Lotus Elise

2 Lotuses or Loti (or whatever the plural is) is just unfair

How is longer term ownership of these cars? I am a track rat and the car appeals to me except the "fragile" part... do you know they hold up to a life near redline where everything is stressed all the time? I am currently an abuser of an old 911, an old E30 and an old E36... am I in for a shock at the parts counter?

Keith, Seems like alot of Lotus owners have more than one. One for the track and one for the street. then the wife has to have her street car and after a time then she wants her own track car, then comes the vintage collectable, then comes the newer track car, then.......and so on and so on and so on. 3 1/2 and counting at my house. Walter, The cars are perfect long term cars if you drive them. garage queens don't do as well. I've had my 89 Esprit since 92. Purchased it with 1792 miles on the odometer. The car now has 102, 500+ and is running stronger than ever. When the Elise/Exige series was brought into the U.S. the track junkies started having a field day. Check out the Lotus challenge Series running out on the west coast with a southern version getting ready to kick off down my way in Texas. The cars are perfect track cars. You cannot be ham fisted with them, it does require learning how to drive with a light touch and finesse. Parts are not a problem. No, you cannot go to Pep boys for everything, but compared to any other exotic, they are cheap. Service is also not a high dollar item when compared to a tune up for a ferrari or Porsche. It jhelps a lot if you can do some of your own work, which with Lotus owners seems to be the norm. If you want to know more about Lotus ownership check out the Lotus Talk website. Lot's of fellow track enthusiasts there and a good starting point for learning about all things Lotus. Good luck and enjoy the ride! Al B.