2002 Lotus Elise Type 25 1.8

Summary:

Superb super car, for beer money

Faults:

Air conditioning didn't work when delivered, due to loose wire which was eventually sorted without too much fuss some weeks later by the dealer.

General Comments:

This is my second Elise and its step on from the Series 1 Elise I owned for a year and a half before buying the Series 2 model. A Series 1 is a more raw experience, whereas the Series 2 is a better everyday super car.

I've gone for a limited edition heritage model (Type 25 - 50 made) which is effectively a Sports Tourer model with hardtop and viper stripes from the 1960s. Heritage models tend to be better buys, due to the additional equipment at discounted prices and the limited construction runs.

The hard top and soft tops on the post Feb 2002 Series 2 Elise is far more water tight and more hassle free when taking it off or putting them on.

Once you've driven the car there is no turning back. The Bilstein suspension was made especially for the Series 2 Elise, and it shows. Build quiality feel better and the car feels like a better planted car in terms of handling. Space wise it's tight and not much room for luggage, but then it isn't supposed to be a touring car.

This car is made for the track, don't avoid 2nd hand buys just because they have. Look for an enthusiastic owner on the Lotus BBS and if it's been regularly serviced and maintained then it's as good as any other.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st December, 2002

2002 Lotus Elise 1.8i Cabriolet

Summary:

A fantastic sports car at a fantastic price. Excellent value for money

Faults:

Nothing much, only the alarm started to play up on the day of delivery. I only had the car for a weekend, and it had to go in to get the Cobra 8185 alarm sorted. This took 3 days, but the dealer was good and gave me a new Elise 72 to keep me happy in the meantime.

General Comments:

The car drives superbly, still haven't run it in yet, but the drive in the 72 was fantastic. It holds the road like glue, around every corner, it's so much fun to drive. The 40 miles to work are a pleasure to drive now, rather than the chore it was in my previous car. I love the Neon blue dashboard lights. I can't fault the car at all, apart from it being difficult to get in with the roof on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2002

1st Nov 2002, 12:54

What was the decision to buy a Lotus Elise over a VX220? To my mind the VX220 is a better car with lower costs, more space and more versatile engine, but without the Lotus badge?

31st Dec 2002, 10:07

VX220 is I agree an Elise under the skin (well bar the engine) but at the end of the day did you grow up wanting a Lotus or a Vauxhall? Badge snobbery I know, but I'm being honest!

VX220's have poorer depreciation which needs to be factored in to the ownership equation (once again I can only think the badge is most of this loss). Buy a VX220 as a cheaper version of the Elsie, if you can't quite afford the Lotus. Either car is great for the money.