1999 Lotus Elise 1.8

Summary:

It always brings a smile to my face

Faults:

The winder for the driver's window did not operate when the car was delivered, but the dealer fixed it the following day.

After about 2,000 miles the throttle cable began to stick at 2,000 rpm. This whole carburettor unit was replaced under warranty, but the problem recurred after 10,000 miles. The new dealer fixed it by slightly altering the angle of the carburettor housing and covering the spring in grease.

The cable that opens the boot sticks occasionally and needs a touch of WD40.

General Comments:

I would recommend this car to anyone. I use it every day and commute to and from work.

No matter what sort of day I have had at work, by the time I get home I feel great.

On country lanes it is the best handling car I have ever driven. Even in the city it is a joy to drive.

It has a spartan interior, but is surprisingly comfortable, even on long journeys.

It only has enough luggage space for an overnight bag; but what more do you need? Well you need another car, for the wife, the children, the pets, and the in-laws.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2002

1999 Lotus Elise 1.8

Summary:

Best fun you will have this side of a Ferrari

Faults:

Speedometer works intermittently.

Rear window seal has loosened.

General Comments:

This car certainly sacrifices comfort for performance, but the sacrifices are well rewarded.

The cabin is minimalist but practical.

The seating is not the most comfortable around, but I have been in worse!

The Elise is not about comfort though, it is about performance and driving pleasure and, as a driving enthusiast, I have to say that I have driven nothing else that even comes close.

The driving position is perfection, although anyone over six foot would probably disagree, as is the power delivery and handling which is, after all, what this car is all about.

Yes it does leak when raining, yes it is hard work to get in and out of, but all that is forgotten once you get onto that back lane and remember why you bought this car.

I use my Elise every day and can never see myself getting tired of it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2001

1999 Lotus Elise Standard 1.8

Summary:

Best Car ever built at that price

Faults:

Gearbox cable snapped so lost reverse at about 7000 miles.

Brake lights stuck on at about 12000 miles.

Throttle cable has started sticking twice.

General Comments:

The handling of the car is awesome, plus more went wrong on my corsa in 10,000 miles than in 37,000 in the Elise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2001

1999 Lotus Elise Standard 1.8 petrol

Summary:

Fun with a capital F

Faults:

The catch holding in one of the roof bars has become loose, this now requires careful adjustment before trusting it hold on the soft top!

Intermittent fault with dashboard electrics which causes warning lights to periodically light up.

Repeated flat batteries, do not leave this car standing for more than a few weeks without fitting some form of battery charger!

Other than these minor niggles nothing major has interrupted the pleasure of owning the car.

General Comments:

Perhaps not the fastest sports car on the road, although it will still leave most trailing in its wake. It is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go and to place a large inane grin on your face, this car is seriously fun to drive.

One note of caution.

I tried to use this car as my main means of transport, that lasted 2 months. It's cramped, uncomfortable for long journeys, difficult to get in and out of with any dignity and totally impractical.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st September, 2000

1999 Lotus Elise Super 160 1.8 VVC 160bhp

Summary:

OK as a weekend toy, no good as a main car

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

An excellent car in terms of performance and handling. However, don't make the same mistake as I have - don't expect to use it as a main car. It's difficult to get in and out of, it's noisy (don't expect to hear the stereo!) and the insurance group is crazy for a car which has a Thatcham approved cat 1 alarm/immobiliser. Not much room for luggage either. To sum up it looks great but the view from the inside is very different.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th July, 2000

12th Jun 2001, 17:08

Isn't the noise the fun part of it?

18th Aug 2001, 05:32

A throbbing V8 engine tone is one thing, noise is quite another. Noise is not good.

9th Sep 2001, 22:59

Yes it's noisy, yes it's impractical, IT'S MEANT TO BE A CHEAP FAST GOODLOOKING CAR! Sorry, but if you want comfort you have bought the wrong car!

18th Dec 2002, 06:23

Yes, he said that...

6th Sep 2007, 13:58

"its difficult to get in and out of." No it's NOT, unless you are very large.