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You definitely don't need to jack the car up to change the headlights or light bulbs. You just need to turn the wheel fully to the left for you to get enough access to the wheel arch liner. How do I know? I've just changed the bulbs on mine. H1 LED for the low beam (choose ones that don't have a huge fan at the rear and the same profile as the halogen bulb), H7 for the high beam. I can get access to the bulbs in about 3 minutes.
This is true! I have since completed the job without removing the wheel. I would not recommend dropping the headlight retainer clip inside the headlight assembly, it was very hard to retrieve!
as a S2 Exige owner myself, i would say the key to these cars is preventative maintenance in order to keep issues to a minimum. I keep my car outside under a cover because my garage is taken up with other toys so for the battery it remains on a ctek charger, in regard to squeaks and rattles, ive had the complete interior apart, everything out and I mean everything, I then put a sticky backed close cell foam strips on edges etc, where plastic meets anything, it has cut rattles down to almost nothing but I'm still chasing new squeaks n rattles as they come along, newest one is in the door so its a chasing game. I haven't really had any of the other issues you've had but as I say you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty with a Lotus, then it wont let you down, I love the looks of the Exige and the drive though the exhaust and supercharger whine can be tiresome after a while. I certainly don't think they deserve the reputation they have, which normally comes from people who either have not owned one or didn't keep on top of maintenance, thinking a hand built car would be the same as a mainstream car. Keep up the content though, enjoy you honest impressions of ownership.
I wholeheartedly agree, expectations needs to be set accordingly and they simply require some pre-emptive consideration. That's the (small) price you pay for such an engaging ownership experience.
Thinking of buying an Exige .after listening to this video .only things that would annoy me would be Engine management light and the boot spring. I've had a Morgan. And done a basic maintenance course at Brands Hatch Morgan so jacking it up changing bulbs although fiddly I'm ok with . Already have CTEK Charger ..DO You do own suspension greasing and minor work ? Think I would do same as you with rattles and squeaks.
@lesliegee3621 if you’re comfortable with basic spannering, I’m sure you’ll be fine. The engine management light hasn’t returned so no issues there and the boot spring is a relatively easy fix with some fiddling. I still love the car and would defo recommend. If you’ve lived with a Morgan, you’re familiar with compromise!
@BritishRacingGreens yes enjoyed doing bits on Morgan..ye im no mechanic but yrs ago if stuff went wrong I can bolt things on alternators .water pumps so anything less than that I'm happy with .trying to find one for my budget and less than 40,000 miles 15yr old roughly not many owners .alot are 10 yrs old 4 owners that's not right . Poss people that may have over pushed themselves on power of car . ? That's where I am .I see one i like and it's 60k + lol I'm looking 22 to 35 .so flexible.
Headlamps on my E39 steamed up... I just drilled a small hole in the top of them, out of sight (covered by the bonnet) and it clears quite quickly. Not just a Lotus issue, many manufacturers have trouble with condensation in the headlamp unit.
Have an Elise S3. I drive it as much as possible to avoid a flat battery. It's a hard life driving my S3 to avoid the battery going flat ;-) I saved up for 25 years to buy her. If I'm away for a few weeks I drop her off to my brother who takes it for a ride. Yes every car has a personality and flaws, but the Elise S3 is just great. It took me a year to get my confidence and I understand how she now works. There will be issues as with every other car I'm sure, but just to sit in that car makes me so happy. A pure driving experience !!!!! Thanks Lotus !
@@BritishRacingGreens Until it dies lol Not ...go drive her she'll stay alive and make her scream while you're at it! Just a Beautiful ESTIGE S with lots of goodies today!
With the advent of the Toyota drivetrains in the S2 Elise the acronym changed to 'Lots of trouble, usually silly'. Big catastrophic faults are pretty rare now. But all the old stupid ones remain, AC faults, immobiliser faults, brake switch etc etc etc... They have got a bit better as the generations moved on and to be fair I've never had that much trouble with my Lotus', but it does help to be handy.
That’s fair, I’ve had lots of silly faults! Most recently, my engine temp reading base changed for degrees c to f. I thought my engine was going to explode for a few mins! Seems no way to set it back.
For a bulb change Front wheel off? Arch lining off? In Elise S2 (rover) only need to jack it up, turn the wheel. and have enough access to 3 bolts. Of course taking wheel off makes it easier. I like the Solar Panel solution, going to look into that. I had almost no rattles but I put some sound isolation on the floor and firewall. Last but not least - I would say: Lots Of Tickets Usually Speeding.
😂 yes I like that, so far avoided all tickets I hasten to add! Solar panel isn’t as effective as I’d hoped in winter, hopefully it’s more successful in summer. I did read it’s possible to do just by turning the wheel, but with less access. By the time it was in the air I figured it was easier overall to remove it entirely, maybe I’ll try your approach next time.
Re: the headlights, on the Japanese cars my friends and I used to put them in the oven at 180-200°F to heat up the glue that holds the clear outer housing to the inner housing. Remove all the sealant and use better 3M product to reseal them. But first, make absolutely certain that they aren't leaking simply at one of the bulb orifices. There's usually a foamy washer/seal between the bulb and housing . Make sure they seal up well . If not, make some out of better material.
I’ve just lived with this to be honest, could be leaking from the seals or the cover at the back. It doesn’t bother me enough to sort it and the lights have continued to operate properly so I haven’t worried too much. Your approach sounds like a good one though, maybe one day…
I joined the club about the same time. (Elise 111R S2) Jacking up the car is already a college credit. One thing I do to many other "weekend cars" before, is I put a master shut off at the battery. The previous owner did the same for the car. The solar panel is seems to be a smart move. I am considering to put one on for the dash cam. Best wishes, from New York!
Congrats on your purchase, a lotus must turn a few heads in NY! A few people have suggested the battery cut off, the reason I haven’t gone down that route is that I want the alarm running. The solar panel hasn’t worked so well in our winter, so I’ve got a small jump starter now, works a treat.
@@BritishRacingGreens s2 Elise owner here. I found out the hard way that charging through the cigarette plug does not work! I was doing it through a full charger, not a trickle one. It only charged the battery to ~50%. You can try to wire your solar directly to the battery and see if it improves
I am a S3 Elise owner. My traction (ESC) alarm went on a few times before the workshop replaced the brake sensor inside the cabin, and solved it. Not sure if S2 model has that sensor too but definitely worthy a try, either check it with an OBD2 reader or simply visit your Lotus workshop.
I haven’t had any issues with my traction light just yet, it’s the ABS light that’s been playing up. Either way, OBD2 is a good suggestion, I’ll plug it in and see what’s thrown up 👍🏻
I had many battery problems with my original lightweight battery in my Elise, I then changed it for the same battery as used in the Toyota Celica, and I've never had a problem since, despite it being left for months un-started. I've also gone through several splitters and number plates...😆
Only minors and well known issues to long term Lotus Owners: 1.) Number plate: it's always playing around with the height, to keep the air fflow for the cooler and avoid to loose it at bumps 2) Foggy Head lights and indicators: Well known issue, if you keep the car outside. Almost impossible to solve. Keep it in a garage and be carefull, when washing with a Kärcher. I had this more or less with all Lotus cars 3.) Headlight: All Lotus owner have the superlight aluminium jack from rod craft, which is easy to slide underneath, even with low ride height. Then you need a cordless screw driver (makita or Milwaukee) and you can change the head bulb within 15 min. Breaks normally not more often than 1x in 5 years 4.) MIL light: well, a Toyota Engine without MIL light is not existing. CHeck it with a diagnose, maybe the temperature sensore is not working properly. I have it mostly on in the S240 Exige, the 2 Eleven never had this issue. My friends chaged the sensores and checked the switches. But no issue to worry. 5) Boot lock: yes, from time to time, tighten it. 6.) Batterry: Put a battery kill switch, and you will never have a problem. I put this in all my cars, as i don not use them regularly. 7.) If you have time, take out the seats and you can put new roller rails and bolt it correctly. Take off the inner door covers and screw it properly. You can solve most of the rattling, but this is a Lotus and that'S quite normal to a certain degree. The younger the Exige/Elise the better is the built quality, the earyl ones are really little shitboxes , but that's we love them ;-) Normally there are no big isseus with the Toyo powererd cars, you have fixed now most of them, so it should be fine for a longer time
Thanks Sven, appreciate your well-considered and well-informed feedback. It's re-assuring to know that the issues are well understood and not uncommon. Easy fixed in most cases, I'm sure the headlight switch will be easier next time now I know the steps. P.S. I'm very jealous of your 2 Eleven - that must be a very visceral experience!
My only issues so far at 47k miles, alarm wouldn't set properly (switch located under service panel not aligned) and the bracket that keeps the roof secure threading a bolt and continually filing out at high speed. Otherwise fingers crossed.
Have a brand new FE 420, aside from having to adjust the windows for water trickling in it's been amazing and very reliable. I'm only 1500 miles in but what an epic car!
When u pressurize wash the wheels too much or with great pressure water goes in places that shouldn't. Seal the connectors with electrical heat resistant seal. It will seal also water if u do it right.
I realised that the main headlights do actually have drain holes in them, looks like they may have been there from factory so they do (eventually) sort themselves out, however the indicator lights may need holes drilling. A weekend project.
Good honest review. Problems not unique. Porsche has headlamps that steam up and I can’t remember if it was Top Gear or Fifth Gear years ago that showed a Renault saloon that had the same bulb changing issue. Flat batteries on modern cars are a well known problem too. Stunning looking car 👍👍. edit just looked out of my window at my neighbours 2019 Cayman … rear brake clusters are opaque. 🙄
Thanks! I take some solace in the fact that these issues aren't uncommon, not just on the Exige but with other manufacturers too, the grass isn't always greener.
Quite interesting when you mentioned you have a solar panel plugged into the cigarette port which charges the car battery; would you be kind enough to share the link to this device and where can I get it. Thanks in advance.
I bought the solar panel off Amazon, but to be honest, it hasn't been as successful as I had initially thought. The winter sun in the UK isn't very strong(!) so it might be more successful in the summer. I've not resorted to buying a mini jump starter called the MSC Overland, which has worked excellently when I've needed it.
@@BritishRacingGreens What I can suggest is to install a power cut switch if you don't drive often, it's like unplugging the battery terminal less the hassle and mess. If you still intent to try out the solar power, I have done a research, you need a correct 12v solar panel, you need to run through a solar controller and link directly to battery terminal. I don't think you can reverse charge from the car cigarette lighter port.
@@darrylyk thanks for your help. I think there are certain models that can reverse charge through the 12v socket, the later ones only I believe. The reason I haven’t installed an isolator switch is that I need the alarm to stay functional. The jump starter I’ve got is excellent, so no big drama if it goes flat 🤞🏻
I own mine since 15 years and I never been back to the garage or dealer with the car not even one time. I put gaz in it, change the oil and the tires, that's it. The engine is modified to 300hp for the last 10 years and I beat the crap out of it everytime I drive the car. It is impossible to own a sport car cheaper to operate then this one.
I have owned Maserati 3200 Gt since 2015. Since than I have done only 5500 km. The car mostly staying in the garage. I have only changed my battery once in 2018. After three years buying it. My point is Maserati 3200 Gt has battery master switch in the boot. If I will not use the car quite long I turn the switch off and keeping my battery healthy. It is simply like racing/rally cars master switch. Two years ago when I first chance to be a candidate buyer to Lotus Elise. The first thing that I asked to dealer if there is a master switch in that car. He said no. I am quite surprised. Because a brand like Lotus whom built lots of racing cars does not put a master switch in their car as a standart. In anyway right after that I asked one of my friend who has own Opel Speedster. He is complaining same issue like you. He said that he is seriously thinking to apply a master switch. I guess this is the only way to avoid these kind of battery issues.
That's a pretty car too. I imagine that's the only way I can avoid the battery going flat, while I can't plug it into a trickle charger. The issue is, I need the alarm to stay functional. For that reason, I've bought a small starter pack which I can use in case the battery goes flat again. It should be better once it's not quite as cold.
The Toyota engine has been perfect so far, big fan. Having owned a K-Series powered car previously, I’m aware of…their drawbacks! Although it seems like with the right upgrades they can be far more reliable.
There is a reason most UK and Italian brands are sold to someone else or just gone bankrupt. They are all just too unreliable, most of them additionally too expensive to repair.
Watched the first few issues....and they arent issues which basically turns out to being too low 🤦♂️ had 7 lotus over the years and have been the best cars ive ever owned hands down. A squeeky release bearing on a clutch being the worst. Mega mega cars in general. Im putting your vid down to the fact you simply aren't used to this type of car🤷♂️
That feels more accurate. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that have gleefully mentioned the former to me though - none were Lotus owners I should add!
Car Diaries your Lotus looks really nice but seems out of place parked on a London side street? A 182 especially in silver would for me tick more boxes more of the time. Ironically more reliable too!
Advice.... Don't buy a Lotus... Wow steamed up headlights! Hang on did you say, remove the wheel to change a lightbulb. Engine light during rain. Flat batteries due to alarm. Jammed boot. Rattly car and all it cost was 65k....
Just to put this in context, my 1997 Elise has never needed a headlamp bulb changing (and you could do it without removing the wheel but you need quite small hands :)
You don’t appear to be very hands on, have you not had sports cars before?? Also the car should be garaged not parked in some horrible place in London. The electrical issues sound like a pain but if you were more hands on you would easily work that out. It’ll be a better experience if you learn and gain the skills to look after a car like this. It comes across like a London city boy whinging because he hasn’t got the skills to maintain his own sports car. Harsh, but true.
I have to agree, it would be a lot better if it was garaged. The alarm on these cars puts a parasitic drain on the battery so if it's not driven regularly enough it will go flat, trickle charger isn't an option where I live but open to ideas, what would you suggest?
Those that state Lotus stands for that bollocks are just jealous! They are jealous that you own one of the finest driving, handling, greatest steering feel and satisfying sports cars EVER MADE! They are also jealous of the fact you have the giant pair of bollocks required to actually drive a Lotus! Most likely these kind of weak minded drones drive a tedious Porsche. No one cares about seeing a Porsche on the road, they are SO common to the point of tedium with only the GT3, GT4 looking any different. Anyone with a soul and true love of driving would take the Lotus over the boring competition.
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If you're watching this I know you'll love my weekly newsletter! I share 5 automotive highlights ranging from curious cars for sale to scintillating social posts, can't miss TH-cam content to events. Sign up for free britishracinggreens.beehiiv.com
You definitely don't need to jack the car up to change the headlights or light bulbs. You just need to turn the wheel fully to the left for you to get enough access to the wheel arch liner.
How do I know? I've just changed the bulbs on mine. H1 LED for the low beam (choose ones that don't have a huge fan at the rear and the same profile as the halogen bulb), H7 for the high beam.
I can get access to the bulbs in about 3 minutes.
This is true! I have since completed the job without removing the wheel. I would not recommend dropping the headlight retainer clip inside the headlight assembly, it was very hard to retrieve!
as a S2 Exige owner myself, i would say the key to these cars is preventative maintenance in order to keep issues to a minimum. I keep my car outside under a cover because my garage is taken up with other toys so for the battery it remains on a ctek charger, in regard to squeaks and rattles, ive had the complete interior apart, everything out and I mean everything, I then put a sticky backed close cell foam strips on edges etc, where plastic meets anything, it has cut rattles down to almost nothing but I'm still chasing new squeaks n rattles as they come along, newest one is in the door so its a chasing game. I haven't really had any of the other issues you've had but as I say you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty with a Lotus, then it wont let you down, I love the looks of the Exige and the drive though the exhaust and supercharger whine can be tiresome after a while. I certainly don't think they deserve the reputation they have, which normally comes from people who either have not owned one or didn't keep on top of maintenance, thinking a hand built car would be the same as a mainstream car. Keep up the content though, enjoy you honest impressions of ownership.
I wholeheartedly agree, expectations needs to be set accordingly and they simply require some pre-emptive consideration. That's the (small) price you pay for such an engaging ownership experience.
Had one for 2 years, drove more than 20.000km, went to race tracks with it. Never had any issues. I miss it !
Thinking of buying an Exige .after listening to this video .only things that would annoy me would be Engine management light and the boot spring. I've had a Morgan. And done a basic maintenance course at Brands Hatch Morgan so jacking it up changing bulbs although fiddly I'm ok with . Already have CTEK Charger ..DO You do own suspension greasing and minor work ? Think I would do same as you with rattles and squeaks.
@lesliegee3621 if you’re comfortable with basic spannering, I’m sure you’ll be fine. The engine management light hasn’t returned so no issues there and the boot spring is a relatively easy fix with some fiddling. I still love the car and would defo recommend. If you’ve lived with a Morgan, you’re familiar with compromise!
@BritishRacingGreens yes enjoyed doing bits on Morgan..ye im no mechanic but yrs ago if stuff went wrong I can bolt things on alternators .water pumps so anything less than that I'm happy with .trying to find one for my budget and less than 40,000 miles 15yr old roughly not many owners .alot are 10 yrs old 4 owners that's not right . Poss people that may have over pushed themselves on power of car . ? That's where I am .I see one i like and it's 60k + lol I'm looking 22 to 35 .so flexible.
Headlamps on my E39 steamed up... I just drilled a small hole in the top of them, out of sight (covered by the bonnet) and it clears quite quickly.
Not just a Lotus issue, many manufacturers have trouble with condensation in the headlamp unit.
Glad to know I’m not on my own!
@@BritishRacingGreens
I think landrover admitted defeat and just used vent pipes in their P38 Range Rover.
Have an Elise S3. I drive it as much as possible to avoid a flat battery. It's a hard life driving my S3 to avoid the battery going flat ;-) I saved up for 25 years to buy her. If I'm away for a few weeks I drop her off to my brother who takes it for a ride. Yes every car has a personality and flaws, but the Elise S3 is just great. It took me a year to get my confidence and I understand how she now works. There will be issues as with every other car I'm sure, but just to sit in that car makes me so happy. A pure driving experience !!!!! Thanks Lotus !
I feel very much the same. To be honest, since replacing the battery things have been much better.
@@BritishRacingGreens Until it dies lol Not ...go drive her she'll stay alive and make her scream while you're at it!
Just a Beautiful ESTIGE S with lots of goodies today!
Been much better as of late, still enjoying it!
With the advent of the Toyota drivetrains in the S2 Elise the acronym changed to 'Lots of trouble, usually silly'.
Big catastrophic faults are pretty rare now. But all the old stupid ones remain, AC faults, immobiliser faults, brake switch etc etc etc... They have got a bit better as the generations moved on and to be fair I've never had that much trouble with my Lotus', but it does help to be handy.
That’s fair, I’ve had lots of silly faults! Most recently, my engine temp reading base changed for degrees c to f. I thought my engine was going to explode for a few mins! Seems no way to set it back.
For a bulb change Front wheel off? Arch lining off? In Elise S2 (rover) only need to jack it up, turn the wheel. and have enough access to 3 bolts. Of course taking wheel off makes it easier. I like the Solar Panel solution, going to look into that. I had almost no rattles but I put some sound isolation on the floor and firewall. Last but not least - I would say: Lots Of Tickets Usually Speeding.
😂 yes I like that, so far avoided all tickets I hasten to add!
Solar panel isn’t as effective as I’d hoped in winter, hopefully it’s more successful in summer.
I did read it’s possible to do just by turning the wheel, but with less access. By the time it was in the air I figured it was easier overall to remove it entirely, maybe I’ll try your approach next time.
Some problems, but looking at it, those beautiful shapes bet that makes to forget the problems.
Keep up with the good videos !
Absolutely, it’s quickly forgiven for its sins.
Re: the headlights, on the Japanese cars my friends and I used to put them in the oven at 180-200°F to heat up the glue that holds the clear outer housing to the inner housing. Remove all the sealant and use better 3M product to reseal them. But first, make absolutely certain that they aren't leaking simply at one of the bulb orifices. There's usually a foamy washer/seal between the bulb and housing . Make sure they seal up well . If not, make some out of better material.
I was thinking the same thing when he mentioned about this problem.
I’ve just lived with this to be honest, could be leaking from the seals or the cover at the back. It doesn’t bother me enough to sort it and the lights have continued to operate properly so I haven’t worried too much. Your approach sounds like a good one though, maybe one day…
I joined the club about the same time. (Elise 111R S2) Jacking up the car is already a college credit.
One thing I do to many other "weekend cars" before, is I put a master shut off at the battery. The previous owner did the same for the car.
The solar panel is seems to be a smart move. I am considering to put one on for the dash cam.
Best wishes, from New York!
Congrats on your purchase, a lotus must turn a few heads in NY! A few people have suggested the battery cut off, the reason I haven’t gone down that route is that I want the alarm running. The solar panel hasn’t worked so well in our winter, so I’ve got a small jump starter now, works a treat.
@@BritishRacingGreens s2 Elise owner here. I found out the hard way that charging through the cigarette plug does not work! I was doing it through a full charger, not a trickle one. It only charged the battery to ~50%. You can try to wire your solar directly to the battery and see if it improves
I am a S3 Elise owner. My traction (ESC) alarm went on a few times before the workshop replaced the brake sensor inside the cabin, and solved it. Not sure if S2 model has that sensor too but definitely worthy a try, either check it with an OBD2 reader or simply visit your Lotus workshop.
I haven’t had any issues with my traction light just yet, it’s the ABS light that’s been playing up. Either way, OBD2 is a good suggestion, I’ll plug it in and see what’s thrown up 👍🏻
I had many battery problems with my original lightweight battery in my Elise, I then changed it for the same battery as used in the Toyota Celica, and I've never had a problem since, despite it being left for months un-started. I've also gone through several splitters and number plates...😆
Ah, interesting, maybe I’ll explore that option! Currently relying on a jump starter pack.
@@BritishRacingGreens The standard brackets in the Elise will take the larger battery too.. 👍
Only minors and well known issues to long term Lotus Owners:
1.) Number plate: it's always playing around with the height, to keep the air fflow for the cooler and avoid to loose it at bumps
2) Foggy Head lights and indicators: Well known issue, if you keep the car outside. Almost impossible to solve. Keep it in a garage and be carefull, when washing with a Kärcher. I had this more or less with all Lotus cars
3.) Headlight: All Lotus owner have the superlight aluminium jack from rod craft, which is easy to slide underneath, even with low ride height. Then you need a cordless screw driver (makita or Milwaukee) and you can change the head bulb within 15 min. Breaks normally not more often than 1x in 5 years
4.) MIL light: well, a Toyota Engine without MIL light is not existing. CHeck it with a diagnose, maybe the temperature sensore is not working properly. I have it mostly on in the S240 Exige, the 2 Eleven never had this issue. My friends chaged the sensores and checked the switches. But no issue to worry.
5) Boot lock: yes, from time to time, tighten it.
6.) Batterry: Put a battery kill switch, and you will never have a problem. I put this in all my cars, as i don not use them regularly.
7.) If you have time, take out the seats and you can put new roller rails and bolt it correctly. Take off the inner door covers and screw it properly. You can solve most of the rattling, but this is a Lotus and that'S quite normal to a certain degree. The younger the Exige/Elise the better is the built quality, the earyl ones are really little shitboxes , but that's we love them ;-)
Normally there are no big isseus with the Toyo powererd cars, you have fixed now most of them, so it should be fine for a longer time
Thanks Sven, appreciate your well-considered and well-informed feedback. It's re-assuring to know that the issues are well understood and not uncommon. Easy fixed in most cases, I'm sure the headlight switch will be easier next time now I know the steps. P.S. I'm very jealous of your 2 Eleven - that must be a very visceral experience!
@@BritishRacingGreens i love my 2Eleven as well. You can see it in our video (the only english video, we did) th-cam.com/video/sUTgQbqc1qo/w-d-xo.html
Sub’d 👌🏻 1 of 3 in Austria, amazing!
I have a corolla tsport I love the 2zz. Know guys the cause for wiped intake camshaft on some lotus? Also need valve adjustment service the 2zzge?
My only issues so far at 47k miles, alarm wouldn't set properly (switch located under service panel not aligned) and the bracket that keeps the roof secure threading a bolt and continually filing out at high speed. Otherwise fingers crossed.
Sounds like mostly smooth sailing then, good to hear.
Have a brand new FE 420, aside from having to adjust the windows for water trickling in it's been amazing and very reliable. I'm only 1500 miles in but what an epic car!
Truly! The experience is worth the effort of any niggles, they are only niggles after all.
When u pressurize wash the wheels too much or with great pressure water goes in places that shouldn't. Seal the connectors with electrical heat resistant seal. It will seal also water if u do it right.
Thanks for the tip
I wounder if you drill a small hole in the back of the light it might allow the moisture to escape
I realised that the main headlights do actually have drain holes in them, looks like they may have been there from factory so they do (eventually) sort themselves out, however the indicator lights may need holes drilling. A weekend project.
My dream car ❤, one of these in solar yellow what a beauty!
Love the bright colours too! They’re always in higher demand and cost a little more.
In my boxster if you manually lock it it puts it into sleep mode and the battery lasts longer
Sounds like a neat solution. I really need the alarm active though with it being parked on the road. The alarm is very effective too!
Good honest review. Problems not unique. Porsche has headlamps that steam up and I can’t remember if it was Top Gear or Fifth Gear years ago that showed a Renault saloon that had the same bulb changing issue. Flat batteries on modern cars are a well known problem too. Stunning looking car 👍👍. edit just looked out of my window at my neighbours 2019 Cayman … rear brake clusters are opaque. 🙄
Thanks! I take some solace in the fact that these issues aren't uncommon, not just on the Exige but with other manufacturers too, the grass isn't always greener.
You do the Silver State Classic in Nevada
you can buy a NOCO genious 1 for keep the battery full and healty
That would be ideal, unfortunately I don’t have anywhere to plug it in 😢
Quite interesting when you mentioned you have a solar panel plugged into the cigarette port which charges the car battery; would you be kind enough to share the link to this device and where can I get it.
Thanks in advance.
I bought the solar panel off Amazon, but to be honest, it hasn't been as successful as I had initially thought. The winter sun in the UK isn't very strong(!) so it might be more successful in the summer. I've not resorted to buying a mini jump starter called the MSC Overland, which has worked excellently when I've needed it.
@@BritishRacingGreens What I can suggest is to install a power cut switch if you don't drive often, it's like unplugging the battery terminal less the hassle and mess.
If you still intent to try out the solar power, I have done a research, you need a correct 12v solar panel, you need to run through a solar controller and link directly to battery terminal.
I don't think you can reverse charge from the car cigarette lighter port.
@@darrylyk thanks for your help. I think there are certain models that can reverse charge through the 12v socket, the later ones only I believe. The reason I haven’t installed an isolator switch is that I need the alarm to stay functional. The jump starter I’ve got is excellent, so no big drama if it goes flat 🤞🏻
The headlights don't steam up on mine.
Mine rattles a lot too.
I don’t think the rattles are avoidable without a LOT of effort, you’d be chasing them down forever.
I own mine since 15 years and I never been back to the garage or dealer with the car not even one time. I put gaz in it, change the oil and the tires, that's it. The engine is modified to 300hp for the last 10 years and I beat the crap out of it everytime I drive the car. It is impossible to own a sport car cheaper to operate then this one.
Hopefully that’s 16 years of reliability now! I’ve only had minor niggles, nothing major gone wrong. Toyota engine helps a lot 👌🏻
I have owned Maserati 3200 Gt since 2015. Since than I have done only 5500 km. The car mostly staying in the garage. I have only changed my battery once in 2018. After three years buying it. My point is Maserati 3200 Gt has battery master switch in the boot. If I will not use the car quite long I turn the switch off and keeping my battery healthy. It is simply like racing/rally cars master switch. Two years ago when I first chance to be a candidate buyer to Lotus Elise. The first thing that I asked to dealer if there is a master switch in that car. He said no. I am quite surprised. Because a brand like Lotus whom built lots of racing cars does not put a master switch in their car as a standart. In anyway right after that I asked one of my friend who has own Opel Speedster. He is complaining same issue like you. He said that he is seriously thinking to apply a master switch. I guess this is the only way to avoid these kind of battery issues.
That's a pretty car too. I imagine that's the only way I can avoid the battery going flat, while I can't plug it into a trickle charger. The issue is, I need the alarm to stay functional. For that reason, I've bought a small starter pack which I can use in case the battery goes flat again. It should be better once it's not quite as cold.
U know those packets that absorb moisture in beef jerky thow those in the headlights that may work
That could well work!
Awesome. many thanks.
Congratulation you just bought a piece of history!
Thank you! I agree, especially since they stopped producing them, a relic.
beautiful car subscribed good luck with the channel
Thank you for the support!
Foggy headlights could be caused by faulty seals
Almost certainly the issue.
Haven’t gotten around to investigating more thoroughly
Yes I agree 90% is moaning, it's a race car you bought, loved both my Elise & Evora
I love mine too, so much fun!
.You can't get more reliable than Toyota/Lexus - Lotus use the best in reliability for things that matter.
Like the Rover K series engine 😂
The Toyota engine has been perfect so far, big fan. Having owned a K-Series powered car previously, I’m aware of…their drawbacks! Although it seems like with the right upgrades they can be far more reliable.
There is a reason most UK and Italian brands are sold to someone else or just gone bankrupt. They are all just too unreliable, most of them additionally too expensive to repair.
To be fair, it’s often not too expensive to repair, but does pick up a few niggles. Usually easy enough to fix myself.
Getting to the bulbs on my Benz is the same deal.
A bit of a faff! I’ve done it a few times now so it’s a little easier, but often end up with scrapes all down my arm.
i was gonna say these are the most minor annoyances
Just what you’d expect with Lotus ownership really, pros far outweigh the cons.
Watched the first few issues....and they arent issues which basically turns out to being too low 🤦♂️ had 7 lotus over the years and have been the best cars ive ever owned hands down. A squeeky release bearing on a clutch being the worst. Mega mega cars in general. Im putting your vid down to the fact you simply aren't used to this type of car🤷♂️
If you've owned 7 I'm sure you're more accustomed to the...personality! I love it all the same.
Ok time to boycott Halfords. #FitMyLight
😂 exactly!
the lots of trub usually serious is soooooooo outdated !!!! new version lots of trub usually silly
That feels more accurate. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that have gleefully mentioned the former to me though - none were Lotus owners I should add!
@@BritishRacingGreens and tbh once you are the proud owner of a lotus the problems are outweighed by the ownership !!
Time for another 182 🤔
😂 that wasn’t totally innocent either! Trust me, if I had space, I’d have both.
Car Diaries your Lotus looks really nice but seems out of place parked on a London side street? A 182 especially in silver would for me tick more boxes more of the time. Ironically more reliable too!
@@mrmarrow8918 surprisingly so! Took it out today, didn't miss a beat, back on top form.
Advice.... Don't buy a Lotus... Wow steamed up headlights! Hang on did you say, remove the wheel to change a lightbulb. Engine light during rain. Flat batteries due to alarm. Jammed boot. Rattly car and all it cost was 65k....
Just to put this in context, my 1997 Elise has never needed a headlamp bulb changing (and you could do it without removing the wheel but you need quite small hands :)
I've now tried both methods, it is possible to change without removing the wheel but if you have the space and the tools, it's much easier if you do!
just a light bulb then , good reliable cars are Lotus
Engine and drivetrain have been fantastic to be fair 👌🏻a few electrical gremlins, nothing major.
You don’t appear to be very hands on, have you not had sports cars before??
Also the car should be garaged not parked in some horrible place in London.
The electrical issues sound like a pain but if you were more hands on you would easily work that out.
It’ll be a better experience if you learn and gain the skills to look after a car like this.
It comes across like a London city boy whinging because he hasn’t got the skills to maintain his own sports car. Harsh, but true.
I have to agree, it would be a lot better if it was garaged. The alarm on these cars puts a parasitic drain on the battery so if it's not driven regularly enough it will go flat, trickle charger isn't an option where I live but open to ideas, what would you suggest?
Those that state Lotus stands for that bollocks are just jealous! They are jealous that you own one of the finest driving, handling, greatest steering feel and satisfying sports cars EVER MADE! They are also jealous of the fact you have the giant pair of bollocks required to actually drive a Lotus! Most likely these kind of weak minded drones drive a tedious Porsche. No one cares about seeing a Porsche on the road, they are SO common to the point of tedium with only the GT3, GT4 looking any different. Anyone with a soul and true love of driving would take the Lotus over the boring competition.
Too right, Dave! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
(Love from a tedious Porsche driver with small bollocks.)
😂
I’d rather own that car in that spec over anything this side of a T.50/F1.
Thanks! I share your view, like I said in a previous video, this is genuinely my dream car.