hosed.

The car can be had for $44,000 though - much less than most folks think it is.

I would order the touring package, no sport package and the hardtop (I missed the hardtop on mine). I certainly wouldn't get the Exige as they weigh more and have no additional power.

You can get them here for MSRP and they have them in stock (Ferrari of Denver - talk to Mike).

Here's another shot of where we are going with ours:




Randy

 

And it drives like a dream...

 

Well I only need one car so I'll tune up the MCS for now, maybe the next gen. when I'm a little more finacally capable. How's it handle in comparison to the MINI?

 

Randy, your Lotus is beautiful!!! I love them, but have a bum knee and really doubt that I could enter/exit without exacerbating the knee.

 

It feels a lot different mainly because it doesnt have power steering, so the input through the wheel is awsome. It can also pull well over 1G with stock tires, so harnesses are a must at the track.

 

ooo I shouldn't have asked..lol... sounds fun