New Owner in Mass

proettjer · #1 (**permalink**) 12-28-2006, 12:35 PM

Hi everyone,

I am new to this list and a new Elise owner. I purchased a 2005 with 7K miles two weeks ago. It has both the touring and sport options in addition to the hard top. I live in Massachusetts, and fortunately winter has not really started yet since the roads are still dry and snow free. I have been able to drive it everyday. I purchased the car in Virginia and drove it home. I have had many sports cars over the years, but this thing is the most fun to drive of them all. I also have a 1953 Lotus 6 with a Ford Consul engine that I use strictly for vintage racing. The 6 gets a bit over 100 HP, which weighs a little over 1K pounds, so the HP to weight ratio is similar between the two Lotus cars. It is incredible how similar they feel to drive. Of course, the Elise is much more comfortable and roomy inside (thought you would never hear someone say that about an Elise). It also holds the corners much better with those Yokohama A048 tires versus the skinny 500L15 Dunlop race tires on the 6. I love both cars, and am happy that Lotus is back on track to their roots with the Elise.

I do have a question about the radio. It is not covered in the owner's manual, and I am trying to figure out how to get the display to stop cycling through colors and constantly changing the display. I find it distracting at night. I have played with the set-up, but I can't seem to find a way to stop this. I would like it to continously show the channel and time.

I am also starting to look for new tires for the rear. The rear tires are just at the point where they will need to be replaced. The car now has a bit over 8K miles. I believe I will buy two new A048 tires, but I could buy four new tires for the same or lower cost if I went with less aggessive tires. I will probably do a couple of track days with the Elise next summer, but I do not plan to race it. Will I notice that much difference is handling performance if I replace the tires with something other than the A048s.

Thanks,
Phil in MA

Flap_Dragon · #2 (**permalink**) 12-28-2006, 07:55 PM

Hey Phil,

I just bought an 05 with 10K in Ardent red. I know how you feel!

I have never owned a Lotus, but what attracted me to the Elise is that it reminded me so much of a 70s Dino. In more ways than one....

I plan to change the radio too. Sometimes even factory made cds get stuck and don't play on my deck. I want something with mp3 plug, maybe a display. Any tips on changing out the stereo would be appreciated from fellow forum members.

I want to do a few track days next year too. I'd like to learn how to race it. But I'm still new; right now I'm learning how to play the quick redline and not get it past 8500rpm while keeping-up with bigger cars.

Cheers,
Anthony

proettjer · #3 (**permalink**) 12-29-2006, 02:21 PM

Hi Anthony,

Yes, my Lotus is also red with tan interior. I am very happy with the color. I just put another 100 miles on it last night. I drove to a gathering in Melrose, which is about 50 miles from my house. I am not totally comfortable driving it on crowded highways in the dark. Especially with all the idiots driving around Boston. This car seem to bring out the testoterone in the 20 something drivers tooling around in their suped up Hondas. I have had a couple try to race me already. I just let them go, I don't need to compete with idiots on public highways.

My radio does have MP3 capability, so I am actually happy with it if I can just figure out how to get the display I want.

Happy New Year,
Phil

Flap_Dragon · #4 (**permalink**) 12-29-2006, 08:27 PM

Phil,

I needed to adjust the two rearview mirrors almost beyond looking at the fender. This almost fixes the blind spots for me. But I know what you mean about irresponsible drivers. Everybody just assumes that because you are driving a race car you are looking for a race.

But you gotta love the gas station sessions! Most everytime parked -- people can't help but come up to me and hover around the car. I never thought of this much attention, I just wanted a mid-engined RED exotic car that reminded me of a Ferrari that I could afford!

So you have an mp3 plug... to plug into a portable? My deck is mp3 file compatable only. I know what you mean about the graphics. I don't think you can change it or turn it off. I love the car, but hate the radio. -- Gone once I make it to a Circuit City. Maybe it is better to listen to the sweet sounding exhast anyway?

dirty_swede · #5 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 11:24 AM

i once asked the owner of a Ferrari Testarosa about the lack of radio in his auto... he repelled with "i have a 12 cylinder orchestra, "

Flap_Dragon · #6 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 05:18 PM

Hi Dirty,

Yeah... so I guess I gotta sweet 4 cyl. orchestra that plays Elise? Still -- even the 'cleanest' sounding exhast needs back-up sometimes. And I prefer a British rock n' roll "Oasis" tune to get my feet stomping and my hands clapping.

Cheers, Anthony

sl8anic · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2007, 02:03 PM

Hey Phil,
Whereabouts in MA are 'ya? I just got myself an 05 Elise as well, I'm right near Cambridge

Have fun!

AD

Quote:

Originally Posted by proettjer

Hi everyone,

I am new to this list and a new Elise owner. I purchased a 2005 with 7K miles two weeks ago. It has both the touring and sport options in addition to the hard top. I live in Massachusetts, and fortunately winter has not really started yet since the roads are still dry and snow free. I have been able to drive it everyday. I purchased the car in Virginia and drove it home. I have had many sports cars over the years, but this thing is the most fun to drive of them all. I also have a 1953 Lotus 6 with a Ford Consul engine that I use strictly for vintage racing. The 6 gets a bit over 100 HP, which weighs a little over 1K pounds, so the HP to weight ratio is similar between the two Lotus cars. It is incredible how similar they feel to drive. Of course, the Elise is much more comfortable and roomy inside (thought you would never hear someone say that about an Elise). It also holds the corners much better with those Yokohama A048 tires versus the skinny 500L15 Dunlop race tires on the 6. I love both cars, and am happy that Lotus is back on track to their roots with the Elise.

I do have a question about the radio. It is not covered in the owner's manual, and I am trying to figure out how to get the display to stop cycling through colors and constantly changing the display. I find it distracting at night. I have played with the set-up, but I can't seem to find a way to stop this. I would like it to continously show the channel and time.

I am also starting to look for new tires for the rear. The rear tires are just at the point where they will need to be replaced. The car now has a bit over 8K miles. I believe I will buy two new A048 tires, but I could buy four new tires for the same or lower cost if I went with less aggessive tires. I will probably do a couple of track days with the Elise next summer, but I do not plan to race it. Will I notice that much difference is handling performance if I replace the tires with something other than the A048s.

Thanks,
Phil in MA

LastnightNParis · #8 (**permalink**) 01-20-2007, 08:41 PM

I am from the Lynn- Swampscott area. I had had the assortment of Ferrari's and Porsche etc. I moved down to North Carolina in the mid 90s. At age 58, I figure I need on last sports car. I have been looking hard at the Elise until I
read about the Exige. Problem is the dealers dont know or tell me. I have no idea that the difference is except for the turbo. You guys make me laugh with the stuff about the radios and MP3 and air. When I buy a Lotus all of that stuff will be boxed and sold at a yard sale when I am dead. Does naybody know of any book or literature I can buy about the Lotus. You guys would have blast drving down here. The big thing is dont drink and drive.

Flap_Dragon · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2007, 10:12 PM

Paris,

The Elise is a 'limited' classic mid-engined road car, similar to a junior Ferrari Dino. The Exige is the 'unlimited' prototype of how far you can take it.

I prefer the Elise 'cause it better suits my need as an entry level exotic; and my idea of driving to the grocery store or work involves a sound exhaust as well as great tunes! I guess people who buy the Exige are looking for a true race car, without MPanything. Something best suited for the track then the super-hwy highway.