Lotus Elise (2000 - 2022) 111S 2d (2002/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Here drives an individual, not a lemming.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Everyone adores its looks, performance and personality.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, particularly as Lotus added a few rudimentary driver aids so that I wouldn't feel so tentative about driving in the wet.

What are you likely to buy next?

Honda S2000 or Civic Type R.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£16,000

When did you buy the car?

May 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Got a good deal because it was a private sale.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted to buy a high performance car with reasonable mpg.

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

An intense, thrilling driving experience. I've never driven any car like this and I include exotica such as the 911, the NSX, S2000, Z4 and TT on my list.

What's it like to park?

No real difficulty.

Have you had any problems with the car?

No.

What's most practical about your car?

Very little, although the aluminium tray built in to the dashboard allows me to empty my pockets before I drive.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The leather trim and carpets with this model (the 111S) are well worth the premium, making the interior a little more sophisticated.