New car, or not bother?

Posted by: Rasher on 13 February 2007

Currently I have a Lexus IS200SE, which I’ve had for about 6-7 years now. It’s still only done 55,000 miles and is in perfect condition, but I’m bored and fancy something else.
I have 3 children, but my wife has a Renault 5 seater and whoever takes the kids takes them all, so we don’t need another 5 seater between us. I wanted a Lotus Elise (black with black Oz wheels), but I’m getting laughed at by everyone for wanting a mid-life crisis car, and it’s putting me off. I would like a car that is economical to run but desirable and fun (the children love the idea of the Lotus). The new Lexus looks horrible. I’m not a BMW driver – nothing wrong with them, but I’m just not one. I liked the Nissan 350 for a week, but I think it’s ugly now. I don’t fancy a Porche. I even thought of getting a little Smart at one point.
I’m stuck. I look at cars and they all bore me. If I saw something that took my fancy I’d buy one, but they’re either environmentally wrong or they do nothing for me. I still think the Lotus is the best; nice car, looks the part, 55 mpg with a light foot on a run, but I’m going to get the piss taken.
Any ideas before I just keep what I have for another 6 years?

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by Rasher

Yeah, it's true Fred. They are more a statement than a solution. The Elise is very lightweight, has an efficient engine, and will get 50mpg when on a long run with care. That's pretty impressive for a performance car.
Thanks guys. You have been great.
Bruce; Where do I look for a Cat?
Chillkram; the kids are 9, 4 & 1. It'll be a joy for them.

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by Beano

Here's a good place to start. I'd love one of these but SWMBO says No!

http://www.caterham.co.uk/assets/html/preowned.html

Beano

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by Bruce Woodhouse

quote:
Bruce; Where do I look for a Cat?

Beano's link will show you s/h stock at Caterham South and you'll find a link for the Leicester dealership via the homepage too. Blatchat (the Seven forum) is the other place really, almost all get sold via these routes, or the Lotus Seven Owners Club magazine (Low Flying). The links you want are all on here somewhere.

If you are thinking remotely seriously you'd do a lot worse to look on the Seven Owners page and contact your local club branch. A passenger ride will either have you hooked for ever or shaking your head in disbelief. Owners tend to be very happy to give rides to the curious, and can also help you buy one as the myriad specs and versions are a bit daunting. Are you thinking of a track ready car BTW, or is this just for hooning on the public roads?

There is no finer view than this...

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by Diode100

If you are looking at alternatives to the elise, have you considered the Vauxhall version of it, the VX220 ? They are much cheaper, better equiped, and a much better daily driver than the elise.

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by Basil

Rasher,

The very first thing to do when you get one is to drive over Westminster bridge!

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by blackforest

rasher

just get a second renault 5 - a turbo. this car is unbelievable.

(get a playstation 2 + gt4 (the racing game). it's like an illustrated sport car dictionary... it has the elise, the R5 turbo and others. let your kids decide

)

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by Basil

quote:
Originally posted by munch:
Whats wrong with Vauxhall bridge

Not the same, it's all to do with the 7's past!

Posted on: 14 February 2007 by fred simon

quote:
Originally posted by Jagster:

Sorry Fred, but hybrids are not really the answer everyone is touting.

To be sure, this first generation of real-world hybrids is not the be-all-end-all answer. But it's a crucial first step.

Robert Kennedy Jr. has noted that if all cars used in the USA got a minimum of 40 mpg, America would need no foreign oil. None. Think of how that would improve US governmental foreign policy, let alone the environmental improvement. If hybrid technology can help bring us closer to that ideal even sooner, then all the better.

As far as being more of a statement than a solution, sometimes a statement is needed in order to bring about a solution. At least it's being talked about.

All best,
Fred