1999 Lotus Elise S1 111S review from UK and Ireland

Nothing serious, you just have to keep on top of the niggling problems such as:

Leaking radiator pipe

door windows are very stiff to operate

new rear types after 10k miles.

Sticking throttle.

All the problems I've experienced are well documented on Elise websites and were easily fixed. Servicing is easy as all the major components are from mainstream car makers. For me, a key requirement of a car is that it must not leave me stranded at the side of the road and I feel confident that it won't do that.

The performance and handling of the car are amazing. If you REALLY love driving you should buy one. Even a trip to the supermarket makes you feel like an F1 driver! I have friends who have changed from Porsche/Ferrari to the Elise because the driving experience is so much more involving. The only thing lacking is the engine noise which is rather ordinary at low revs.

Other points:

It is very easy to drive - the clutch is light and below 3k revs performance is normal - it's only when you push it that things get exciting.

The car sits very low on the ground - it may be difficult to get in and out.

The ride is quite firm and it gets noisy on the motorway - if you drive on the pinkish concrete motorways a lot it could get very uncomfortable.

There is not much space in the cabin for luggage.