Lotus Elise (1996-)

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Great piece of machinery for the price.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Parts are not cheap, but servicing can be reasonable at non franchise specialist.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Permanent grin says it all.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Runs out of puff at 100mph, quick up to that. Nimble on track use too. Brakes are strong.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Only fix so far is to change dampers.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Still turns heads.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    This is not high on priority list for Lotus drivers. Buy another car for that.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Still got it after three years!

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have always managed to get parts, and you can ask engineers at factory technical questions for fixes.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    EMS refuses to accept any performance upgrades.

    Other

    Needed new dampers. Leaks when wet, but easily forgiven.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes