So excited! Soon to become an Elise owner!

dezzy · Post by **dezzy** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:22 pm

Hi folks,

Just finalised everything for my Elise 111R (Storm Titanium) today. It's the last one they had left in the Glasgow Murray Motor Co, so got a good deal. Phoning to arrange pick up tomorrow, so hope to have it by the weekend.

I can't wait! I'm like a little kid I'm so excited! I have been dreaming about owning an Elise for years and it's finally came true!

This is my first Elise, so I'd appreciate any driving hints/tips. Will definitely take it easy for the first few days until I get used to it. Was a dream to drive on the test drive. Salesman at MMC was a fantastic driver and showed me what the car could really do. It sold itself!

Cheers,
D

minkypotglory · Post by **minkypotglory** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:28 pm

Mags

Post by **simon** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:31 pm

Where about are you?
If you can, pop along to Knockhill when there's a trackday on and see how they go on track. There's one tomorrow night 6-8 and there's one on the 19th 9-1, both should have plenty Elises and Exiges.
Driving tips - as you say, take it easy to start with particularly if it's wet. Beware of damp 2nd gear corners/roundabouts as it's all too easy to end up facing the wrong way

When it's dry, you'll have to be going some to unstick it so just get out and enjoy

dezzy · Post by **dezzy** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:35 pm

Hey,

Cheers for the advice.

I'm just outside Glasgow, but spend most of my time in Glasgow. The car is definitely an everyday car for me (no way I could afford 2 cars!) so I'll be up and down the M8 and Clyde Tunnel in it on a daily basis once I pick it up.

I think I'd be a wee bit nervous using it on a track this soon, but may pop up to see what happens on these track days.

D

Post by **simon** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 10:58 pm

dezzy wrote:I think I'd be a wee bit nervous using it on a track this soon, but may pop up to see what happens on these track days.

D

Lots of people go round and round wasting petrol and ruining their tyres and brakes.
But it's fantastic fun

If you do pop along, just head to the pit lane and say hi to a few people. Most are happy to take passengers out if you want.

Post by ed » Wed Aug 02, 2006 11:19 pm

and congrats!

Zippy · Post by **Zippy** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 11:45 pm

Ok, here's the school teachery bit...
One thing to be aware of is lift-off oversteer. This can happen if you over-do it going into a corner and suddenly decide your going faster than you should and lift your foot from the throttle in mid-corner. This is perhaps the biggest schoolboy error to occur with new Elise drivers.

I did this as I was showing my big brother how cool my new car was and how good it was at cornering. Approximately 1 second and about 480 degrees later my beautiful shiny new car wasn't very cool, not very cool at all. I was lucky and dented only my pride as the road was clear at the time. Others have not been so lucky.

Schoolboy error #2 is doing the opposite and putting the boot in whilst in mid bend. Both actions cause the rear wheels to break traction and both can end with a costly spin.

Treat the car with respect, take your time, and don't imagine it'll make you a great driver and you'll be fine.

Best thing of all to do is invest in a driver training day with Andrew Walsh. You'll learn a lot about the car and a lot about yourself as well. On top of that you'll have a grin from ear to ear that will take days to wipe off. More here...
http://www.carlimits.com/

and here...
http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... highlight=

Keep an eye on here for meetings and events. Don't be shy about coming out with some of us as a passenger to get a feel for how we enjoy our cars.

All the best,
Z.

tenkfeet · Post by **tenkfeet** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 12:20 am

Enjoy it defo recommend a Walshy day . I thought I was an OK driver but turns out I knew nothing . It has more than paid for itself by saving me from going into the bushes.

My top tip is learn in your driveway how to get in and out without looking like a twat ,as struggling to get out at the petrol station is uncool

.

Dont get paranoid when everyone looks at you everywhere you go.

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 2:28 am

tenkfeet wrote: My top tip is learn in your driveway how to get in and out without looking like a twat ,as struggling to get out at the petrol station is uncool .

Dont get paranoid when everyone looks at you everywhere you go.

Top tips! There is no graceful way out you can just make it quick and not involve crawling...

My 2p:

Depending on your mechanical skills get to know your hand buit car, they are all build by Turnip farmers on a friday afternoon after a liquid lunch.....

Keep an eye on things like water, oil, brakes and shocks. They are all simple to maintain and can save you £££ and don't be afraid of getting stuck in mechanically (Unless your name is Ed

) it is a rover engine on a Ali chassis wrapped in plastic, nothing complex here!

Lots of technical types and enthusiastic mechs on here who can cope with just about anything mechanical.

Take care and enjoy!

Oh and get yourself to some of the events and meet some people (Like mine on the 18th!)

Rich

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:10 am

Definitely try and get along to Knockhill tonight mate

kowalski · Post by **kowalski** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:26 am

helloooooo

nice colour too...

Post by **simon** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:58 am

RICHARDHUMBLE wrote: it is a rover engine on a Ali chassis wrapped in plastic, nothing complex here!

Except when it's a 111R

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:05 am

Congrats dude!

I got one of the the first 111r's (march 04) and have loved it till the engine died, but it had put in a great innings till then.

I think the R is a much more forgiving car (of the S2's), as you need to be exceptionally unlucky or hit diesel, or hit second cam mid bend to have an off. The hardest part of the ownership is running it in and not using the second cam

Walshy days are a must for any owner (or if you fancy learning how to drive again and hooning about), and i'm sure you'll be on track once the "new car" fever dies a bit.

More than welcome to come out with me for a pax at KH though. Its the only time you actually get to see what they can do

But be warned track days are addictive.

Can't wait till my R is back on the road again

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:10 am

Hi mate,

Congrats on your purchase, I take it it was Gavin at MMC in Glasgow? He sold me my car last september - he really is a great driver! (I'd be interested to know if he used the same industrial estate roundabouts to show off your car to you!) Say Hi to him for me, lovely lad and very helpful.

Hints & tips? love it! don't be afraid of the things these guys are saying, the car isn't a widowmaker! Just treat it with a bit of respect and it'll be the most rewarding experience you've ever had; I still have a huge grin on my face when the sun's out and the roof is off

and lastly, welcome along

Brian J · Post by **Brian J** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 9:20 am

Welcome! Good to see more Glasgow owners - will convince MMC to keep Glasgow servicing

Will be in MMC tomorrow for brake pads - so may see your new toy.