Lotus Elise SC

[Bulldog 6]

Has anyone driven or own a Lotus Elise SC? I have been contimplating a two seater and I love the way it looks. I read that it is not a comfortable drive so I am wondering what anyone who has experience with them thinks. What do significant others think when they ride in it? Is is so harsh that it is not enjoyable?

[ACZakka325i]

It is loud as F%^k, shakes like crazy, and for that makes it an unparalleled driving experience.

Its probably the hardest car I've tried to get in and out of. I highly doubt your gf/wife would enjoy spending much more time in that car than a jaunt to Sunday brunch.

I highly suggest you test drive and re-test drive to make sure this car is for you.

I actually considered one a time ago, and still think I could use one. But I compare it to a motorcycle/hobbyist vehicle than a true car.

They are a hoot though. The drive is amazing. Shifter is so close to the steering wheel, its like being in a race car.

[DBFIU]

My coworker has the Elise. I ride in it sometimes.

I'm 6'2" and it takes me some time to get in and out of it.

It's not a comfortable ride, it shakes, rattles etc... just as mentioned.

Performance is all there, but that's it, nothing else. No ammenities, no luxury, no comfort AT ALL. If all you want is a car to thrash with, the Elise is it. If you want a car to cruise around in and enjoy a nice day, I would say go elsewhere because it will make your teeth chatter.

Go test drive one, youll understand.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by ACZakka325i

It is loud as F%^k, shakes like crazy, and for that makes it an unparalleled driving experience.

Its probably the hardest car I've tried to get in and out of. I highly doubt your gf/wife would enjoy spending much more time in that car than a jaunt to Sunday brunch.

I highly suggest you test drive and re-test drive to make sure this car is for you.

I actually considered one a time ago, and still think I could use one. But I compare it to a motorcycle/hobbyist vehicle than a true car.

They are a hoot though. The drive is amazing. Shifter is so close to the steering wheel, its like being in a race car.

I think that descibes it pretty damn well. Never drove one but did ride in one. For me its a car I would like to have for a weekend and then hand the keys back to the owner. It gets old in a hurry. There are alot of cars as quick or quicker, a ton more comfortable and not as "gimmicky".

[ACZakka325i]

If they were cheap, I think everyone would have one. But since they are pretty pricy for what you get, you see a lot of people having buyers remorse and selling them with 10-15k miles.

And they all want typical used-car depreciation. If you do buy one, make sure its used and tell the seller that he will surely be hard pressed to find another buyer besides you. And that is the truth.

I was actually pricing them recently, and for a new Exige S at around $60k, I would def take a used 996 GT3 for that price.

Also take into consideration that the Elise/Exige hasn't changed much since they came out. Funny to note that at this years geneva, the news article said all they did was revise the front "clam-shell" or bumper to keep it fresh. This car looks the same as it did when it came out. What a joke.

[footie]

It's a far more extreme driving/passenger experience than what the Porsche GT3 is. It's probably one of the last street cars I would consider as a daily driver or to take that a bit further, it's one of the last cars I would buy for the road (period).

They breakdown, bits fall off them, they are temperamental in the cold, they will give you backache, headache and are impossible to get into and out of but all that said they are one of the most pleasurable machines to drive on the right occasion.

[BillLee]

the only reason i would buy an elise is for tracking.