Lotus Exige Daily Driver - agentsapplication7’s blog

Reliability: Long-term daily driver survey for Elises and Exiges

The Lotus, starting at 47,195 Keeping the weight below a ton means a sacrifice in practicality if an Elise is your daily driver, Lotus Elise and Exige.

Driving a Lotus Exige spiritedly is wildly entertaining, but even the most fit drivers will admit that at the end of a long weekend of canyon carving all you want to.

2005 Elise, 5 months owned. Purchased 38k miles, now 48K miles.

Things that have broke:

Reverse lockout collar separated plastic part and Aluminum collar Epoxied/Fixed

Grit between voice coil of front speakers/scratchy. Inverted speakers, turned up volume, shook the grit out/fixed.

Exhaust rattle, replaced entire exhaust including headers.

Shifter cable broke, replaced.

Ignition key, when removed, stereo stayed on. Graphite lube and a couple days fixed it.

Driver s side window seized half way up. Disassembled and adjusted, better, not perfect.

Left turn signal popped out, breaking locking tab. Still working on a real fix.

Some of the upgrades in my signature were performed pro-actively to increase realiability.

She isn t the most reliable car I have owned, but each time I driver her, she reminds me she is worth it all Like a beautiful ultra high-maintenance girlfriend.

Storm titanium 2005 Elise with carbon fiber spoiler, BWR sway bar, BOE toe links, gPan2, LidBone, sector 111 wheel studs, Grey RAC Monolite wheels with toyo R1R, Team Dynamics 1.4 with Hoosier A6/R6s, Katana2 Supercharger, ECU with 265 flash. PPE headers w/decat, CEL angle eliminator, Silent touch catback, Rear Panel Eliminator, HKS intake, V2 fuel tank, Walbro255 fuel pump. HID lights.

post 21 of 67 permalink

Old

04-11-2012, AM

Registered User

Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: Main Line PA

Posts: 1,200

In 3.5 years and 40k, I had an oil cooler line failure which required replacement of the motor, a radiator failure, and another oil cooler line failure. Otherwise, nothing major. A couple CELs, an intermittent tail light issue, the AC relay causing the car to cut out, two gauge cluster replacements, maybe some other things I forgot.

With the exige S, I just got another CEL that has to have something to do with the idle.

2006 Autumn Gold Elise Lily RIP-rebirth by newowner

2007 Exige S Phantom Black Type 72D Trim Goldilocks-sold

evilfij is offline

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post 22 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Apr 2007

Posts: 229

I have had my Lotus Elise for 5 years and 39,000 miles. The only major problem was the radiator. In retrospect, I wished I had replaced the radiator with a Section 111 metal radiator than an OEM plastic radiator. Other than that, no major problems.

Patrick is offline

post 23 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: Seattle

Posts: 1,938

That s a real bummer, but I guess I d be looking around too if I had that many problems with the car. Good luck.

2007 Arctic Silver Lotus Exige S - Rev300TVS, 2bular headers and exhaust, TR F1 wheels, C.A.R.S. full system, Chimera C.B.S., 6000K HID lights, LED interior/exterior lights, tow hooks, S111 pedals, ULTRA Discs, AFX wideband O2

2005 Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa

2012 Ford Focus SE

ChronosWS is offline

post 24 of 67 permalink

04-11-2012, PM

Join Date: Jul 2008

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Posts: 580

Quote:

Originally Posted by squidward

View Post

I drove Civics throughout my college years, and yes they were bullet proof, reliable little commuters. But my requirements having a spoiled foot, is something fun to drive. Subcompacts are not in the running. Some handle well but none have the passing power I need Plus I need RWD. I also need a 7-speaker system. Well maybe not need but I can afford something more exciting. I really want the most exciting car you could get for under 40k.

I find my G35 and my fiance s BMW 335i supremely fun to drive; stick, RWD, and both are very reliable cars, quiet as a mouse when driven sedately, but can do smokey burnouts and drifts when needed. You can buy a RWD, manual transmission version of either for well under 30k if you buy used. We just bought the 335i, a 2009 with 20k miles for under that. These are much better daily drivers than any Lotus, IMO.

Last edited by marcinr; 04-11-2012 at PM.

marcinr is offline

post 25 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Feb 2012

Location: Austin

Posts: 173

I love my elise. Great fun car that gets heads turning.BUT I wouldn t DD mine. Sometimes minor things go wrong where parts may need to be ordered, so having a second car is nice. I know some people on here DD theirs. I just know I couldn t do it.

S2000 is a fun convertible that you could DD, but still not large enough or comfortable enough for some to DD. Styling is good but not elise good

rcuser is offline

post 26 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Glendale, CA.

Posts: 1,119

Sup Scott..

You ve seen mine.. Drive daily.. had it 2 yrs now. 05 CO Elise w/ 34,000. Only issue was the plastic side of the radiator cracked and the rad needed to be replaced other than that it s been awesome and I love it more and more each day.

You keeping your RX-8 and why not drive the Evora daily.

As for maintenance, I m sure you ve been to A1 Automotive in San Gabriel right. Harry s the best shop in town imo.. He s always fast and gives his undivided attention when I arrive.

05 Lotus Elise Chrome Orange, Touring, QuickSilver Exhaust, Dual Oil Coolers, Aluminium Triple Pass RACE Radiator, Exige ProBax Seats

01 GMC Yukon SLE, Onyx Black, 4.8L V8

82 Mercedes-Benz 380SL R107, Red, 3.8L V8

Mike4USC99 is offline

post 27 of 67 permalink

Thread Starter

Location.

Posts: 5,665

Mike, I just explained the whole thing in my post above as to why I m no longer driving my Evora daily.

It s not so much the severity of the issues--sure every new model has it s share of issues. it s the quantity of them. It s excruciating slow to supply parts. It s being strung along for weeks on end just to get a damn ventilation hose to be replaced.

No reasonably reliable daily driver should be in and out of the shop so frequently.

and mind you, I m not taking my car in for each little thing.. Even with queuing them up, I ve still had my car in the shop more times in the past year than all of my previous cars combined over their lifespans.

It s just very, very annoying to have the car constantly in a state of repair.

---Take a look at my garage for a more complete picture of my service history and decide for yourself if my car is fit to be a DD.

Now for the Elise and Exige, I already have a good sense that it s really not a DD car, even though you can if you put up with the failures. It s no more reliable than my Evora, IMO. I need rock-solid hassle-free reliability.

squidward is offline

post 28 of 67 permalink

Join Date: May 2006

Location: Bay Area, CA

Posts: 3,291

if you want a good DD, get a Mustang. Seriously.

RWD, check.

Passing power, Check.

Decent stereo, check

Fun to drive, check

Reliability, Check say what you will about american cars, Mustangs have consistently been rated high on the reliability charts in consumer reports due to their simple rugged design and sharing of power train components with taxi s, police cars and trucks

the V6 gets 300 hp and 30 mpg.. and the V8 is one of the highest /horespower bargains out there with track performance that match the M3

edit.. wow just read though the history in your garage.. can it qualify for the Lemon Law.

in 120k miles in my Cobra. the only time I had to go to the deal to fix something was a failed fuel pump at 105k miles.

Phantom Black 2007 Exige Kold Fire, Tesla double din dash.

Black 01 Mustang Cobra Vert some modifications daily driver

Last edited by IamBatman; 04-11-2012 at PM.

IamBatman is offline

post 29 of 67 permalink

Originally Posted by IamBatman

if you want a good DD, get a Mustang. Seriously.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will consider it.

As for your LL question, technically, no, although it s getting close. You qualify if they take 3 or more attempts at fixing verified issues you reported. But had I gone mad-dog about this whole thing, LL requirements wouldn t have stopped me from hiring a lawyer and pursuing it anyway. My approach has always been to try to get the best out of every situation, and so far I ve been very forgiving to Lotus for issues I ve had to deal with, understanding it is a first year model technically 2nd year. As long as Lotus remains professional and works with me to get my issues resolved, I don t planned on going mad-dog at any time soon.

You have to admit, I ve been nothing but forgiving, having read my service record. There are probably plenty of owners who aren t as patient that would have done the latter. I know at least one owner on here who has threatened to sue in turn they gave him a new car, and another who simply dumped his car for a different, more reliable one.

post 30 of 67 permalink

Originally Posted by keatre

Completely understand. I just don t think a double Lotus garage with a worry on reliability is the greatest idea. Perhaps an older M series or something along those lines - but that s up to you. Let us know what you decide.

Welp in the past several days I ve explored my options I was not keen on any particular make, model or type of car. Just wanted something worthy to buy that is rock solid in reliability and has overwhelming redeeming qualities for it s asking price.

I ve test driven, all MY2012:

Ford F-150 XLT

KIA Optima 2.0 Turbo SX

Lexus CT200h

Honda Accord

Mazda MX-5 GT

as you can see I clearly have no idea what looking for.

But so far the Miata has my attention. There are probably a few things I can do to make it a bit less sissy looking.

Next up:

Mustang

post 31 of 67 permalink

08 Elise SC

Join Date: Sep 2010

Location: South Jersey

Posts: 123

How about a Subaru BRZ or Scion FR-S. Not big on power, but very fun to drive.

WERM is offline

post 32 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Feb 2011

Location: Ocean City NJ USA

Posts: 72

DD.

Its all about your perspective, is it not. Coming from my Ducatis as DDs, the Elise is warmer and dryer. 06 with 42k, 20k in the last 1.5 yrs with me. BOE hitch pulls Hobie 16s to the beach, most comfortable to drive car I have ever owned. PIA getting out of. A rapidly appreciating classic. Don

bergspyder is offline

post 33 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Knoxville Tennessee

Posts: 1,023

Sir,

I don t think DD. Sure if you wanted, but that takes a bite out of the fun of being in the mood to drive the elige. After 3 consecutive days I am tired of whipcream and cherry pie and aching everything.

I have a great E36 Coupe, but it s being sold. I bought a hooptie 1995 Lincoln Towncar as DD. Big Money Ride comfort during the week. Raise all kinds of hell on the weekends with the Lotus.

Not even considering a DD scenario with the Lotus decreases my psychological dissonance I might have with planning on modifying whatever vestiges of streetability left out of my Lotus.

Plus I can t keep up my side of the coolness bargain 24/365 like the car does. It s like some bi-polar clark Kent Superman thing changing out between these machines.

Sold my Yamaha R1 2 weeks ago.

L O T U S

Motard is offline

post 34 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Feb 2007

Location: Sherman Oaks

Posts: 1,300

Interesting situation.

Honestly tho, while many do in fact DD their Elise s, like others, I d probably recommend something other than another Lotus if you ve already got a fun-weekend car.

I ve heard good things about the Mustangs too, the V6 s def have some HP to play with and get good MPG. . which is something to consider in this day and age.

There s a whole gamut of cars to consider

I ve been pretty happy with my Mazda3 Skyactive, it gets great MPG, has Navigation, other bells and whistles. . seat warmers too., bluetooth

..and 4 doors and a tons of cargo space.

It s not as fun to drive compared to my other cars, but honestly, it IS more fun to drive while stuck in godamn traffic.. it has radar turn signals.

and much more practical to take to the market, home depot, etc..etc.

I find it compliments owning a Lotus.

imagine there s plenty similar as well

2005 Starlight Black Elise, -hardtop/touring/black interior/sector111 carpet buttons.

2008 Infiniti G37-S

2012 Mazda3i Grand Touring Hatchback w-SkyActiv

1974 MGB Roadster

1991 300ZX 2 2 - RIP girl, you treated me well.

Gizmo3000 is offline

post 35 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Santa Monica

Posts: 952

And a third owner who s has as many, if not more, problems as you, was patient with also a first model year car and worked with Lotus throughout the whole ordeal to fix her car to her satisfaction.

2006 Exige Lotusbee

2003 Mustang GT vert the DD

2009 Ninja 250R

sb67 is offline

post 36 of 67 permalink

Originally Posted by Gizmo3000

That s how I ended up with the Focus. Definitely the right tradeoff for me. I realized that if I tried to get something sporty, I d just end up spending more and always being disappointed I wasn t in the Lotus. Now when I sit in the Focus I know I m not gonna get the performance, so I am not left wistful

post 37 of 67 permalink

Originally Posted by sb67

In your case though, Mara, I think Lotus has been equally generous to be honest, knowing that you regularly track your car under timed events. Not to say I m not happy for you. It s always good to see situations panning out in the owner s favor. I would have expected them to deny the warranty coverage on that basis alone. It is just expectation that s how car companies are, right or wrong.

post 38 of 67 permalink

My problems with that car started within the first year of ownership, long before I ever saw a track. I don t think I ve ever publicly listed the numerous issues I ve brought the car in to have repaired. The only one you re all aware of is the camshaft issue. And regardless of my use of the car, it s unreasonable for the car to have chewed through three of them in the span of a year, with 2000 miles or less between each replacement.

But we weren t trying to point fingers at who s gotten one repaired and how. The point being made was of patience and willingness to fix problems, and trying to make the best of the situation. I was just trying to show some support from someone who s been in an equally frustrating situation, and whose problems were resolved amicably and to the customer s satisfaction.

post 39 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: Not Here

Posts: 9,772

You would be surprised how supportive Lotus is of having their cars tracked. This is not to say that anything and everything that happens on the track will be covered but they are well aware of, and appreciative of, the desire of Lotus owners to track their cars.

apk919 is offline

post 40 of 67 permalink

Originally Posted by apk919

I guess I ve been brainwashed then. The impression they give me has been way different in my own experience speaking with the technicians as well as the regional director himself.

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I know this ventures into the Is it a daily driver territory. One thing I always want to know it what s your life like.

For example, kids. Do you need space. What about parking at home and work - inside or outside. City or burbs parking garage/spots or parallel park. Airport trips. Bad neighborhood stuff. Any issues with business - for example, some people can t drive a flashy exotic to a client site for perception issues. Weather - heat/AC and obviously rain handling, non existent defroster, etc and snow.

Since you re in LA, I m assuming some of those don t apply.

As a result, I can t daily my car.

- I m in sales. I call on higher levels of companies - Directors, VP, EVP, CxO, so a car like this usually strikes conversation. However, wearing slacks, nice button up shirt and sport coat in these cars means I ll show up wrinkled and nasty. Especially on home summer days when I sweat my arse off.

- Travel - I travel a lot. Not keen on leaving this car at Ohare for 4 days on end. Also, I do road trips and sometimes don t want to leave the car sitting outside in a hotel parking lot that I might not know - let alone driving through funky neighborhoods.

- Noise - I m on con calls a lot. Loud conversations aren t good.

- Weather - Chicago winters. Nuff said.

- Family - I have 3 kids. Nuff said.

In addition, over the last 10 years, I ve always had luxury cars 5 series, X5, etc, so I like

creature comforts proper AC, heated seats, nav, bluetooth, etc.

However, I made a big departure. I ve only recently become a CAR GUY - so FUN is now top importance for me. I was very seriously considering the Audi A7 to replace my X5. Went a completely difference direction - bought a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4 door. It s got the bigger Pentastar engine and every option. With the hardtop on, it s basically a 4 door SUV. In the summer, it s top down fun and my kids love it. Has the aerodynamics of a brick, but that s ok. Oh and was about half the price of the A7 thus freeing up that slice of the car budget pie for another toy or vacation or Russian mail order bride.

As for reliability - bought with 15k mi in 4/10. Just turning 40K now. Outside of clutch and tires, just normal maintenance. When the weather is nice April - early Nov, I try to daily it as much as possible when I m not traveling.

- 05 SY Elise RIP

- 08 Elise SC Chrome Orange - Sold 10/31/2014

- 14 Audi S4 Quattro Daily Driver

- -05 SY Elise - my third.

post 61 of 67 permalink

04-12-2012, PM

Join Date: Apr 2008

Location: Chicagoland

Posts: 567

Few things:

I daily drive my car from April - October in Chicago. Bought the car 6/10 with 14,000 now at 22,000. But my commute is short, about 5 miles. But I also have my RX-8 to drive in the winter, or when I need room for the kids. Only major problem was the radiator started leaking at about 20k. Upgraded to a ProRad. If I had no kids and lived where it didnt snow I would have no problem with this as my only car.

What happened to your RX-8. How many miles. Mine is at 85k right now, but I m not putting on that many miles anymore, maybe 3000 a year.

Also, if you go in the new car direction might want to look at the new Subaru thing. They run about 30k loaded and supposed to be really fun to drive.

2005 Lotus Elise - 2012 FIAT 500 Abarth

RXEight is offline

post 62 of 67 permalink

5.0L V8. nuff said

post 63 of 67 permalink

LA is crap.. And worst of all Downtown Los Angeles, through which I commute on a daily basis.

IamBatman - I m looking at a BOSS 302. The 2013 has a much improved front end and functional hood vents. Unfortunately not too many 302s available, nearly all of them are current-year models. I may have to order one, but I really hate waiting for a build. Been there done that and it s excruciating.

The price is considerably more than what I intended to spend for a DD, but seeing as I m getting a hell of a car for the money, it s a no brainer.

Nice. That is going to be a sick daily driver.

post 64 of 67 permalink

I m convinced that our cars will never die.

I ve only got 65k on my 03 GT, but it was my first manual transmission, so I m sure took a little extra abuse in the beginning, and I ve never babied the car either. Mountain passes, LA traffic, long trips -- done it all, and have never had to do anything more than regular maintenance. Hell, I only just replaced the original battery last year. Compared to the Lotus, which I m on my third, not counting the one I made the dealer put in before I took possession.

Yup, the new edge generation of mustangs were pretty crudely made compared to the newer ones, but they are simple and rugged.

post 65 of 67 permalink

04-20-2014, PM

For the life of me I cannot figure out how to start a new post so I am sort of hijacking this one.

I live in California. I am thinking to moving to Honolulu. I only drive my Elise on weekends. Any thoughts on moving a Lotus to Hawaii.

post 66 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Apr 2012

Location: O town FL

Posts: 670

use the new thread button at the top of a category forum. Many people do not read long threads as they have been done over

Solar Yellow 07 225 whp

Katana 2 SC

Sector 111 Pro rad radiator

Larini SE Exhaust and Lotus Euro Grills

alarm mod 80 feet

all recalls complete.

upgraded front speakers to 5.25, back to 6.5 added a 12 inch sub

AikShii s Glove box.

Nexus gen 2 in dash custom made

_____________________________________________

Mr2 87 - sold 1997-2004

Mr2 01 - Wife s toy now 2000-

Elise 07 - My DD 2014-.

ulao is offline

post 67 of 67 permalink

Join Date: Jun 2009

Location: Toronto

Posts: 2,096

Originally Posted by David Craig

2009 Elise purchased new.

Up to 50,000 km now after about 2.5 years.

I do mainly highway driving and use it 4 out of 5 days typically, even in winter.

Only these problems:

1 The turn signals started blinking rapidly. The dealer replaced some resistors.

2 An oxygen sensor died. The dealer replaced that.

3 My passenger window dropped a bit. I opened it up and adjusted it myself.

That s it. No other problems. I am happy and a bit surprised since I had expected worse.

No problems other than those mentioned already. I m now at 108,000 km after about 4.5 years.

2009 Saffron Elise

1986 Toyota Tercel - RIP Oct 20/2012

David Craig is offline

Read Lotus Exige reviews specs, view Lotus Exige pictures videos, and get Lotus Exige prices buying advice for both new used models here.

Although the 2013 Lotus Evora somewhat resembles the sporty Exige and Elise and maybe a racecar make no mistake: It s the automaker s idea of a daily driver.

2006 Lotus Exige: Exigingly Good On Track: But less so as a daily driver. May 28, 2006.

Check out the Lotus Exige review at CARandDRIVER.com. Use our Car Buying Guide to research Lotus Exige prices, specs, photos, videos, and more.

Roadster as a daily driver?

Every review that you ve read detailing any model in the Lotus range probably says that a Lotus is outrageously impractical and could not be used as a daily driver.

Free servicing as well. I peaked too soon :- Although on the plus side, I ve had it now for 2 months, so extra enjoyment to offset :-D

Neal, mine has most of the packs it was a pre-ordered car, already in the pipeline, so hopefully I can help a little - all IMHO, of course:

I was sceptical of the Premium pack over Premium Sports, but all the leather of the Premium makes it feel a very nice place to sit. I haven t done a back to back to compare the sound deadening side of things, but it feels quite refined, and on the few occasions I ve had the roof on so far, it s not overly noisy inside. In fact, it s very good.

The comfort pack isn t must-have, but cruise control might come in handy at some point - although someone has said they retro-fitted this, but I d guess for the hassle and the relatively low cost, might just be worth having anyway.

The race pack. Well, admittedly I ve only just finished running it in, but I ve hardly troubled the Race setting - it feels perfectly acceptable to potter around in Tour, TBH. When I say potter I don t mean hang around. Of course I m glad I ve got it, and I m sure will use the Race mode in the future, but at the moment I can t say I d miss it. Having said that, what I have used a lot is the exhaust value switch that s added with the pack. That s a toy I like. A lot. Although again, this appears to be an easy retro-fit and the guy that did it also reported that the dash display shows the setting made as well, as it does with the Race pack.

I don t use it as a DD, but then I don t even use my DD as a DD, but I certainly could use the Exige in that way if needed - accepting the obvious issues of luggage capacity smaller than the Elise, ease of getting in / out etc., but then you know all about that, I m sure.

I had 135R with NA Honda before, so similar car, but that and the Exige also couldn t be more different - for me the Exige strikes the perfect balance of comfort and driving pleasure between the old 135R and the Aston that the Exige has replaced. It s also noticeably faster than both :-

I m more than chuffed with mine, and look forward to every opportunity I get to drive it.

Phil.

Thanks chaps. Silverstone were going to register it as their new Exige demonstrator, so I said don t do that, I ll buy it. They had already wrapped the access panel and added the sill logos, which I thought looked ace. It was also a really nice spec with the diamond cut wheels, brake upgrade, hard top and premium sport pack. Solar yellow was also my first choice colour - the same colour as my previous 2-11.

My car doesn t have the race pack, which doesn t bother me as it will only do the occasional track day, but it does mean it s missing the exhaust valve button. I asked if one could be wired in and was told it wasn t possible - does anyone know for sure whether it can or can t be done.

I could have explained myself better - I meant resonance. The coupe I test drove sounded louder inside than I think mine does with the soft-top. Of course, this could be my rose-tinted specs playing tricks, hence the question. Remind to follow up in the Spring

My first impressions of the heater are also good - even with the roof off it does a good job of keeping the cabin warm. The addition of the hand level vents really helps here, plus I m comparing to my old Elise, which couldn t keep the cabin warm with the roof on at motorway speeds with single digit temperature outside.

Phil.