Lotus Elise 2d (1997/R) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
Fun to drive if you have another car. Anything to do with Lotus is overpriced, otherwise not too bad from other garages.
Costs
Lotus charge extortionate prices. Seek a reliable garage who do the job in half the costs.
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On the road
Driving
Brilliant to drive, corners on rails.
Performance
Brilliant off the mark and fantastic cornering. Shame about the engine not liking idling (as the handbook states).
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Living with it
Reliability
Excellent unless in a prolongued traffic jam - does not like idling - watch the temp gauge or it could prove expensive!
Image
Definitely a head turner. Hot hatches and other convertables (MXs/MR2s) are no comparison.
Comfort
Surprisingly comfortable on long journeys, not for the big drivers as it's an art to climbing in and out of all the time. Invest in a decent stereo if you want to listen over the engine.
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Security and Service
Security
No problems - no evidence of any attempts at all to break in / steal.
Service
Not impressed at all with Lotus - they know that you will have to use them for servicing to keep the value up and milk you for it!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Temperature problems, especially in prolongued traffic jams.
Other
Shocks - Lotus charges £480+VAT each. Local garages carry out all 4 for under £1k.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
No