Lotus Elise (1996-)

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  • Economy

    Value

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Market now seems flooded and no one is buying. In retrospect, too expensive when new.

    Costs

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Insurance, tyres, parts and labour all horendous and not helped by how often it breaks down.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Great.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Quick, but lacks sound.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Lots of trouble... you know the rest.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Seating position very good, but gets too hot in the Summer and too wet with leaks in the Winter.

  • Security and Service

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Recently hit with £3k repair bills for failed VVC unit at only 21k miles and Lotus just weren't interested. Trouble since literally day three.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Failed coil unit, three recalls, failed VVC unit, coolant leads dropped out.

    Other

    Failed radiator, window fell out, leaking roof, flat battery and numerous chipped windscreens.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No