1998 Lotus Elise review from UK and Ireland
"Buy one, you won't regret it."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Steering rack was worn, it passed an mot, but only cost 150 pounds to get reconditioned and refitted.
Shock absorbers made a knocking noise, I replaced all four for about £500 with S2 Elise suspension.
Lots of squeaks and rattles, I go round lubricating and sticking down as required about once a month.
Mild steel exhaust rotted, Stainless replacement cost about £400 for the best ones.
General comments?
The Lotus is fantastic, every drive makes me feel good.
The Elise is more practical than most give it credit for, I can actually fit a guitar in the boot! (a martin backpacker, so its smaller than a normal one) I can fit a full size acoustic in it's case in the passenger seat, a whole weeks shopping for two in the boot and my sunglasses in one of the cubbyholes.
The car is the most comfortable to sit in because there is only one adjustment, back and forth. this means you sit in the best position, decided for you by Lotus people and you don't spend ages trying to get the optimum seating position with up/down left/right tilt up/back etc. etc.
Handling is great.
Looks are crowd pulling.
40 mpg is a realistic combined fuel consumption figure.
The roof doesn't leak if you treat it with waterproofing.
Search for New and Used Lotus Elises available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended Reviews:
  | Expensive love affair |
| 1997 - Elise S1 1.8i 1.8 16v petrol Massive fun for a lower TCO than a nearly new Mondeo |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 24000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 37000 miles |
| Previous car | Audi 100 |
| Date of Entry | 4th June, 2004 |