5 Things I LOVE & HATE about my Lotus Elise Club Racer

[@monturrahman878]

This car was why i subscribed 3 years ago, fantastic car one of my dreams to own.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for sticking with us! One day, my friend, one day.

[@emmawhaley2701]

The loveliest thing about that lotus is the driver holy moly 😮

[@McCrazyFish]

Damn straight

[@peacockking3687]

We concur

[@feefeethesentiments]

Defo

[@harryking344]

Even lovelier than that Toyota engine?

[@marcleut]

The soft top goes behind te seats if you do a week end trip and need the space in the back trunk. That should be a basic for a Elise owner.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Are you, by any chance, not very tall? My seat is up against the firewall, no room there my friend.

[@mark88z]

I'm 6 feet, seat all back and there's enough space for the roof.

[@markbarnett6647]

Nicely made, honest owner's review of the Elise. If you lower the driver's window it makes getting in slightly easier (if you're going to keep the roof fully on).

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks Mark! I tend to only get in with the roof down nowadays

[@brandonlim9536]

I love your car man. The colour and the spec! Looks beautiful. Would love to own something like that someday! Great insight on ownership too! 👍🏼

[@BuckleUpShow]

Cheers Brandon, and thanks for watching!

[@thetridentclub9219]

Yes I bought an Elise knowing I could barely fit at 6ft 3. You just get used to it. Did the same with my Exige 3 weeks ago

[@BuckleUpShow]

You make yourself fit if you love the car

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

Mine leaks in heavy rain, even with the hard roof. I've found puddles in the footwell a few times, luckily they seem to have built the car with this in mind as there is nothing to get damaged down there.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I never took mine out in really heavy rain so I was spared interior puddles. They don’t make cars like this anymore!

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

@@BuckleUpShow It won't happen that quickly. I've only seen it after it's rained hard all night or day while parked.

[@techyd8411]

The boot is way bigger than your pic shows, stick your head and have a look lol! You can put that roof right to the back (of car) and to one side and then have room for two small overnight bags - easy!

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’ve owned it for three years, I know what the boot can handle. As long as your overnight bag consists of a pair of boxers and nothing else then maybe

[@mjowsey]

I had a 2004 elise that was water tight parked outside mostly too

[@BuckleUpShow]

You must be the only one

[@JuliaDickson-sn4mi]

Just came across your video, really enjoyed it. Do you still own the Elise? I have owned my series 1 for 22 years and have taken it on road trips all round France and Belgium, we had a great holiday in it to Monaco, I will never sell it. I did buy 8 years ago a yellow 2009 Super Charged Elise, this has now taken over from our S1 for our European trips.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Hi Julia, unfortunately buying a house meant the Lotus had to go and I miss it a lot. Very jealous, sounds great fun!

[@EuropaSman]

I have a 2ZZ powered Elise S3 in canyon red and love it despite the fact I can't see the top of the speedo and the headlights are rubbish on dipped beam! Getting in is definitely left leg in first. The car is great for work commutes and soon I'll be taking it on track days. My Evora is what I use for the longer journeys. For an 11 year old car I thought the interior was in pretty good shape. Have you tried an early Evora?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching! No, I’ve never been in an Evora of any age. Are they worth looking at?

[@EuropaSman]

@@BuckleUpShow yes I'd say so. The guy who commissioned the Evora at Lotus was around your height so I think you will find the car less cramped than the Elise. There is still the sill to get your legs over on the Evora S1, and to a lesser extent the 400 series, but not as bad as the Elise. The Recaro seats of the series 1 Evora, whilst the bolsters are susceptible to wear, are superbly comfortable even on long journeys. In fact the interior is a pretty nice place to be despite poor location of some of the switches on the dash. The rear seats in the 2+2 versions are just as useful for storage as the shelf behind the front seats in the 2+0, plus there is the small boot, but even that can accommodate a couple of holdalls. The NA version like I have does about 35mpg and has road tax that is not much more than my Elise. The Evora S is quite a bit more expensive for toad tax. The Evora 400, GT410 and GT430 are a lot more expensive to buy of course and are great cars (I'd get one if I wasn't keeping my Evora Launch Edition and Elise), but apparently the Sparco seats are not quite as good and the standard exhaust is too loud for most track days at UK circuits.

[@fatbillslim]

2003 111S 5❤️ 1. Looks Amazing 2. Drives Amazing 3. It's Rocketing up in value 4. It's British 5. Its Back story 5😡 1. Roof is crap and leaks 2. Can't get any thing longer than an AK47 in the Boot. 3. It extremely fragile (its other drivers that worrie me) 4. It's a pain in the arse to mount on a 2 post lift 5. The headlights units crazed and look crap up close not cheep to replace.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Good list

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Nice video. My 111R is a raw driving, exquisite experience. I practically never have the hardtop on. A true sports car. There are quite a few folks that have never heard of the marque, even with it's pedigree.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching and glad to hear you enjoy yours just as much!

[@ChapHammersmith]

I’ve got a 2018 220 that I daily and haven’t had any issues with leakage during and after heavy rain. The warning is still on the roof though. I have a hard top, don’t know if it makes a difference as I’ve heard some say the hard top seal is worse. It’s lotus though isn’t it, bit of a lottery 🤷‍♂️

[@BuckleUpShow]

As far as I know I haven’t had any issues either, but the fact that the sticker is there at all is a little embarrassing on such an expensive car.

[@L2SFBC]

You can get steering wheel spacers. I have one in mine.

[@BuckleUpShow]

That might be handy actually. Does it then make it even more difficult to get into?

[@jonathanknight8251]

@@BuckleUpShow I put a removable wheel boss on my Elise. It required a spacer to fit the connector for the horn and a resistor to fool the computer into thinking there is still a driver’s side airbag. The system requires an aftermarket wheel. Pulling the wheel off does make for easier entry/exit.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m not sure disabling the airbag is how I want to solve anything on my car, but you do you.

[@jonathanknight8251]

@@BuckleUpShow yes, it’s very much a personal choice.

[@cesaredabbicco5568]

The ‘contros’ are not ‘contros’ at all. They contribute making this thing so special

[@BuckleUpShow]

What's a contros

[@isaillis]

I m over 60 my friends all complain about sports car s and how difficult to get in and out. If they see this it will kill them. To me I do not think that way It"s great it's something different that also separates me from my fellow old friends. I am now considering one of these to challange my knees and my ankles. Great review!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thanks for watching!

[@vetteseller5]

This guy is awesome and supper funny. great job on the pros and cons. I'm waiting for my Emira

[@BuckleUpShow]

Thank you and I’m very jealous that you’re getting an Emira!

[@jonbinzegger7883]

I'm 2 meters tall do you think I will fit in the car? How tall are you?

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m 188cm, no you won’t without the roof off

[@xjk5Mikel]

Do you miss the S versión? I mean, 136hp are enough for all situations? Thanks

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s enough to use all of the power pretty much all of the time. And means you’re not breaking the speed limit after 1 second of throttle.

[@Tommywilliam209]

Collecting an Elise Cup 250 tomorrow, interesting to see your views!

[@BuckleUpShow]

You’ll love it

[@xjk5Mikel]

I have heard that the roof fits behind the seats...is that true??

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’ve been told this many times in the comments but I simply don’t see how that’s possible when you’re my height

[@xjk5Mikel]

@@BuckleUpShow ok, i dont have one, but Im thinking about buying a 1.6 S3, so I am watching all your videos. I am 5.9" and It would be great the posibility of the roof behind the seats...

[@melvinplant8637]

Yes

[@melvinplant8637]

You have to fold the canvas roof to put behind seats

[@constantinrenoir8273]

Great job man! It could be possible to make videos of pure driving with the Lotus to watch the driving skills of Rob please? :)

[@BuckleUpShow]

I can save you the time, Rob is very average at driving 😂

[@constantinrenoir8273]

@@BuckleUpShow Don't say this ahah, but on a ride or a track day, it would be cool. ;)

[@mattbourne4931]

You’ll find that leather sill cover wasn’t fitted in the factory but by one of the owners before yourself.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Fair enough if that’s the case, but that doesn’t detract from the other niggles about the interior fit and finish

[@robs1358]

I have been looking at maybe getting one, thanks. How tall are you?

[@BuckleUpShow]

6ft 2”

[@hakonhalldorsson6673]

I have a 2002 S2 111S. I´m 6´3 - 215lbs and don´t find it a nuisance to get in or out. I get in with both feet out and then swing both legs in, reverse getting out. I also can wear a helmet on the track without it hitting the roof spar. I was going to post videos and photos on YT & Insta but I´m having too much fun driving it :)

[@adripdrip3064]

Hi, I have a question. How tall are you ?

[@BuckleUpShow]

6'2" or 188cm, whichever takes your fancy

[@adripdrip3064]

@@BuckleUpShow thanks for the answer ! I loved your review about the car ... that's my dream car (but in sky blue color )!! I am 180cm so it will be easier for me to sit in the car 😂

[@BuckleUpShow]

Yeah, you’ll be fine! One day my friend, one day 😊

[@jesusinzunza8479]

How tall are you?

[@BuckleUpShow]

6ft2” or 188cm

[@Wiwerest]

Nice video and amazing car. I hope I will get 1.6 liter one day. For reference, how tall are you?

[@BuckleUpShow]

6ft2” or 188cm

[@rrk2387]

Helpful and honest, cheers. I still want one! :)

[@BuckleUpShow]

Glad I could help out! Thanks for watching!

[@2romekiti996]

I have the same Elise. sky blue.so good car ever.I love her!

[@BuckleUpShow]

Nice 👍

[@KianTay-k9y]

What's your height and weight, mate?

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m 6ft2” or 188cm. Not sure how my weight is relevant

[@xjk5Mikel]

Finally a Lotus video! Thanks!!!

[@BuckleUpShow]

No worries, what else do you want to see with it?

[@xjk5Mikel]

@@BuckleUpShow well, we allways have seen the Elise alone (maybe not in your chanel), and it would be great a video on the street, to see the diferent size with the "normal" cars. Thanks!!!

[@BuckleUpShow]

We think this video will be good for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWXUeY19prN-jKs

[@tavners8044]

Had new Elise in 2006 that leaked... haha every one must drive one.

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s the best drivers car for sure

[@oliverstemp9132]

The seats are amazing

[@BuckleUpShow]

Amazingly uncomfortable

[@oliverstemp9132]

@@BuckleUpShow does Rob fit in any of his cars?

[@BuckleUpShow]

Not really

[@berndnowak9821]

Lerne zu klagen ohne zu leiden, Jung. You´ve got it.😆 Lotus Elise: Einfach das Optimum. Fallin love is easy with it.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Entschuldigung, ich spreche kein Deutsch

[@2romekiti996]

全く同じ車に乗ってるけど、シートは酷い。 薄っぺらで長距離ドライブには向かない。 ただ、運転する楽しさは何物にも代えがたい。

[@BuckleUpShow]

Yeah, my backs gone after 20 minutes but I still love driving it

[@iSplits]

2:10 couldn't we all 😂😭

[@BuckleUpShow]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@xjk5Mikel]

By the way...how tall are you?. It seems that you have long legs, and even so, you fit in the car!

[@BuckleUpShow]

I'm 6'2" or 188cm, whichever makes sense to you

[@TheKnightsShield]

The only bad angle to view one of these from, is the passenger seat. 😉

[@BuckleUpShow]

It’s still a pretty good view

[@TheKnightsShield]

@@BuckleUpShowYeah, but not as good as the one from the driver's seat.

[@UmbertoDavidPanda]

So...its a light weight sportscar Got it.

[@BuckleUpShow]

Glad we could clarify that for you

[@Derpderpson123]

If I had that car I’d stop moaning and just drive non stop

[@BuckleUpShow]

What an enlightening comment. Go buy one.

[@Derpderpson123]

@@BuckleUpShow Have an MX-5 for now, bit more livable! You’d fit in mine bit more comfortably ;) You’d have to lighten up a bit, don’t want a twit next to me

[@BuckleUpShow]

That’s a relief

[@melvinplant8637]

If you dont want it,ill have it for nowt.

[@BuckleUpShow]

At which point did I mention I didn’t want it

[@MassiveLib]

Buy an mx5 and take it too BBR

[@BuckleUpShow]

I’m good with my Lotus thanks all the same

[@MassiveLib]

​@@BuckleUpShow I test drove an S3 supercharged 1.8 this morning, either to get it out of my system or start saving. I found it relatively easy to get in n out thanks to you're video I watched yesterday. I thought the drive was exactly what I expected, hard n fast. However its handling actually made me feel a bit vulnerable, especially on a dual carriageway over taking lorries. I definitely decided it wasn't worth 36k even though I think it's dam sexy too look at. I'm 57, 6.2 by the way. I think I will spend 6k on a BBR 225 conversion instead. Thanks for your video.

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

No comparison. The Lotus was designed to be a go cart for the road. The MX5, though a lovely car, feels nothing like this.

[@linus9392]

I love you

[@BuckleUpShow]

I know

[@operatorflix6339]

Please listen to me, you need a better intro and logo if you want to get more popular, I can make one for you for free. Also you need to read your comments too.

[@BuckleUpShow]

No thanks, we're very happy with the Logo we had professionally designed for us 👍

[@fatbillslim]

@@BuckleUpShow he means it's needs more waffle to sell viewing time. My pet hate with youtube. It's all waffle now.

[@MegaMauri75]

excuse your height?

[@BuckleUpShow]

6ft 2” or 188cm - whichever takes your fancy

[@iFuSioNzSnipePs3]

up until the getting in and out it was good, oh dear yawn yawn can't you guys think of something different to do yawn yawn again

[@BuckleUpShow]

Sorry, I fell asleep reading your comment. It made me very tired 😴

[@iFuSioNzSnipePs3]

@@BuckleUpShow that's cos you got no imagination you have to copy every other elise exige review and go down the getting in and out route , in 15 years of Lotus ownership I've NEVER seen anyone getting out on all fours, even the first time I got in and out I never did that.

[@BuckleUpShow]

I haven’t watched anyone else’s videos, Nigel. I’m simply relaying MY experience of owning an Elise. I’m tall, so this is a problem for me. You may be short, and therefore don’t experience this. Just because something doesn’t happen to you, doesn’t mean it can’t happen to others.

[@iFuSioNzSnipePs3]

@@BuckleUpShow last word on this mate it was all good , you even showed how difficult it can be to get in and out is of an Elise which everyone knows , there was just no need to go down the all fours route like everyone else IMO