Personal Comparisons to Elise

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Aki

Need to factor the cost of parts--the headlights for example are a couple thousand dollars. Maintenance is expensive, even for routine stuff (because of the packaging you need to take the back end off).

So even with the same purchase price, the Elise is much more expensive.

The FR-S isn't anything like the Elise, for better and for worse. Can't compare the steering feel of the non-power steering Elise and the FR-S (I think the FR-S is a bit numb). The engine isn't that quick in the Elise at 170hp, but it feels quick because of the lightness and how low you are in the ground. The FR-S has a deadspot in power in the midrange.

The Elise though is intolerable for long rides. Not daily driveable like the FR-S.

i feel about 25% of elise owners say the car is more expensive to maintain than any other car. otherwise they say that its actually pretty good. also engines cant be quick unless youre talking about revs, in which case, it is quicker than the frs motor

[spitz]

I currently own a 2006 Exige, and I will be letting it go soon once I pick up my BRZ.

The Exige is amazing on the track and in the mountains. However, owning a 240Z ITS Race Car, my track car void is filled. I really need a car that I don't destroy my back, and like you mentioned, save my jeans.

Haven't spent enough time in the BRZ to give you feedback, but just wanted to let you know you aren't the only one! It kills me to let her go!

[Turbowned]

I test drove a 2005 Elise with 30k miles, probably about 20-25mins by myself down some moderately-windy back roads. Being 6' 2" I decided right away that it would be a major pain to use daily. I couldn't see stoplights because of the height of the windshield, and getting in and out would be an even bigger chore than my MR2 with a fixed bucket seat. I wasn't really much more impressed with the power vs. my 165bhp, 2,250lb MR2, and it felt no more solid (i.e. same amount of creaks/squeaks/rattles as my 26-yr-old Toyota).

While I would love an Elise for a weekend track car, I would never drive that car on the street willingly. The FR-S/BRZ (which I have also test-driven and sadly do not own yet) gives you so much more liveability for that 750lb weight penalty!

[BobsElise]

Originally Posted by fatoni

i feel about 25% of elise owners say the car is more expensive to maintain than any other car. otherwise they say that its actually pretty good. also engines cant be quick unless youre talking about revs, in which case, it is quicker than the frs motor

I have owned my Elise for over 6 years now and have actually found it to be very reliable and affordable to maintain. I do all of my own maintenance, so that makes a difference. The only thing I would say has cost me a lot is tires. Rear tires typically don't make it more than 8-10k miles on this car. Of course you'll probably run into that with just about any performance car.

[DespaiRepair]

The FRS is effectively the "practical" elise....you get a similar feel in both cars, the elise is way sharper, but the FRS has the same spirit and won't kill you to drive everyday...if you're pure driving, elise wins hands down, but, for me, actually having places to put things and not having to worry about tightening everything around the car before setting out on the highway wins. If I could afford 2 cars, I'd certainly trade to an elise or exige, but as a 1 DD, the FRS is a great alternative.

[WolfpackS2k]

A more practical Elise is the Honda S2000

But for a new cars yes I agree.

[Dave-ROR]

Bob: Same Bob that bought and sold Jon's 98 ITR?

[BobsElise]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

Bob: Same Bob that bought and sold Jon's 98 ITR?

Yes, same one. Small world!

[Dave-ROR]

Originally Posted by BobsElise

Yes, same one. Small world!

Cool. It was good meeting you (and IIRC your wife) in Charlotte a few years ago. Sad to see you selling the Elise, but good choice on the BRZ/FRS

[ft86Fan]

I had a 2005 Elise then traded in for my current 2007 Exige S. I also bought a FR-S three months ago. I love the FR-S but will not get rid of my Exige. It is a very special car. I'm sure these cars will go up in value also in the near future.

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by ft86Fan

I love the FR-S but will not get rid of my Exige. It is a very special car. I'm sure these cars will go up in value also in the near future.

Lotus was talking about using some turbo 2 liter for the next Elise...yea, I'll take the 2ZZ anyday.

[BobsElise]

I was actually pretty excited about the next generation Elise concept (~300 HP, ~2400 lbs, mid engine, slightly more liveable than the original). However, I am not sure we'll ever see it due to Lotus' current financial situation.

I agree the Elise is a pretty special car. I had a chance to drive a BRZ back to back with my Elise the other day and while the BRZ is a very nice car that does a lot of things well, I'm not sure that I am ready to get rid of the Elise for it. I guess the ideal solution would be for me to replace my Civic daily driver with the BRZ. I was planning to replace the Civic, but I didn't really want another two door car.

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by ft86Fan

I had a 2005 Elise then traded in for my current 2007 Exige S.

That's exactly what I did!

Originally Posted by BobsElise

.... I had a chance to drive a BRZ back to back with my Elise the other day and while the BRZ is a very nice car that does a lot of things well, I'm not sure that I am ready to get rid of the Elise for it. I guess the ideal solution would be for me to replace my Civic daily driver with the BRZ. I was planning to replace the Civic, but I didn't really want another two door car.

For those that "get" the Elise/Exige, there's not much that can replace them as the perfect mix of masochistic visceral excitement and technical minimalism. After driving an FR-S, I have a new found appreciation for the 86 platform, however I love my current garage situation and the FR-S is on my short wish list of "if I were in a different situation".

I feel you've stumbled on the perfect solution but are reluctant to accept it. The BRZ would be an excellent replacement/upgrade from your Civic. It'll make a great daily driver while being fun, lithe, reasonably efficient, and involving without being tiring. Why does door count matter; are you hauling people/kids around?

BRZ + Elise in the garage = Awesomeness.

[BioRage]

Saw a girl drive this on the highway today..



oh em gee, I thought it was a Ferrari at first, lol, but it was mad sexy, and dirty.