Lotus Elise (2001-2004) Review

Running Costs

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Look at the cost of running an Elise and it all becomes rather tempting. Fuel consumption is paltry, due to its light weight, while servicing costs are reasonable too with 9000 mile intervals. Rather surprisingly the Elise makes great sense as a company car, provided it's a 'perk' car rather then a necessity, it slotting into the lowest tax category. High insurance groupings may prove costly - especially if you insist on leaving it parked outside rather than garaging it - though add security kit like a Tracker system and you'll reduce your premiums. It's light on consumables like tyres and brake pads, unless you drive it hard on tracks, the Elise is a favourite among the track-day fraternity. There are a few about such is their popularity, the mark 1 version now a fair bit cheaper since the introduction of the second-generation car. Best to buy from a specialist, look out for hard-driven cars and track-day specials which have spent time in the gravel traps. A full service history is essential - the belts need changing at 27,000miles. Mileage tends to be low, as many are kept as weekend toys. Check the suspension for wear and alignment, unusual wear on the tyres means it'll need looking at. It sounds obvious but take along a specialist - they'll know the areas where to look - there are enough used Elise around to let you be picky. A good used buy, that'll hold its value too, while providing endless entertainment whether it's used as a daily driver or as an away-days and holiday special. Never has so little added up to so much. Certainly there's a lot of serious competition in the Lotus' price range, the 111S model knocking on the door of the Porsche Boxster's list price. However, none can offer the kind of intimate driving experience of the Elise. What's more depreciation is virtually non-existent, fuel economy superb and running costs surprisingly low. Start adding extras like leather seats, air conditioning and the like and the costs go up but if you're after a car that can embarrass everything out there for driver pleasure the lightweight Elise looks like a serious bargain.