Commiserate with me - I shouldn't buy a Lotus Elise, Update: But I just did.

[sgrinavi]

It'd be cool for a second car, but not a DD

 

[JulesMaximus]

It'd be cool for a second car, but not a DD

Exactly why I don't own one.

BTW-It would be awesome for a second car.

 

[_Rick_]

And that's exactly why I'm considering it - I'm currently dd'ing the company car, and my Swift has turned into the fun car. Replacing it with a real fun car makes about as much sense (financially) as keeping the Swift.
If only I hadn't this aversion to spending big money on toys.... But with the low depreciation it would be no more expensive over time than the Swift - only less useful , should I have to give up the company car.

There's currently also the issue of buying a convertible in the summer, which always drives used car prices. I suspect less in such special cases, but it's a factor nonetheless. I'll try to eyeball the car next weekend, unless I get over this condition

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Nice car, but have you sat in an Elise? If not you should know that they are friggin tiny! I'm 6' 2" and the one time I sat in an Elise the top of my head was 3 inches above the top of the windshield. Not kidding.

Not that it isn't a nice car. Just saying you should make sure to sit in the thing before you device to buy it. Else you risk looking like this guy:

 

[Yuriman]

I'm a tiny person and am actually more comfortable in an Elise than in most other cars. For me, the fit is just about right.

I'm leery of the Rover powerplant though, as someone else suggested. After looking at the pics, it's definitely a Rover, so I'd strongly consider a swap to a Honda or Toyota powerplant if you do get the car.

The ZZ is a nice engine, but there's a reason the Ariel Atom uses Honda's K20 engine instead, and swap kits are available and not too expensive.

 

[SSSnail]

It doesn't need it. That Toyota engine is more than capable of powering the car. The entire car weighs less than 2000lbs so it is plenty fast stock.

Also, these cars hold their value well so depreciation shouldn't be that much. Even a 2005 model will fetch $35k easily here in the US (if anything they've gone up in value in the last few years).

My only gripe with the car is that it is ridiculously hard to get in and out of if you are over 5'10" tall (I am). The fuel tank is small and the car has almost no storage space in the boot. You might be able to fit a few bags of groceries in it but that's it. Also, the mirrors are pretty much useless.

Look carefully for any damage to the front and rear clam (this is the body of the car, it is two pieces that are bonded to the chassis). If it has damage it is very difficult to repair and VERY costly to replace.

Still, I've never driven a car that was as engaging or more rewarding to drive than the Lotus Elise. I'd love to have one.

There it is! I haven't seen that pic for a while now, can't believe you're still pimping it like it's 1999... You need to drive more cars, mate.


But yeah, here are some prerequisites in buying an Elise:
1. You have to be an active Yoga participant
2. You have to know a good chiropractor
3. You have to know how to drive, and good places to drive this on (e.g. Top Gear test track, the 'Ring, etc...)
4. You're willing to live with what's basically a go-cart wrapped in fiberglass, complete with chicken wire mesh, zip ties, and no room at all any-which-way you move
5. You will WANT to seek out the Exige instead of an Elise
6. You're willing to accept that everyone will be looking into your car to see what trousers, or shorts, you're wearing while they're driving, or walking. Counterpoint to that is you might get some great upskirt looks while sitting at stoplights or strolling along a busy shopping street
7. What's wrong with Caterham? Ariel Atom?
8. Have a donor K-20 engine ready, or some other engines that fit, for the inevitable transplant

 

[JulesMaximus]

There it is! I haven't seen that pic for a while now, can't believe you're still pimping it like it's 1999... You need to drive more cars, mate.

It's a good image to show just how small these cars really are. And I've driven plenty of cars... just none as good as this.

 

[Fritzo]

I drove an Elise for a week two years ago. I had my car in for service in Columbus OH, and was offered a loaner because they didn't have a part and it would take a while to get. I joked "I'll take one of those Elise's over there!", and he said "OK- I'll get the keys."

My jaw dropped.

Here's what you get with an Elise:

This is a car you don't own, you live with it. It's like a super model with a personality disorder. She looks fantastic, everyone's heads turn when you take her out in public, and you feel like the luckiest guy in the world with her in your hands. However, when she gets home she doesn't like you getting in and out of her, she's loud, and she demands all of your attention

The car is one of the best handling vehicles in the world. You can NOT lose control of this thing. The wheels feel like they're made of Velcro. The 1.8L Toyota engine makes a glorious noise, and it should because it's literally seated right behind your head. There's a radio available mostly for show purposes...you'll need to drive under 35mph or crank it up full blast to hear it.

As mentioned, getting in and out of the car is a feat. It will involve putting your hands on the ground and doing some crab-walk maneuvers. You can NOT put your hands on the windshield and it will bend, causing door closing issues. I likened getting into the car to putting on a pair of leather pants that are a size too small.

Once inside, the cabin fits like a glove. It reminds me of one of those memory foam mattress...everything is contoured to your body. I'm 6'4" and had exactly enough room to operate. However, it's a very tight fit. If you take a passenger with you, you will be the closest to that person you can possibly be without it being considered sex. Keep that in mind when choosing driving partners.

The car has no frills. No power windows, minimal padding or carpeting, exposed metal...it's not a GT car. This is definitely a 3rd vehicle you drive for a few hours on the weekends or if you're a track rat. On the plus side, it gets great gas millage, it can handle any type of weather (even snow!), and the Toyota power plant is the one found in the Celica, so it will reach 100K miles without much trouble (the brakes, transmission, etc. may be a different story).

Much like a Lamborghini, I classified the Elise as a "love to borrow it, hate to own it" car. It's one of those rare vehicles that's within reach of the common worker, but make even the elite jealous. If you can afford it, have the space to store it, and are willing to live with it, the Elise is one of the best performance cars ever built. If you're looking for something to cruise the countryside on a Saturday afternoon with the wife, get a Porsche Boxster instead. You'll be happier.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I drove an Elise for a week two years ago. I had my car in for service in Columbus OH, and was offered a loaner because they didn't have a part and it would take a while to get. I joked "I'll take one of those Elise's over there!", and he said "OK- I'll get the keys."

My jaw dropped.

Here's what you get with an Elise:

This is a car you don't own, you live with it. It's like a super model with a personality disorder. She looks fantastic, everyone's heads turn when you take her out in public, and you feel like the luckiest guy in the world with her in your hands. However, when she gets home she doesn't like you getting in and out of her, she's loud, and she demands all of your attention

The car is one of the best handling vehicles in the world. You can NOT lose control of this thing. The wheels feel like they're made of Velcro. The 2.4L Toyota engine makes a glorious noise, and it should because it's literally seated right behind your head. There's a radio available mostly for show purposes...you'll need to drive under 35mph or crank it up full blast to hear it.

As mentioned, getting in and out of the car is a feat. It will involve putting your hands on the ground and doing some crab-walk maneuvers. You can NOT put your hands on the windshield and it will bend, causing door closing issues. I likened getting into the car to putting on a pair of leather pants that are a size too small.

Once inside, the cabin fits like a glove. It reminds me of one of those memory foam mattress...everything is contoured to your body. I'm 6'4" and had exactly enough room to operate. However, it's a very tight fit. If you take a passenger with you, you will be the closest to that person you can possibly be without it being considered sex. Keep that in mind when choosing driving partners.

The car has no frills. No power windows, minimal padding or carpeting, exposed metal...it's not a GT car. This is definitely a 3rd vehicle you drive for a few hours on the weekends or if you're a track rat. On the plus side, it gets great gas millage, it can handle any type of weather (even snow!), and the Toyota power plant is the one found in the Camery, so it will reach 100K miles without much trouble (the brakes, transmission, etc. may be a different story).

Much like a Lamborghini, I classified the Elise as a "love to borrow it, hate to own it" car. It's one of those rare vehicles that's within reach of the common worker, but make even the elite jealous. If you can afford it, have the space to store it, and are willing to live with it, the Elise is one of the best performance cars ever built. If you're looking for something to cruise the countryside on a Saturday afternoon with the wife, get a Porsche Boxster instead. You'll be happier.

:thumbsup: Pretty much this.

BTW-The Elise has a 1.8L engine, not a 2.4L engine. It is the same motor they put in the Celica, not the Camry engine. Lotus and Yamaha worked the engine a bit to get 190hp out of it. I think it revs a bit higher than the Celica engine but it is essentially the same engine.

 

[NutBucket]

5. You will WANT to seek out the Exige instead of an Elise

Why would you want the Exige instead? It's even harder to get in and out of!

 

[SSSnail]

You can NOT lose control of this thing. The wheels feel like they're made of Velcro.

I beg to differ... :whiste:

Once inside, the cabin fits like a glove.

Made of tubes and metals... I would describe it more like a tight fitting metal cage, than glove, because glove conveys comfort, while this is more bare metal and tubes everywhere you look and touch.

 

[SSSnail]

Why would you want the Exige instead? It's even harder to get in and out of!

Because if you're going to suffer, might as well do it properly and get the better version.

 

[Fritzo]

:thumbsup: Pretty much this.

BTW-The Elise has a 1.8L engine, not a 2.4L engine. It is the same motor they put in the Celica, not the Camry engine. Lotus and Yamaha worked the engine a bit to get 190hp out of it. I think it revs a bit higher than the Celica engine but it is essentially the same engine.

Updated. I was writing from memory so my numbers were a bit off

 

[Fritzo]

I beg to differ... :whiste:

Made of tubes and metals... I would describe it more like a tight fitting metal cage, than glove, because glove conveys comfort, while this is more bare metal and tubes everywhere you look and touch.

The later editions had more creature comforts than the earlier ones. I drove a 2011 and it was a lot more plush than the 2006 version I remember seeing.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

If you are all worried about depreciation this is not your kind of car. If you don't do at least a couple track days this is not your kind of car. If you ever wonder how much longer it will take your local DOT to fix the roads this is not a good car for you. No garage means this is not your kind of car.

Rick you haven't said a single thing that makes me think this car is a good fit. Therefore you are crazy. Go for it. YOLO life is too short to drive crap.

 

[JulesMaximus]

The later editions had more creature comforts than the earlier ones. I drove a 2011 and it was a lot more plush than the 2006 version I remember seeing.

The 2005 I drove had power windows, leather seats and carpeted floor mats. I think that was part of the luxury package. It had air conditioning too but I rented it around Christmas time so I didn't really need to use it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

If you are all worried about depreciation this is not your kind of car. If you don't do at least a couple track days this is not your kind of car. If you ever wonder how much longer it will take your local DOT to fix the roads this is not a good car for you. No garage means this is not your kind of car.

Rick you haven't said a single thing that makes me think this car is a good fit. Therefore you are crazy. Go for it. YOLO life is too short to drive crap.

They haven't really depreciated at all though. I remember seeing used 2005 models 5-6 years ago selling for $38-40k and they still go for that today. It's not like you buy one today and 5 years from now it will be worth $5-6k, they do hold their value pretty well if you can keep the mileage low and the car in good condition.

 

[Fritzo]

The 2005 I drove had power windows, leather seats and carpeted floor mats. I think that was part of the luxury package. It had air conditioning too but I rented it around Christmas time so I didn't really need to use it.

This is the interior I remember:

 

[_Rick_]

If you are all worried about depreciation this is not your kind of car. If you don't do at least a couple track days this is not your kind of car. If you ever wonder how much longer it will take your local DOT to fix the roads this is not a good car for you. No garage means this is not your kind of car.

Rick you haven't said a single thing that makes me think this car is a good fit. Therefore you are crazy. Go for it. YOLO life is too short to drive crap.

I'm barely 6 feet tall! That makes it a perfect fit!
The no garage thing (and "dumping" that much dough on a toy) are currently the only things that really stop me. I might have to schedule a visit for the weekend - see what's what.
If the guy's nice, the car's nice, I might just buy it, and look for a garage later.... still a while until winter, right?

 

[Wuzup101]

They haven't really depreciated at all though. I remember seeing used 2005 models 5-6 years ago selling for $38-40k and they still go for that today. It's not like you buy one today and 5 years from now it will be worth $5-6k, they do hold their value pretty well if you can keep the mileage low and the car in good condition.

Yeah but that's because they no longer import the elise/exige into the US and haven't since the 2011 MY. According to the guys over at lotus talk, total elise/exige US sales was only about 6500 cars. Unless lotus starts importing them again, those cars will likely hold value well... very well. The OP isn't in the US, so our market doesn't reflect what is happening there. I would assume that the elise/exige would have bottomed at a much lower price than they did in the US had we not banned lotus from bringing us awesome cars.

 

[_Rick_]

From what I can see, that one is among the cheapest LHD cars on the market. RHDs and conversions can be had cheaper, as well as S1s, while you can get 0-milers from 41k€ to 55k, depending on spec.

I'm expecting the small market to have a major impact on residuals, there's probably more Elises per capita in the US than in Germany, and quite a few of those are less-desirable RHD versions, which are even harder to live with.

In the end, posted prices and paid prices probably also go a bit apart. Still, depreciation is probably similar to 911 levels. 40% residual after 13 years is quite astonishing.

 

[QueBert]

:thumbsdown: I wouldn't buy either of those two cars quite frankly over an S2000.

personal preference I guess, I enjoyed driving the s2000, much like the F-RS. But in the end both were way too slow for me. I got a Redline and have put about $700 into it and apparently if I was brave enough I could hit 175 if I tried. Also a low 4 0-60's pretty fun.

 

[jlee]

personal preference I guess, I enjoyed driving the s2000, much like the F-RS. But in the end both were way too slow for me. I got a Redline and have put about $700 into it and apparently if I was brave enough I could hit 175 if I tried. Also a low 4 0-60's pretty fun.

Having driven a BRZ and been passenger in an S2000, I'd have to agree. For some people it's about the feel of the car, handling prowess - but personally, I want a healthy dose of power too.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Why would you want it. You clearly wouldn't take it to the track where it actually shines. Because if you did go to the track, you'd probably have bought it by now because you would realize what a great track car it is.

Oh, you can modify the engine and greatly increase it's output.

 

[_Rick_]

I live smack-back between the Ring and the Alps. And maybe more interestingly, the Vosges are also just 2 hours away, with plenty of the squiggly-type roads, which the Black Forst sadly falls short on. Damn German public engineering, and building roads that are straight.

No, I haven't bought one so far, because my savings were insufficient, and I wouldn't own two cars. Now with the company car being available for DD duties, I can relegate "my" car to toy status.
As for mods, unless very subtle, those would probably ruin the depreciation formula, since every part you pay to add will probably deduct overall value to the next buyer down the line. And nobody keeps an Elise forever

As for "moar powarrr" - while that's fun on the Autobahn (and my next company car will probably get a big Diesel in a small car), I don't mind having less power, especially if it's delivered linearly. Nothing worse than boosty/spiky power delivery, when you're trying to explore the limits of grip, and the balance of the car.

It comes down to toy-car, or down-payment on a flat, but I'm unlikely to buy soon (life's still nomadic, and I'm renting a nice flat, excepting the lack of garage), and currently my salary situation looks good enough, that I can save up a similar amount in around 18 months - and the Elise probably can be turned back into money inside three months, unless it's winter.

You guys are really bad at dissuading me!