Newbie questions - Elise S

[r055]

I went from having it in a garage to not having it in one. As Pete says, you notice the difference. My soft top has went a bit faded and deteriorated a bit (probably frost damage)
The drain channels get all clogged up around the boot.
It gets bird sh1t on it... My cat uses it as a springboard to go over the fence and the roof is a nice warn nest for the wee barsteward!

My car is never clean enough to use the cover and when it's all dusty it's a bit like sandpaper to your paintwork. And when I do use it, I always end up wanting to take it out for a drive! Then when I don't put it on, 10 inches of snow is on it the next morning! You can never win! Lol

[j2 lot]

[cla5h]

Thanks for the link and the info. I was looking at those covers, which do you have – Tempest, Sky Shell or Elite? Does it have a lock to stop it being quickly removed by someone who shouldn't be removing it?

Looking at their range, mine is Tempest (don't recall there being a choice when I bought it.)

The straps just click into place underneath - if someone came along in the dead of night they could make off with it if they really wanted it. However, even without the straps it's fairly secure as it's fitted to the shape of the car (elasticated edging) so it takes a few minutes to get it off, rather than a few seconds.

[Dominic]

I would advise about giving careful consideration to the removable steering wheel; reasonably straight forward to fit on a car without an airbag - may not be advised to try as a DIY job for a car with an airbag.... and would your really want to remove a safety feature from the car?

Lotuses do not attract much attention from the criminal fraternity; they are too specialised to be easily moved on without trace. IMHO. I would live with the standard security, and if I was really concerned would look at having a tracker fitted.

[Andy G]

Get defendall done if the paint is currently in good condition, as I've seen airfix models in my childhood days that had better paint jobs than Lotus manage.

Also, if you come on a run, your car will look properly shot blasted by the end of the day without it

ps

[campbell]

Welcome, Tommy. An exciting time for you, and you are in the right place for help and advice to make your Lotus ownership experience as entertaining and as pain-free (ish) as possible

If you have only a soft top for the car, I'd be tempted to invest in just a shower-cape for the car instead. The kind of thing that covers only the passenger cell. If you buy the right type, it can probably be fitted even when the soft top is in place and voila, you have something to keep the sun's rays, bird poo and general dust n grime off the soft top. The rest of the car will survive fairly well on the driveway although you might want to get it out any time after wet weather has cleared to give it a good workout and dry itself off naturally. I imagine some decent cleaning and polishing, of a preventive nature, might go down well. We have a couple of professional valeters here who are usually happy to share some advice.

Enjoy the car and hope to see you soon.

Campbell

PS - the weather is going to turn this weekend I'm afraid However if you keep above about 50mph the rain just goes right over your head!

[Tommy Twist]

Thanks again for the replies

I would advise about giving careful consideration to the removable steering wheel; reasonably straight forward to fit on a car without an airbag - may not be advised to try as a DIY job for a car with an airbag.... and would your really want to remove a safety feature from the car?

Good point, I'd forgotten about the airbag! OK, scrub that idea

On covers, I've decided that I'll buy a good quality item with a soft inner lining. I suppose I'll get a better idea once I have it (and the car!) of how often it's practical to fit the cover, but at the very least it'll be handy during the winter. I agree that car has to be absolutely clean and dry before the cover goes on, I guess that's common sense.

Campell - aye, I noticed that the weather forecast is looking pretty grim for the weekend. Actually won't have the car until next week, but the pessimist in me is telling me that I've probably just missed summer 2011 anyway... blimey, I'll bet the dealerships have seen a surge in convertible/roadster sales over the past few sunny weeks! Gladly I didn't buy the Elise on any such whim - fancied one for years, so this is bit of a dream come true really (hopefully!).

[Tommy Twist]

PS...

make your Lotus ownership experience ... as pain-free (ish) as possible

That "ish" sounds a bit ominous

[mwmackenzie]

Mark

[campbell]

PS...

make your Lotus ownership experience ... as pain-free (ish) as possible

That "ish" sounds a bit ominous

Wouldn't consider it as ominous, more like realistic

But you are probably well aware through your homework that an Elise is not a mass-produced, Total Quality Management product in the way that certain German marques might be. Where it sparkles however, is in the grin-factor, and the fact that with some care and preventive maintenance, problems don't have to be as Usually Serious as the mnemonic "Lots Of Trouble" might imply

[r055]

...and if all else fails... upgrade your AA membership to include AA parts and LAbour

[Tommy Twist]

PS...

make your Lotus ownership experience ... as pain-free (ish) as possible

That "ish" sounds a bit ominous

Wouldn't consider it as ominous, more like realistic.

But you are probably well aware through your homework that an Elise is not a mass-produced, Total Quality Management product in the way that certain German marques might be.

As long as it doesn't prove as costly to run as 'certain German marques', then I'll be reasonably happy...

with some care and preventive maintenance, problems don't have to be as Usually Serious as the mnemonic "Lots Of Trouble" might imply

OK, I'm all ears

[j2 lot]

As long as it doesn't prove as costly to run as 'certain German marques', then I'll be reasonably happy...

The benefit of Lotus ownership is that many of the parts are run of the mill and fairly cheap to buy ( the downside being they are not always easy to fit so costs can go up - clam removal etc) overall though they shouldn't be German marque prices to run though

[Tommy Twist]

Thanks for the link and the info. I was looking at those covers, which do you have – Tempest, Sky Shell or Elite? Does it have a lock to stop it being quickly removed by someone who shouldn't be removing it?

Looking at their range, mine is Tempest (don't recall there being a choice when I bought it.)

The straps just click into place underneath - if someone came along in the dead of night they could make off with it if they really wanted it. However, even without the straps it's fairly secure as it's fitted to the shape of the car (elasticated edging) so it takes a few minutes to get it off, rather than a few seconds.

Thanks again Scott, I ordered a Tempest today

[bertieduff]

Don't know that particular cover, but in my experience Lotus paintwork tends to be quite soft and prone to scuffing, especially if the car isn't clean, or in high winds, when covers tend to move a bit. If I have to use the cover I always put some soft bed-sheets underneath. Still beats the old boot-full of water when parked uphill without a cover, unless the 'S' has a better drain-hole than previously?

Anyway, it matters not a toss. I spent the first six months trying to be precious about paintwork. Result was every badger, tin can, high kerb, wind-blown burger sign, stone and honda civic reamed me porno-style. I stopped caring, learned the art of gaffa-tape, and it's been plain sailing ever since. It's god's way of telling you that the whole fun is in driving the thing. Get in there and enjoy the summer- bet you don't regret it!