Need Help: Suitability of Lotus Elise for 400mi Weekend Tour?

Hi guys,

I need some quick help. My parents are flying in and we're doing a little three-day weekend tour / rally, about 400 miles each way. Typical mix of Ferraris, Lambos, etc.

Getting wheels for my Mom and Dad has been tough since they're looking to rent something. Ideally we'd find a Corvette Z06, but that doesn't look like it's going to happen.

We did just find a very attractive option locally - a Lotus Elise. Great, I think, this is the kind of thing that's fun and would be perfect for a shorter drive.

The question is - in the absence of other options (like a Lambo, Vette, or Ferrari rental) - is the Elise "doable" for 400 miles in the twisties spread over six hours?

I'm concerned for my parents comfort, they're fun folks but they ain't gettin' any younger. Their medium height (both below 6 feet, say 5'8 and 5'10) and medium weight (not big, 150 and 200lbs).

Is this going to work? Would appreciate any help/perspective - need to lock down the rental soon... Otherwise looks like we're renting a stock Mustang (gasp!) .


Thanks,

--Mike

 

Wow - you can really just go out and rent a Z06 or an Elise in Boulder?

Instead of the Mustang, why not get a Jag sedan and then all ride together?

 

Are you looking at http://www.altitudedreamcars.com/ ? On a side note, it looks like you can get a A6 for around 133 per day from Hertz.

 

I don't know about you guys, but I wouldnt put my parents an elise. Not a very safe car, nor is it comfortable for that distance of a drive. Id rather put them in a Mustang or a Vette.

 

that would be my concern as well.

 

I can't get a Vette locally. I would snap up a Vette Z06 (old or new) in a heartbeat as the right car for the trip.

I'm taking the 328, this is not a thing where we all pile up into a Jag - the fun is in the drive, then hanging out afterwards!

My dad's a pretty good driver, but I do share the concerns about the safety of the Lotus, as well as the comfort.

What I'm looking for are thoughts from people who own or have driven a Lotus Elise.

At the same time, if anyone knowns where I can rent a Corvette (preferably Z06, not required) ANYWHERE in Colorado, please do let me know.

 

BAM!!!

http://www.bnm.com/rav.htm

 

how about they drive the Ferrari and YOU drive the Elise?

 

I was thinking that too.

 

I have driven the elise's cousin the Exige for about 20 min and even i was getting uncomfortable (im 5'7 and 20 years young 120lbs)... just no... not for your parents please save them lol

 

LOL, come on. I'm your age and size and I had no problem in the Elise (oops just read you drove the Exige) It's no Jaguar but for spirited driving, compromised comfort can be accepted and even appreciated. Not saying it's good for an older group, but young'ns like us shouldn't have any problems.

 

Guys - I'm the owner of Altitude Dream Cars. Mike - I spoke to your mother earlier. She didn't tell me how long the ride was. I figured a short couple of runs in the mountains, but not 400 miles. I'm not sure if the Elise is designed for 400 miles comfortably, but it's not horrible.The only thing I have to offer is it's fun to drive and will definately stay with the group. If you're dad likes to drive, it's much more fun than any Mustang. And... We haven't secured a Corvette yet. Looking at a Gallardo that may be ready by then, but it'll cost $$ for that long.

We'll eventually get a few other high-end cars, but we have to start somewhere. Anyone interested in providing "investor" cars?

Shane

 

Big difference between the 2005 and 2006s in comfort because they made a seat change between the model years. The 2006s are supposed to be much more comfortable for a long haul.

 

Yeah, I saw that but they appear to be out of business?

 

Hi Shane,

Thanks for your note. Yep, you and my Mom chatted - I appreciate your help with scenario. Glad we were able to connect on here.

The Lotus Elise is an option, especially since right now, fustratingly we're not able to really secure any other options at all.

I think it's safe to say, if you added a Gallardo, we could commit to a four day rental in April. Same for a Corvette for Ferrari. My concern is, the time frame that you were looking at for the Gallardo is getting a bit close to the trip. So one consideration was to secure the Lotus and then move up to whatever new car you added to the fleet.

What year is the Lotus?

 

Sorry, I tried. It was worth a shot.

Good luck though!

 

The Lotus is an 05 and was my personal car last year. It only has 4k on the speedo, has never seen rain or snow. My plan was to replace the seats. Knowing you guys are going out on a trip like this, I'll see about speeding that up. The original seats are "okay" but not perfect. My wife and I did a run to the western slope end of last summer in it and had a blast. Did Aspen and Independence. Probably just the car, roads and sun... but, it was fun in the canyons. It's a small car for sure. However, in the pack with other cars, you'd be fine. By it'self, it gets a little lost in traffic. Not a city car for sure.

There's a chance the Gallardo will be ready by April. It's already here in Denver and I'm working with the owner in the next two weeks. There's a chance it's available by then.

The only other car I have to offer is the Mercedes. It's fast and will handle the run for sure. Might be a bit more$$. I'll work with you guys though. I'm pretty easy.

My goal for this whole thing is to offer something for everyone and to have a great time. If it doesn't fit, that's fine.

 

Its not a problem.... just noise etc and road bump stuff arg

 

I would not want to be in an Elise for more than a half hour. If you want to get back at your parents for something they may have done to you in your life, then put them in an Elise. Otherwise, just about anything else on the planet is more suitable for a 6-hour drive.

 

While I understand you may question its comfort as its not a car for everyone. But where is the safety issue coming in? Sure its small and you have to be aware but shouldnt you always when driving anything? The car has a very reputable crash structure.

 

Agree with Lotustt, the crash worthyness of an elise is far superior to the 328.

I drove an early elise, 1997, from the UK to Switzerland a few years ago. About 800miles of driving, most of which was done in one day. Its loud, hot and great fun. I was tired when I got out but I am tired after a game of hockey or football and I continue to play both. If your parents suffer from bad backs, knees etc then it's not for them. Otherwise get the elise. They'll love it

 

I've never had any trouble doing very long distances in my Elise, and I am 6'2" and 220LB. The driver seat is great, even with limited padding. The car is such a pleasure to drive. Getting in and out with the roof up is not a pretty sight, but if you expect good weather this is not a problem.

However, there is one thing. The driver gets 60% and the passenger 40% of the space (look how offset the mirror is). So, its really a 1+1 car (like a 2+2 configuration).

Most people commenting on how they would not drive an Elise for a long distance have obviously never done just that
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I took some long trips in my Elise. The longest was from Denver to Durango on a Friday and back to Denver on Sunday. I've done the Aspen trip twice.

Once you are in the car, it isn't that bad. The seats either fit you or they don't. You will know right away. There isn't a great deal of support, but there aren't any pressure points either so once you are settled, it's not so bad.

My biggest concern would be fatigue. The Elise is not an easy car to drive. It's 100% concentration and both hands on the wheel. The car very-much follows the rutts in the road. Beyond the concentration and car controll, the contant jarring really takes a toll. Keep in mind how bad Colorado roads are.

The AC is horrible with two people in the car. It just can't keep up. It may not be an issue in April, but it depends are where you are going.

I guess if it was me, I would opt for the CLS over the Elise.

 

Great thoughts again, guys - very much appreciate them. Continuing to work with Shane on other options! A new option is to just buy a Vette - something we're considering (but having a lot of trouble finding a convertible six-speed locally).

 

Mike - If you'd like to take a peek at my Elise, I'd be more than happy to drive it over to Boulder one day (I'm actually located in Longmont). It'd give me an excuse with this awesome weather to take it for a spin.

Most of what everyone is saying is true. For long trips, it may not be the best. It all depends on how far each leg/stint will be. If you stop often, the it may be "okay". I'm 6'2" (190ish) and don't have any issues in it. Okay, with the top on, it's humerous to watch me get in and out, but once settled in, it's still a great fit.

One of my offices is located on far east Walnut. Shoot me a PM if you'd at least like to check it out.