Questions to Ask Before Buying a Lotus Elise + Other Resources

One of my goals is to buy a Lotus Elise (maybe been a subconscious goal since the car was first conceived in 1994, when I was just leaving school). This blog post is just some questions I thought up (and I'll add some answers) to ask when I go to a dealer. I’m considering getting a new/nearly new model and hope to keep long time. This isn’t a buyer’s guide to buying a used Lotus Elise.

Questions

Q: Is the car daily driveable?

A: Yes
Q: Speed bumps (driveable everywhere)?
A: Yes, fine over speed bumps.

Q: Is the car daily driveable all year round (including snowy/icy conditions)?
A: If it's really bad weather - like snow - (and perhaps ice) leave at home.
Q: The tyres, are they good for all year-round driving?
A: Yes (but see above).
Q: Would I need winter tyres in the winter?
A: It may not be possible to get winter tyres for Lotus Elise, need to research.

Q: Reliability?
A: Excellent (the engine is sourced from Toyota and modified by Lotus)
Q: What are they like for security?
A: Comes with immobiliser and motion alarm.
Q: I don’t have a garage, is this a problem (is it okay being outside 365 days a year)?
A: Fine. You might want to consider an outdoor car cover.
Q: If I need to leave the car for a while, what steps should I take to preserve the car?
A: Pump up tyres to 50 percent above normal to avoid flat spots.
A: Much better to trickle charge the battery than disconnect.

Q: Servicing? Yearly? Mileage? Where?

A: Yearly or 10'000 miles.
Q: Insurance? A specialist insurer or stick with my current?

A: Need to ring to find out.
Q: Does it have a cigarette lighter? (perhaps for EE Buzzard in car Wi-Fi)
A: Yes, between the seats (12V socket).

Q: What special offers are currently on?

A: See: http://www.lotuscars.com/offers/elise

The 50/50 offer:
Q: The 50/50 offer (50% now, 50% in 2 years at 0% finance)?
A: Yes, this is available.

Q: What if I go over 6000 miles?
A: Fine if you by the car at the end of 2 years.
Q: Part-exchange?

A: Yes, this is fine.

Other accessories:
Q: Locking wheel nuts?
A: TBC

Random tip (1) to prolong battery life is to remove the radio cover (completely switches off the radio.)
Random tip (2) is to take the car around the block after a wash (so the breaks don't stick.)

Things I would like to Have Done

Q: Full bodywork detail and paint protection film?
A: PPF kits do the front. The car comes with PPF (Armorfend) on the sidewells (to protect from chips from the front tyres).
Q: How to wash with PPF?
A: AutoGlym shampoo is fine.
Q: Supermarket car washers okay?
A: Yes (especially if you've got PPF and/or Life Shine/similar)

Q: Hardtop cost (black)?
A: Official hardtop is expensive...

Q: Outdoor car cover a good idea, or just the cape?

A: Yes. Don't put cover on car if it is wet (gets moldy).

Q: Custom car registration number?

A: Popular (if the car's brand new, can be useful to de-age it).
Q: Custom front (small) and rear plates - like from FourDot?
A: Needs to be legal (and FourDot are legal).

Q: Tracker (should reduce the insurance too)?
A: Very good. Avoid the ones that drain your battery.

Track Days and Experiences

Q: Does the car need maintenance before and after a track day?
A: You car will be inspected.
Q: Since the Lotus Driving Academy UK is currently under restructure, what are the alternatives?

A: It is back, check out: http://www.lotusdrivingacademy.com/
Q: What are the best communities/forums/clubs to join?
A: TBC

Q: Anything to take into consideration with driving in Europe?
A: TBC

Links and Community

http://www.lotuscars.com

http://www.lotuscars.com/about-elise

http://www.lotuscars.com/lotus-world/lotus-world-community

The above has links to:

LoT: Lotus on Track

The Lotus Forums (TLF)

Midland Lotus Owners Club

Lotus Drivers Club

SELOC Lotus Enthusiasts
Club Lotus
LoTRDC: Lotus on Track Racing Drivers Club
Lotus Talk - The Largest Lotus Community in America