Very interesting, today, I saw my 3rd Lotus Elise in the last 2 weeks which happens to be the same number of Sols I have seen ever. I believe it has something to do with a new Lotus dealership in Durham, NC, also that they have 5+ sitting on their lot (not sure of price) and the fact that people are outbidding themselves just to get a Sol.
Checking out the Elise in person I have to say I am pretty impressed, it is a cool looking car! I love the classic racing car look that I think the Sol has and I can't imagine having a smaller car than the Sol (even I get frustrated with the lack of room sometimes and I really don't have anything to lug around!)
The jury's out in my head but ultimately it really came down to price anyway for the Sol, if it was a thousand dollars more I would have kept my Wrangler and thought about what could have been.
Just thought I'd pass that tid bit of info on, and a short ramble to boot.
On our way up to NY a few weeks ago, we spied this beautiful orange Lotus Elise.
It's a really impressive car and it is really sporty.
The driver of this car also noticed mine.
I saw 2 over the National Meet weekend, one on the way there, one on the way back.
They make the Sol's look huge..
yeah, they really do! I couldn't believe it side by side how much bigger the Sol is! Like I said, I'm not sure if I'll ever have a car smaller than the solstice, I think I've reached my limit
I have a yellow Elise that must reside at a house nearby... at least twice a week i see him at the light at the end of my street. The last time I saw him I yelled that I liked his car, he yelled likewise and took the right turn.
The Elise is what I initially wanted but I saw the Sol concept at the NY auto show and loved I. Although the elise is a nice car, it is very expensive and I am glad I ended up with the solstice.
__________________
Sly Solstice
Fully equipped except for On*, Smoker's and XM. 5spd M/T
There is a Lotus Dealership by our business-Mysty saw 2 different Elise on the road over the last 2 months & she was really drawn to them-they were apparently drawn to her, too-it was an exchange of friendly looks. I told her they were too high maintainence for her-then she saw that red hot rod Solstice posted here & finally agreed with me. But i think she'll still admire the Elise from afar...
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Laurie
The Happiest Driver in Michigan
Her name is Mysty~she has everything but Onstar & XM
this is a subtle point, but every Elise I see new or old has that black grilling on the hood and trunk, but that stuff is impossible to keep looking glossy black instead of waxy gray
That is one thing I am really happy about the sol is that even an idiot like me can wash her and not have to worry about getting stuff everywhere (well with the roof being the exception)
My only turn off for the elise is the price and lack of power windows!
Trust me, it's got more power than most of us can handle... and it also comes with power windows if you like. I've driven a lot of sports cars and race cars and at the limit the Elise/Exige is one of the hardest cars to drive. Yes, if you are looking for a drag racer 190 bhp isn't that much... but thats not why you buy a Lotus Elise/Exige. Just my .02 cents from personal experience.
When I went for my first test drive in the Sol, I got off of the freeway at an exit that led to a good twisty turney mountain road that I take my Porsche on frequently. Right there in front of me was an Elise, with dealer plates. The salesman riding with me said, "well, it looks like someone else is out for a test drive." So, I told him, not to worry about it, I didn't expect the Sol to keep up with an Elise. Well, after ten minutes of riding on this guys bumper, I had to pull over and let him get a good lead, just so I could test the limits of the Sol. Of course I figure it was the driver, not the car making the difference. LOL.
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Thanks, Dave Russell
Mallett #33
VIN #1G2MB35B27Y106697
Deep
Ebony Leather
Chrome
When I went for my first test drive in the Sol, I got off of the freeway at an exit that led to a good twisty turney mountain road that I take my Porsche on frequently. Right there in front of me was an Elise, with dealer plates. The salesman riding with me said, "well, it looks like someone else is out for a test drive." So, I told him, not to worry about it, I didn't expect the Sol to keep up with an Elise. Well, after ten minutes of riding on this guys bumper, I had to pull over and let him get a good lead, just so I could test the limits of the Sol. Of course I figure it was the driver, not the car making the difference. LOL.
You mean you drove it before you bought it? Wow.
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Daiwa
VIN 1702 DOD 10-22-05 BEAUTIFUL, BLACK
& CLUBS IN THE BACK
When I went for my first test drive in the Sol, I got off of the freeway at an exit that led to a good twisty turney mountain road that I take my Porsche on frequently. Right there in front of me was an Elise, with dealer plates. The salesman riding with me said, "well, it looks like someone else is out for a test drive." So, I told him, not to worry about it, I didn't expect the Sol to keep up with an Elise. Well, after ten minutes of riding on this guys bumper, I had to pull over and let him get a good lead, just so I could test the limits of the Sol. Of course I figure it was the driver, not the car making the difference. LOL.
Trust me, it's got more power than most of us can handle... and it also comes with power windows if you like. I've driven a lot of sports cars and race cars and at the limit the Elise/Exige is one of the hardest cars to drive. Yes, if you are looking for a drag racer 190 bhp isn't that much... but thats not why you buy a Lotus Elise/Exige. Just my .02 cents from personal experience.
Neil
I did not know that, thanks for clearing that up!
__________________ Team Solstice 2008
Ordered 11/12/05
Black, manual trans, Premium package, power package, convenience package, floor mats, AC, XM radio, LSD, and Polished Wheels Produced 6/1! VIN:18718
Mods: Fujita CAI, Stubbie Attenna, Lil Chromies, Third Brake Overlay, 35% Tint. Solo Headers, Solo Exhaust.
My only turn off for the elise is the price and lack of power windows!
The Elise comes with power windows in the touring package. Includes upgraded leather, insulated soft top, more carpeting and sound deadening, and a small cargo net.
When I went for my first test drive in the Sol, I got off of the freeway at an exit that led to a good twisty turney mountain road that I take my Porsche on frequently. Right there in front of me was an Elise, with dealer plates. The salesman riding with me said, "well, it looks like someone else is out for a test drive." So, I told him, not to worry about it, I didn't expect the Sol to keep up with an Elise. Well, after ten minutes of riding on this guys bumper, I had to pull over and let him get a good lead, just so I could test the limits of the Sol. Of course I figure it was the driver, not the car making the difference. LOL.
Indeed. On any type of winding road, with equal drivers, the Elise would walk away from the Sol.
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