Newbie questions - Elise S

[Tommy Twist]

Hi folks,

Yesterday I paid a deposit on a 2007 Elise S Touring. As my car ownership history covers only family hatchbacks, FWD coupes, hot hatches and AWD high performance saloons, the Elise is quite a radical departure from anything I've had before – it'll be my first roadster, my first mid-engined car, and my first RWD car... all of which I'm very excited about - especially after the test drive, which was enormous fun

I'd be grateful if anyone could answer some questions I have about Elises and Elise ownership...

• During the test drive, after the salesman had given the car a reasonably hard drive down a quiet B-road, we swapped seats and as I climbed into the driver's seat I noticed a 'hot' odour... not burning as such, but (IIRC) what smelt to me of something rubber or synthetic getting hot. Seemed to disappear when we were on the move and I never noticed it again, even when we pulled in after the test drive. Is this something to be concerned about?
• Again during the test drive, when the car was warm and at a low idle, the rear window and the panel to which it's attached were vibrating quite noticeably. Not a huge deal, but I wondered if this was a common niggle, or something that's indicative of a more serious issue?
• The car will be kept on my driveway. Would you recommend fitting any additional security features? (in-car that is, an Alsatian just wouldn't be practical for me at the moment ).
• As the car will be kept outside, and not necessarily driven every day, would you recommend using a car cover? If so, which one? If possible I'd prefer something completely plain.
• I am considering having 'Defendall' protective film fitted to the front bumper and bonnet, partly to guard against stone chips but also to help protect against damage from cats – we have a lot of the critters around here and, realistically, even if I do buy a car cover there will be times when the paintwork is exposed. I'd be interested to hear about your experiences with these protective films.

Many thanks!

[CubanGav]

Not sure about the smell.

A car cover is a good idea. Try www.elise-shop.com or www.eliseparts.com for new. A few other websites too about. You could try SELOC (www.seloc.co.uk) for a used one though and I think I saw one there the other day. Ebay.

The window should be fine. You'll get loads of wee rattles that but its normal.

I dont put much weight in extra security features beyond the alarm. If someone wants the car they will have it. If they want into it the window goes in or the roof will get ripped open. Apparently one of the best things is the car cover. Lazy thiefs cant be bothered taking it off to see if there's anything worth nicking.

If you are getting the protective film done get them to do the sills too. But stone chips are a fact of life and although the films will help its just something that will happen.

I'm sure others will be along shortly. Meantime - where are you based? Got any pictures?

Gav

[Edin430]

Sounds like the exhaust or cat that's 'burning' - nothing unusual about that after a hard blast.

It won't be the window that's vibrating it will be the plastic parcel shelf that's behind the seats (that the window sits above). It's nothing to worry about at all, just the sound of plastic sitting on metal but if you want to stop it you can pull the seats out and drop some foam in behind it on the bulkhead.

As above, I wouldn't bother. If someone wants it they will get it! What I would do is fit a removable steering wheel however (check eliseparts.com). Keep the wheel in your house and it'll be better than most security devices IMO (and they look better).

For a 2007 model I wouldn't bother. Earlier models will leak and therefore would recommend it but you should be okay. If you do want one then check eliseparts.com again.

Definitely worth getting some kind of protection to stop stone chips to the car. Give MMC a call, ask for Craig and he can sort it out for you i'm sure. IIRC it comes out around the £300 mark for the basic kit.

[kenny]

[AJT]

[Tommy Twist]

Thanks folks for the warm welcome and for the helpful replies.

OK, sounds like the rattly window/parcel-shelf isn't anything to be concerned about. I'll keep an eye (or a nostril?!) on the burny odour after I've taken delivery of the car.

Gav, do you reckon that the stone-chip-resist film is good enough to protect against cat scratches? To answer your question, I'm in Stirlingshire.

X7LDA, thanks for the suggestion of a removable steering wheel, that's exactly the sort of thing I was after. Regarding the cover, it wasn't so much to keep water out as to protect the car from accidental (and to some extent deliberate) damage, sun bleaching, bird keich and snow. It's something I've considered for previous cars but have never gone ahead with. However, I reckon the Elise's small size and allure make it a good candidate for one.

Has anyone used the ADVAN-TEX cover from coveryourcar.co.uk?

I should have the car by Saturday, will post up some pics after that!

Thanks again, folks

[r055]

Welcome along mate.

re: the cover, mine sits out in my drive all round the year and its not ideal if im being honest. I have a full car lotus cover for mine, but hardly use it.

Depends on how much of a polisher you are as if you are wanting to use the cover, you need to make sure your car is immaculate before you put it on - otherwise the paint will be scratched as the cover moves in the wind.

re: security, i wouldnt bother with anything else - id only be concerned with people breaking in and stealing stuff inside the car. And if someone wants to do that, a stanley knife will probably be the 'tool' of choice... Nothing you can do to stop that other than not have anything on show.

Ross

[Mr Momo]

I would mention both the smell and the rattle before pick-up and ask for a check of the former and fix of the latter - that's what you pay the dealer premium for. I hate leaving the forecourt without knowing there is nothing more serious (burning) or could have been fixed (rattle).

[pete]

Car covers are a great idea IMHO. But don't buy a smart looking one, get a cheap vinyl one that is made specifically for the car.

Apropos of nothing I happen to have one just as I describe in my hall, yours for a very reasonable sum! Like new! I would certainly buy it if I were you - it will probably make you more attractive to women, certainly a better driver and possibly make your car faster.

PM me and make me an offer

[r055]

Car covers are a great idea IMHO. But don't buy a smart looking one, get a cheap vinyl one that is made specifically for the car.

Apropos of nothing I happen to have one just as I describe in my hall, yours for a very reasonable sum! Like new! I would certainly buy it if I were you - it will probably make you more attractive to women, certainly a better driver and possibly make your car faster.

PM me and make me an offer

[Tommy Twist]

Thanks again folks for the replies.

Yes, I have mentioned the vibration and the smell to the dealership and they've agreed to take a look. I guess there isn't much more I can do at this stage (other than walk away!).

Something else I meant to ask your good selves about – when I looked at the oil on the dipstick I was quite surprised at how light in colour and thin it appeared. Indeed, the service book shows that the car had an oil change only a few miles ago when it was traded-in, but I don't think I've ever seen oil so clear before! Looked almost like gearbox oil... hmmm. I'm no oil guru, mind.

Also dropped into the dealership unannounced this morning so that I could start the car from cold. Didn't see or hear anything untoward, e.g. blue smoke, tappet noise, crankshaft knock. Not that I was necessarily expecting anything like that, but it makes sense to check

Welcome along mate.

re: the cover, mine sits out in my drive all round the year and its not ideal if im being honest. I have a full car lotus cover for mine, but hardly use it.

Thanks Ross. When you say "its not ideal" keeping your car on the drive... obviously we'd all prefer a locked garage, but is there something about the Elise in particular that makes it less suited to being parked on a driveway? And how come you don't use your cover? Just curious, as the Elise experience is all new to me!

Car covers are a great idea IMHO. But don't buy a smart looking one, get a cheap vinyl one that is made specifically for the car.

What I'm after is a high quality thick-ish cover with the soft inner lining. The ADVAN-TEX one looks quite promising.

Apropos of nothing I happen to have one just as I describe in my hall, yours for a very reasonable sum! Like new! I would certainly buy it if I were you - it will probably make you more attractive to women, certainly a better driver and possibly make your car faster.

You're right in that your — or in fact anyone's — cover WILL make me more attractive to women..... provided I have it fitted to the car while I'm driving it

Cheers!

[pete]

On a more serious note we had an S1 from new - parked in the street for 3 years then an S2 kept in a garage for 4 years of our 5 yr ownership.

No noticeable difference in condition by the end. Keeping it outside was fine (you pick up scratches in the garage from squeezing past or banging the door on stuff. Or in my case letting the electric door close on it.

[cla5h]

If you want a proper cover, I use this as it's made to fit the car, fluffy on the inside, straps to keep it tight, etc.

Specialised Covers

Pricey, but there's a discount if you quote the username of someone from SELOC.

I stick it on for the worst of the winter, and only remove when I'm starting to use the car again in the spring. I wouldn't want to be putting it off and on every day/week.

[Tommy Twist]

Cheers Pete.

If you want a proper cover, I use this as it's made to fit the car, fluffy on the inside, straps to keep it tight, etc.

Specialised Covers

Pricey, but there's a discount if you quote the username of someone from SELOC.

I stick it on for the worst of the winter, and only remove when I'm starting to use the car again in the spring. I wouldn't want to be putting it off and on every day/week.

Thanks for the link and the info. I was looking at those covers, which do you have – Tempest, Sky Shell or Elite? Does it have a lock to stop it being quickly removed by someone who shouldn't be removing it?

[duggiesmith]

We've also got a 07 Elise S with Touring pack. It stays outside all year and haven't had any problems yet (other than it completely disappearing for about a month in December ). Usually put the hardtop in November and off again about February. Always started first time. I considered getting a cover, but after hearing they can do more damage by scratching the paintwork, I decided against it.

We had defendall fitted from new and it has kept stone chips to a minimum, so a worthwhile investment (if the car doesn't already have too many chips)

Squeaks and rattles are all part of the fun of Lotus ownership.

Enjoy.