5 Days in a Lotus Elise - Sacrifices for Greatness | Everyday Driver

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

The Lotus Elise isn't built for road trips. And Todd once said he would never take his on another driving trip. But the best roads of Utah and Colorado require a road trip, so he packed up his things and his son and put in the miles. Join them to see if it was a bad idea.
00:00 - 1:21 The Idea
1:21 - 6:13 Why a Lotus?
6:13 - 10:07 Maintenance and Sacrifice
10:07 - 12:07 No Fun
12:07 - 13:57 This is why we came!
13:57 - Lessons Learned.
This is a KZread exclusive long term of Todd's Lotus. More to come.
#Lotus #Elise #Roadtrip #Travel
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Пікірлер: 784

  • @Miggy2j
    @Miggy2j2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing. These are the memory's your son will never forget, and in a few years he'll realise how lucky he is to have a dad like you.

  • @jlopez1017d

    @jlopez1017d

    2 жыл бұрын

    Some of my favorite childhood memories are of family road trips

  • @yankee2yankee216

    @yankee2yankee216

    2 жыл бұрын

    And if he's lucky, he'll get the Lotus for his 18th or 21st birthday... It would be GREAT to have in college! Noise? When I lived in SoCal, on some long drives in the San Gabriels, even my Miata got tiring... I DID the million dollar highway in my '94 Miata! It was a LOOONG drive, But I loved it, enough to get another!

  • @samb2334

    @samb2334

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@yankee2yankee216 my dad has a series 3 Elise but I doubt insurance will even let my drive it let alone even asking my dad

  • @djbis

    @djbis

    2 жыл бұрын

    you wrote the comment I was going to write. Great video, great times.

  • @gordon2zz778

    @gordon2zz778

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Miles Doyle god wipes my ass everyday

  • @Jorge_Magallon
    @Jorge_Magallon2 жыл бұрын

    “Any corner that I get in this car… is a gift.” It’s a great way to feel. Speaking of “great”; great video!

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you liked it. Thank you!

  • @caspforge

    @caspforge

    2 жыл бұрын

    I feel the same way in my 86. Nice sticky summer tires and a good curvy road and there is nothing better. I have always loved the Elise and definitely see one in my future.

  • @mikebillysauer-nickerson6136

    @mikebillysauer-nickerson6136

    2 жыл бұрын

    That single quote alone will be what I remember when I take my Elise on the road. It’s the “One small step for man” quote for the Elise.

  • @bobbyrios2k223

    @bobbyrios2k223

    2 жыл бұрын

    Bro, that quote hit me too. I feel the same in my s2k. I tried to drive a lotus, just a tad too small for me.. but i understand. Lotus elise is an awesome car

  • @darrylwebb3625

    @darrylwebb3625

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's a super and memorable quote, even among other Elise quotes.

  • @647killa
    @647killa2 жыл бұрын

    Todd, you’re my hero ! I’m done with all these other “car guys” on KZread. Much respect and your son is lucky to have a father like you. Never sell the Elise, please. They truly don’t make ‘em like that no more.

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad to have you watching, thank you!

  • @FastDuDeJiunn

    @FastDuDeJiunn

    2 жыл бұрын

    hero? for what? Think u need to look up the meaning.... and or get out more. Change ur name. U sure as hell are not a man.

  • @genesises

    @genesises

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@FastDuDeJiunn i think ur the one who needs to get out more lol

  • @dailydriven991
    @dailydriven9912 жыл бұрын

    Any corner is a gift; One of the best automotive quotes I can remember. People always see sports cars and say “that thing must go really fast” or “you ever open it up on the highway?” You can drive a pickup truck really fast. Anything is fast on a highway. Car enthusiasts know that corners and are where the real magic is. Great car. Great trip. Awesome video.

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear this resonated with you. Thanks for watching!

  • @thefunkmuppet
    @thefunkmuppet2 жыл бұрын

    "these should NOT be taken on road trips" Immediately proceeds to take a road trip.

  • @tayne5009

    @tayne5009

    2 жыл бұрын

    When immediately means 4 years.

  • @forrestjenkins5793
    @forrestjenkins57932 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful piece, y’all. Father and son in a great car on great roads.

  • @VirtualGuth
    @VirtualGuth2 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful video. Not specifically because of Todd's Elise, though it's truly an awesome car, but because you've done an incredible job of showing what owning a sports car was all about. To me, sports cars involve compromises made in order to enjoy the pureness of the experience only they could offer - an experience that the driver is at the center of as an essential participant in almost every way. While not as pure as Todd's Elise, a S2000 serves my sports car needs these days. When I was in high school, it was a Triumph Spitfire. Despite their vastly different levels of performance, their purpose was the same. There are very few pure sports cars still being offered today. Most every performance vehicle made these days would have been considered a GT when I was young That's still how I tend to look at them today. In addition, the purity of a car like Todd's Elise is now a thing of the past as the electronics permeating today's cars have truly become invasive. Not to mention that most people couldn't stand to sacrifice their own level of comfort to the same degree as Todd. Beyond that, in addition to the many needless things automakers have included with today's performance cars, government regulations have wiped out other aspects of sports cars that made them such unique vehicles in the past. Today's drivers have no choice but to accept some of these things when it comes to modern cars, but they have also been willing to give up the utterly direct relationship that the driver has with a car like the Elise for the sake of ever more impressive performance statistics (much of which will never be put to use on the road). Thus we've ended up with cars now full of things like electronic throttle controls, traction control, infotainment systems, fake engine noises, so on and so forth. I feel very fortunate to able to own the S2000 as a 2nd car. Like Todd, I only tend to use the car during the warmer months and I only put the top up when caught off guard by rain or when starting off in the cold air of early morning. In more than four years now, I have yet to use the stereo as I've never felt the need for it. Yet I find the S2000 to be practically luxurious compared to my other ride, which is a motorcycle. Those wanting a truly visceral experience with supercar levels of performance at a fraction of the cost should try a motorcycle. That said, my riding days are just about over while I plan to hold on to the S2000 until I can no longer get in and out of it. And while my wife won't come near the motorcycle, she actually enjoys the S2000 and would be willing to go just about anywhere with me in it. While it wasn't nearly the car that the S2000 is, I do look back fondly at the old Spitfire I owned when compared to the cars of today. No, it did not offer nearly the same levels of performance or reliability that today's cars do, nowhere close. But when I see cars like the Spitfire and the S2000 fading into distant memories, I am incredibly glad that I've been able to experience them for myself. I'm sure that many others feel the same way about the Elise and countless other older sports cars. Thanks for this video.

  • @Hafizkamsadi

    @Hafizkamsadi

    2 жыл бұрын

    Lovely write-up on the reality of more recent and future sports cars. I too own an S2000 and for the past 6 years, have added 110,000 kms which for a few years, was my only car. Where most people would rather drive their comfortable GT-type cars for roadtrips, I chose to drive the S2000 because it’s the experience and memories of driving that I enjoy in addition to the end destination. As they say, they don’t make it like they used to (and never will) so we should hold on to the gems that we have.

  • @VirtualGuth

    @VirtualGuth

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Hafizkamsadi Well said. Enjoy!

  • @judge831

    @judge831

    2 жыл бұрын

    91 MR2 turbo with manual steering owner here. This comment really motivates me to fix me T-tops and brakes and get my baby back on the road.

  • @Hafizkamsadi

    @Hafizkamsadi

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@judge831 that would be a worthwhile exercise. I’ve definitely noticed a huge increase of excited faces and smiles just from seeing cool 90s/early 2000s cars being driven on the road. I think the last 2-3 years have really made people appreciate these cars a lot more for some reason. Probably because of the imminent electric cars

  • @davecoalwood9487

    @davecoalwood9487

    2 жыл бұрын

    Caterham owner here...I thought an Elise was a GT??!! 😄 Well said Mate. Merry Christmas to You and Your's. 👍

  • @alisioardiona727
    @alisioardiona727 Жыл бұрын

    ''My head almost never touches [the roof]''. I love the coping

  • @larryp.450
    @larryp.450 Жыл бұрын

    You're a great dad, going time, not just money with your son. You're creating priceless memories.

  • @brianrainey2739
    @brianrainey27392 жыл бұрын

    That final scene on day 4….the perfect S-turn….the Elise’ happy place. 😊

  • @DreamWorkDrive
    @DreamWorkDrive2 жыл бұрын

    That's awesome! All about the experience and enjoying it with family. My longest road trip ever was with my Sti, almost 6000 miles through Ireland, France, Andorra, Spain and Portugal. It was epic! Can't wait to do it again, so my kids can truly experience it this time.

  • @MrJacksjb
    @MrJacksjb2 жыл бұрын

    I was working for a defense contractor and we were all pulling in serious OT (early 2000's). Lots of disposable income, the parking lot looked like a Corvette and BMW dealership. One guy wanted something different so he bought a new Lotus Elise. It was his only car and he drove it to work daily. That thing was awesome. He did end up eventually getting a used Civic along with the Lotus for getting groceries and commuting in the rain.

  • @LelandTorrence
    @LelandTorrence2 жыл бұрын

    Each of my sons spent many days with me in our 2006 Elise. Mostly New England and Upper State New York driving on tight turning roads, nothing so open as the extraordinary vistas you shared. We did a bunch of modifications to things like seat position, sound system, exhaust, jammers, etc.. Many trips we did day excursions without the hard top and hid under bridges in rain and wore full ski gear in the winter. Four studded tires are great for the winter. What I most love about this video is the hours I and my boys will never forget. Congratulations to you both.

  • @alexwangechi7175

    @alexwangechi7175

    2 жыл бұрын

    You're an awesome dad. I wanna be this way when I get sons of my own.

  • @toyotahontas9296

    @toyotahontas9296

    8 ай бұрын

    I'm in the Boston area. How does the Elise handle potholes, construction zones, speed bumps etc?

  • @todddunbar176
    @todddunbar176Ай бұрын

    Great video. I live in Colorado. If I am on a mountain road in a not so fun vehicle and a "fun" car comes up behind I immediately pull over for them to go by and give them a thumbs up. I truly wish everyone did the same courtesy.

  • @stocksxbondage
    @stocksxbondage Жыл бұрын

    The highlight of this video is a father spending time with his son! Nice Lotus

  • @billymilligan
    @billymilligan2 жыл бұрын

    Love it!! "Any corner I get in this car is a gift." Couldn't agree more. I feel the same about my 987. Being able to share it with your son must have been magical.

  • @jterranova
    @jterranova2 жыл бұрын

    Drove with my wife across the country in my 30 year old Miata. 3000 miles. Did one 24 hour day. No cruise control. Loved it. Great video. Hope I can get an Elise someday. No other car I want.

  • @markphinney3152
    @markphinney31522 жыл бұрын

    great vid... made me miss my 2010 Solar Yellow Elise.. had it for 7 years and just switched last summer to the Evora S. I enjoyed solo road tripping with the Elise... though I really didn't do enough top-off driving. Was going to offer one tip: Do NOT sell that car! Drive it, and then drive it more.. But it sounds like you've got that under control!

  • @JamesG19771
    @JamesG197712 жыл бұрын

    "Any corner that I get in this car, is a gift" I could not agree more, the Elise is made for cornering .

  • @jackclarke9980
    @jackclarke99803 ай бұрын

    What a beautiful little machine. And a little triumph of Britain 🇬🇧

  • @travisswanson3449
    @travisswanson34492 жыл бұрын

    My dad was never able to do this with me, because he wasn’t really into this sort of thing. But I loved it when we went camping, because it was the only time we could get close to something like this. And that was seldom. It makes me happy to know you are doing this with your son. To see the great wide open, natures beauty, great roads America has built, and discovering roads less traveled, because they are less convenient.

  • @_VelociDad
    @_VelociDad2 жыл бұрын

    I remember my Dad driving me on adventures in Australia when I was young. He always talked about owning a Corvette one day. I’m a car guy now because of my Dad, and since he is older, I drive him places in my Z06 now; he loves every mile.

  • @user-mg1et3vp4r
    @user-mg1et3vp4r9 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the memories. I loved my 2005 Elise. Bought March 2005 and sold March 2020 with just over 100,000 miles. A few track days, several road trips over 2,000 miles and my daily driver for 9 years. I'd agree with everything you said about the car. I always searched out great roads with little traffic - my favorites being Hwy 1 from Stinson Beach through Fort Bragg, California and Hwy 50 across Nevada (The Loneliest Road in America). The one thing you didn't mention was just how much attention this car got. Even after 100,000 miles. people still gathered around the car as if I was driving a Ferrari. And I loved talking to people about my car and letting kids sit in the drivers seat. I was so lucky and privileged to own this car - and I loved sharing my good fortune with anyone else who admired these fabulous little cars.

  • @wackit6756
    @wackit67562 жыл бұрын

    What a beautiful 3/4 view of the rear of this car. I love cars that are not the norm, that are unusual. Anyone can have a Vette or a Porsche. It takes a true enthusiast to own this. Keep this forever.

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Doubt my son will let me get rid of it! - Todd

  • @dmk0210

    @dmk0210

    2 жыл бұрын

    I own a Vette and absolutely love it. But I still want an Elise. It's a shame we won't be seeing cars like it made anymore.

  • @JC-lk3oy

    @JC-lk3oy

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@EverydayDriver So you're saying he's being raised right 😉

  • @schankam

    @schankam

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dmk0210 The new Alpine is cool ! Probably will be a classic as well in a few years

  • @dmk0210

    @dmk0210

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@schankam Agreed. I wish we could get that car in the USA. I'd pick that over a Cayman for sure.

  • @johnmcraven3598
    @johnmcraven35982 жыл бұрын

    The first time we drove the Hogsback we were totally unaware that it existed, and we came in from the north. It was such an amazing surprise to go from a flat(ish) desert area to seeing a glimpse of a deep canyon on one side, then a glimpse of one on the other side, and then on BOTH sides. And then the sides get closer until it's really just pavement and canyon on both sides. Even in an area of Utah that is already jam packed with amazing scenery, it REALLY stands out.

  • @SpeedyTubaGuy
    @SpeedyTubaGuy2 жыл бұрын

    This honestly is pretty relatable to road tripping on a motorcycle. When you get to those beautiful backroads it is amazing, but you really need some earplugs, be able to put up with discomfort, and the mindless straight drives on the freeway. I bought a new motorcycle this spring and rode 1000 miles home from the bottom of Arizona to the top of Utah over the course of 2 days. You get sore, tired, can be grouchy, etc, but it is so worth it when you find that amazing road

  • @mikem9049
    @mikem90492 жыл бұрын

    So great! I just returned from a cross country road trip with my son in our new fun car. Made memories we won't soon forget.

  • @nintense1
    @nintense12 жыл бұрын

    Only drove the Elise once, and it was awesome! I bought an Evora right after, but regret didn’t buy both when the Elise was still affordable.

  • @Grant849

    @Grant849

    2 жыл бұрын

    Why are they so expensive now? Used to be around 25-30k

  • @nintense1

    @nintense1

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Grant849 people realize how great they are

  • @Grant849

    @Grant849

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@nintense1 yeah that must be, i was going to get one when it was 25-30k but now might as well get an Evora

  • @nintense1

    @nintense1

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Grant849 the Evora price is also on the rise… you better be hurry

  • @thomas_2285
    @thomas_22852 жыл бұрын

    Seriously one of the best car related videos I've seen and I watch a ton of them. You really summed up why we all love driving good cars so much. It was also extra cool you got to enjoy the trip with your son! I'm looking forward to more Elise content in the future.

  • @danielcombs1697
    @danielcombs16972 жыл бұрын

    I owned an 05 Elise after going to England to drive one. My wife and I took it from Indio, california to Pembroke, Virginia and back when in our early fifties. Everything about this video is spot on and I loved the driving video. It brought back such wonderful memories. We also took it to Sand Point, Idaho and back. We put 68,000 miles on it until my mother had a stroke, moved in and my wife quit working. We sold it and paid of debt. Now we own a 2020 Mazda Miata. It sure was fun to go back in time with you and see our Yellow Elise.

  • @OAK_MTN
    @OAK_MTN2 жыл бұрын

    Usually the things you say relate to cars and make me think of other cars, this time it makes me think of my motorcycle more than anything else. That's how great the Elise sounds to me.

  • @ecpoirier
    @ecpoirier7 ай бұрын

    To drive that car + at highway speeds + with the top on + without ear plugs = very impressive. As a 2006 Lotus Elise owner (for the past 11yrs), you are a warrior. I can confirm everything that you said about the Elise. Mine has cost me very little money, except for insurance, gas, tires, oil. I have not encountered any major repairs.. The hip space doubles as a cup holder. Your calf falls asleep. Cruise control would be a godsend. What a great and accurate video of Elise ownership. Well done.

  • @domfer2540
    @domfer25402 жыл бұрын

    There is nothing like a mid engine with top down. I bought a Fiat x1/9 in 1977 in Italy. We traveled the Alps and in the winter we would take the top off roll the windows up and turn on the heat. So much fun. Three cheers for back roads.

  • @VirtualGuth
    @VirtualGuth2 жыл бұрын

    My dad and I shared a love for motorcycles and cars. We once drove all day to attend one of the biggest motorcycle sales in the country, leaving before sunrise and returning after dark. It wasn't as romantic as traveling by sports car, and sadly the bed of the El Camino remained empty, but my dad and I had spent the entire time out on the road just talking. It will always be one of my fondest memories. Though my son isn't really into motorcycles or cars (he still prefers driving stick), we've been on many a road trip. I'm now grateful for any and all of the time I have spent with him - cars involved or not.

  • @petermacklin7870
    @petermacklin78702 жыл бұрын

    Great driving roads, and one on one time with your kid, who also enjoys the experience. Those are memories that last a lifetime.

  • @sarimali1399
    @sarimali13992 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video! Glad to see more on the Elise, especially the road trip with your son! The Elise is my ultimate dream car, it's the reason I try hard in life and seeing you enjoy it despite it's downfalls is a truly a wonderful sight to see. You cannot love something if it does not have any imperfections. The important thing about road trips are the experiences made along the way, not the end result and I love how you and your son have enjoyed ever moment you guys spent together in the Elise. Thanks for the video, more on the Elise in the future please!

  • @JC-lk3oy

    @JC-lk3oy

    2 жыл бұрын

    The Elise is the best drivers car I've ever been in. It's definitely a bit tight, hard to get in and out of, loud, and useless for anything other than driving... but man does it do that perfectly. The closest car to the Elise I have been in is the Toyota MR2 Spyder with a 2ZZ swap and fully built suspension. If you need something to hold you over until the Elise is attainable, it's really a great option.

  • @engineeringoyster6243
    @engineeringoyster6243 Жыл бұрын

    I still have a 1987 RX-7 that I bought new. I have done so many road trips with it, frequently driving 6 hours per leg, without a stop. No problems with air conditioning or noise and the handling is great. Plus, it has a great cruise control.

  • @AlexDMoto
    @AlexDMoto2 жыл бұрын

    Great video showing what living with an Elise/Exige is. Bought my Exige in SLC and drove it home to SF. Still own it 15 years later. Will never sell it.

  • @mikecronis
    @mikecronis9 ай бұрын

    I've owned a 2006 Elise Touring and all said here is correct. When steering gets light, you need to give more throttle of course.. or die. I miss her, my Colorado daily (even in the winter). I strongly recommend the foglights option.

  • @roybeasley9645
    @roybeasley96457 ай бұрын

    Loved your vid for two very good reasons, first I’m an Elise owner and your report is full of honesty and enthusiasm 👍🏻 secondly your trip brings back so many happy memories of my time testing British cars in the USA especially Colorado and Arizona for Hot sign off. Thank you Sir 👍🏻

  • @mattseville2226
    @mattseville22262 жыл бұрын

    Easily one of my favorite videos, not just on this channel but on KZread period. If for no other reason than to see a father share his passion with his son in a pure, undistracted experience. You lived a dream that many dads long to have. Great work, and thank you!!

  • @randomoto928
    @randomoto9282 жыл бұрын

    The Lotus Elise: for people who think an MR2 Spyder is too practical. (Thanks for another great video!)

  • @kgm5330

    @kgm5330

    2 жыл бұрын

    When it came time for me to replace my fourth Miata as my daily driver, my wife was encouraging me to buy “something a little more practical.” I was also considering an Elise. My wife loved it, but when it came time to choose, she was insisting that a new Miata “makes a lot more sense” and is now very pleased that her husband took her practical advice! 😆 In a world of relativity, the Elise stands out as something timelessly unique. After driving a few, and watching your videos, I’ve decided that I will get one as a true weekend car! My wife’s nickname is Elise, her favorite color for a sports car is yellow…hmmm…it gave me an idea… She watched your video, and she loved it! Now she’s looking at houses in Colorado! No joke! Not what I had in mind, but getting closer…

  • @BlatentlyFakeName

    @BlatentlyFakeName

    2 жыл бұрын

    They aren't that bad. The boot/trunk is actually bigger than the MX5 I think, but the entrance is smaller. But being mid engine anything you put in there will get cooked and there is a max weight of 50kg.

  • @thomaswright637
    @thomaswright637 Жыл бұрын

    In 2021 I took my Shelby GT350 on a cross country road trip from Monterey, CA to Orlando, FL and back. I zig zagged across as many states and POI that I could. I ended up racking up 7000 miles in 3 weeks. It was extremely expensive on fuel, massively impractical and I absolutely loved every second of it. When you hit a good open curvy mountain road, it all becomes SO worth it! Every time I got the chance to drop a gear and listen to the motor sing on a winding canyon, it made me fall in love with the car all over again.

  • @levik12
    @levik12 Жыл бұрын

    Toughening in out on a long road trip with a sporty stick shift car and your son sitting next to you is what makes it more special and memorable! Thanks.😎👍🏻

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

  • @ronniet906
    @ronniet906 Жыл бұрын

    "Rain adds to the adventure" 🙂On my 2nd Elise, and still have it for 22 years. Heartwarming Todd to watch your trip with your son, as he will with his children in many years to come. So don't sell it. Earphones are mandatory on long journey alight. Longest drive was from North London to Helsinki via Germany and Sweden, and never had back issue, like is normal cars, hence their is allot of benefits to the Elise seating position.

  • @rizin2213
    @rizin22132 жыл бұрын

    I had to watch this. Its a good video and my boys love going on trips through the mountains in my lotus.. I bought my turboed Honda K20 swapped Lotus in Raleigh NC on a Saturday, visited my grand parents in Wichita KS, and made it home in Western CO at midnight Sunday. This was almost 4 years ago to the month. I have packed it full of my lineman tools and cloths and drove 13 hours for work in California. Even had my 100lb black lab ride with me back from California in it. I honestly love driving this thing. One thing is it has a alitec shifter in it and will leave a good bruise in my leg from resting on it and the 10 gallon tank makes for a lot of stops. The A/C has never worked, being stuck in traffic in California was the only time I really wished I had it. I'm now building it for drag racing and hopefully will hit race week one year.

  • @tmdosu
    @tmdosu2 жыл бұрын

    It has a soft spot in my heart ever since I played NFS Hot Pursuit 2. It was the first game I played continuously.

  • @______6879
    @______68792 жыл бұрын

    I bought a C5 RS6 that is manual swapped and tuned. We drove it from Portland, OR to Houston, TX and it was an amazing trip to do. There were some amazing roads that I had never driven especially as we were leaving Oregon.

  • @johncheves4740
    @johncheves47402 жыл бұрын

    With this being a very well executed video, you might think that the reality doesn't quite meet the hype. Wrong. Being an Exige owner, (which is pretty much a variant of an Elise), I can say he is spot-on. These cars are unique. There is nothing else I've ever driven or ridden in that comes close to the same experience as driving one of these cars. In fact, the sensory connection with the car is so intense that you don't drive it as much as you wear it. I've had mine for almost 6 years and it is hands down my most prized possession. It is addictive to the point that not driving it regularly is a bit like going through withdrawal. As he said, they are a tight squeeze, especially for a good sized guy like him. But for me, at 5'10", once in, the car is a good fit and reasonably comfortable, with a great driving position. And that's despite being about to turn 62, with a bad back and knees. The fact is that I can't imagine not having it now. The car is just that damned good. And it's been surprisingly reliable, despite the BOE supercharger and suspension and other mods, and high mileage. (It will turn 100,000 miles by the end of this month). They are much cheaper to maintain than a Porsche, and if you can do the maintenance and repairs yourself, they are ridiculously inexpensive compared to any other exotic. That's mainly because they have a reliable Toyota engine and transmission, as well as the fact that they are one British car that actually has good wiring. The other main reason is that they are just so damned simple. No nav system, no power steering, no cruise control. It's just has what you need, and nothing more. He states that it is uncomfortable on long trips, but I've had no problem driving mine for less than 3 hours, and mine could easily be my daily driver. In fact, mine was the previous owner's daily driver. And as simple as these cars are, you can actually afford to rack up the miles and just replace parts as they wear out. A rebuilt engine can be bought from Monkeywrench Racing for around $2000.00. The upshot is that I can't imagine a car that offers more driving enjoyment for the price.

  • @seivaDsugnA

    @seivaDsugnA

    Жыл бұрын

    There will be nothing like it on the road for the foreseeable future. How's your fuel economy with the SC? I get about 36 mpUSg on the highway with the non SC. Around town mileage depends on how I drive, but I get about 375km per tank driving "spiritedly".

  • @brianmessemer2973
    @brianmessemer29732 жыл бұрын

    This video has been in my recommended for a few weeks but I've seen many videos on the great Lotus Elise and felt no urgency to watch. I'm so glad I just did. This video is totally unique on KZread. This is so much more than just another video about a car. It's a video about life. About family. About having memorable experiences. About how being uncomfortable can unlock joy. About appreciating the perfection of imperfection. About the essence of the driving experience. I'm blown away by this 👏👏👏👏👏

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Very flattered by your comments. You completely got what was intended. Thank you for watching, and thrilled you enjoyed! - Todd

  • @brianmessemer2973

    @brianmessemer2973

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@EverydayDriver My pleasure, Todd. Thanks for the reply and keep up the great work. Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy Holidays!

  • @scottspitler1443
    @scottspitler14432 жыл бұрын

    Todd, not only do I enjoy Everyday Driver, but I admire you for including your son. My two boys (21 & 23) also have a passion for cars. When we drive, there are no cellphones, tablets, etc. It’s just us…..driving. Thanks for being a great example to dads everywhere.

  • @Supercruze
    @Supercruze2 жыл бұрын

    Nothing better than Father and Son time. A trip your son will remember for the rest of his life. Beautiful car and beautiful scenery. Thanks for this segment and well done.

  • @kramnam4716
    @kramnam47162 жыл бұрын

    What a lucky lad to have you as his dad. Fab 🙏🏼💚👍

  • @airacomet
    @airacomet2 жыл бұрын

    I understand what you mean when you said this car decompressed me. I feel the same way with my 4c spider. Every Mille is driving with passion. You feel alive.

  • @franciscomonterrosa7889
    @franciscomonterrosa7889 Жыл бұрын

    I literally got goosebumps when you said "any corner on this car is a gift". I love your video. Thanks for sharing this amazing video. I remember everytime why I fall in love with my car over and over again. Just the fact of taking the long way home, driving through a twisty backtroad for no reason other than driving, it's what freedom feels like, to be able to simply drive the car you love. The small things in life.

  • @BillLaBrie
    @BillLaBrie2 жыл бұрын

    It’s a four-wheeled motorcycle, and that’s perfection.

  • @medat5101
    @medat51012 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for taking us along!

  • @robertseely4469
    @robertseely44692 жыл бұрын

    What a wonderful way to bond with your son! These are lifelong memories. Well done!

  • @raykunik4702
    @raykunik47022 жыл бұрын

    Another awesome video, Todd! Loved the videography. I’m blessed to own an 2005 Elise and an S2K. S2K is an amazing car but the Elise has so much more raw handling and driving. It’s addicting! It drives as good as the driver. Keep posting and great irreplaceable memories with you son - priceless.

  • @ChimpChumpable
    @ChimpChumpable2 жыл бұрын

    Those are some gorgeous roads, thanks for filming this trip!

  • @cheesegyoza
    @cheesegyoza2 жыл бұрын

    Reminds me of my father and I when he took me on his motorcycle rides. RIP dad.

  • @alfredharrison8190
    @alfredharrison81902 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful to see you and your son on this road trip in your bright Elise. Thanks for the beautiful filming. It was great to go over Hogsback again. Just made me appreciate the work your team did in organizing the fall Utah Pilgrimage. Thanks again; it was the highlight of my year! Have a great 2022!

  • @BD-dr1hw
    @BD-dr1hw Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the reminder of how much I loved my Elise. It was my daily driver for 5 years, and it even made highway driving in traffic fun. It was the most comfortable car I've ever driven, and while I never had the opportunity to take it on a road trip, I would have done so without reservation.

  • @aroundomaha
    @aroundomaha2 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely wonderful piece. Your passion for the car was great but sharing it with your son makes it amazing. Great work!

  • @TwoDollarGararge

    @TwoDollarGararge

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thats how a car guy is made I remeber the trips to train and car musueams in my dads 88 foxbody

  • @donaldherzog7701
    @donaldherzog77012 жыл бұрын

    I feel exacty the same about my Elise, although I've never done more than 4 hours of highway at one time. Love the bonding you're having with your son on road trips in a great car. So glad we were able to meet you both at LOG40. Keep the Elise videos coming and Happy Holidays!!!

  • @VajazzleMcDildertits
    @VajazzleMcDildertits2 жыл бұрын

    The soundless montage in the middle with the piano just locked it in for me. How beautiful.

  • @romanovmarkelyon1021
    @romanovmarkelyon10212 жыл бұрын

    You seem like a really cool dad. I bet your son loves going on drives with you. He will have lots of happy memories!

  • @Emilthehun
    @Emilthehun2 жыл бұрын

    Such a cool little car. This is why I have a c5 corvette. That removable top is priceless

  • @chuckdiego719
    @chuckdiego7192 жыл бұрын

    Great story about getting out and enjoying your car. I need to do a road trip and see more of this country. Nice Father and Son time.

  • @bri1042
    @bri10422 жыл бұрын

    What a great thing for you two to be able to do together. Utterly adorable.

  • @markswanson2952
    @markswanson29525 ай бұрын

    What a great video. Glad to see you enjoying time with your son. My son is 27 and he and I have had the opportunity to take several fun road trips in the past and he still talks about those trips that occurred years ago.

  • @verdict1163
    @verdict11632 жыл бұрын

    I gotta say, I enjoy the content with your own cars far more than the new car reviews. Looking forward to seeing more of the 300ZX and 928

  • @etoineschrdlu9382
    @etoineschrdlu93822 жыл бұрын

    I'm glad you were able to share this with your son.

  • @johnnymula2305
    @johnnymula23052 жыл бұрын

    These are by far, the absolute best modern sports car money can buy. Absolutely gorgeous. And an absolute blast to drive! This is definitely on my bucket list.

  • @mikehedges5954
    @mikehedges59542 жыл бұрын

    Best colour too!! Bright colours are a safety feature on such small cars.

  • @craigyirush3492
    @craigyirush34922 жыл бұрын

    More on the Lotus Elise please! Best modern sports car bar none. Took mine camping at the Monterey Historics - fitted a tent, sleeping bags, deck chairs, pillows, several days of clothes and two tall adults.

  • @Little6
    @Little62 жыл бұрын

    I have been waiting for your update on the Elise. Great video sir!

  • @Fynnpire
    @Fynnpire2 жыл бұрын

    I got goosebumps 3 or 4 times watching this.

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Flattered to hear you enjoyed it that much. Thank you for watching!

  • @brienfoaboutanything9037

    @brienfoaboutanything9037

    2 жыл бұрын

    Wikipedia about Lotus Elise: kzread.info/dash/bejne/Yq2lzq2lXdncn84.html

  • @truth6242
    @truth6242 Жыл бұрын

    Jesus.. if only all car videos could be like this. Then a classic Elise?? Epic.

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

  • @freedom55or95
    @freedom55or952 жыл бұрын

    Wow appreciated the wide and aerial shots. Thx for sharing.

  • @toddbaker7381
    @toddbaker73812 жыл бұрын

    Lotus makes great cars! Always loved them! I drive a yellow 986 but am a lotus fan. I own classic rovers and have been a collector of unique cars for 30 years. Todd you are a real enthusiast! If you are ever in Mass. I can show you some great driving roads! Stay well and all the best!

  • @txboss2318
    @txboss23182 жыл бұрын

    Making memories. Perfection!

  • @7027A
    @7027A2 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic car, fantastic trip, fantastic video! Motorcyclists learn / are willing to put up with a lot of personal discomfort (heat, cold, wet, cramps and aches, ear plugs) in order to ride their machines to reach "the good roads." It certainly looks like the Elise is basically a four-wheeled motorcycle that also extracts some discomfort in order to deliver the reward: a sublime driving experience on a great curvy road.

  • @stanmarks3950
    @stanmarks39502 жыл бұрын

    That was heart felt and beautiful.

  • @dmk0210
    @dmk02102 жыл бұрын

    Great car. Gorgeous scenery. Quality father & son time. Cool road trip. I love this video!

  • @LastHumansGarage
    @LastHumansGarage2 жыл бұрын

    oh wow, ive loved those cars for YEARS..

  • @TG-pd3ft
    @TG-pd3ft2 жыл бұрын

    The Car, the Country and the Weather - perfection!!

  • @NeilVegetaDang
    @NeilVegetaDang2 жыл бұрын

    Finally some more Elise content! Been waiting for this. Such a beautiful car and great to see you enjoying it, Todd! I must own one

  • @SicSemperBeats
    @SicSemperBeats2 жыл бұрын

    @3:30 Its always hilarious, no matter how good a car is (outside of some new stuff like an m5 or super cars) you can usually improve it a bit with some good quality coilovers. I seen a dude on a video who said he preferred the ride in his Aventador with BC racing coilovers vs the stock suspension.

  • @RichardJones-kx6mb
    @RichardJones-kx6mb10 ай бұрын

    Great video. Reminds me of the many miles my son and I spent together in my 2009 Bullitt when he was growing up. He came home from the hospital when he was born in the backseat of a V6 mustang.

  • @christianjforbes
    @christianjforbes Жыл бұрын

    Reminds me of the cross country trips I did I in a tuned up ‘65 Karmann Ghia. Similar road feel and loud cabin noise. So fun

  • @wangonguy62
    @wangonguy622 жыл бұрын

    The Elise is what I call my "realistic dream car". Looked like an incredible experience.

  • @OjsMatte

    @OjsMatte

    2 жыл бұрын

    It probably is, that was my thought when i first saw the S1. I took a while but i finally got an used yellow S2 111R 2005, had it for 13 years now. Some oil, tires and the usual car stuff. No biggie even for a regular blue collar guy =)

  • @johnwight6041

    @johnwight6041

    Жыл бұрын

    I can vouch personally that the Elise is 100% worth it

  • @seivaDsugnA

    @seivaDsugnA

    Жыл бұрын

    I was looking at Boxter/Cayman/R4 because these just weren't coming up where I live. Then one came up at Lotus Vancouver. $$$. L-Van now appear to have a few of 'em. Hmm.... New battery, super-glued the slipping reverse selector dealy-gigit on the shifter and no regrets. This is not really a car. It's more like a motorbike you fall into and squeeze out of. Great for motorbike touring if you hate blanketing yourself in leather in summer and freezing in the rain/winter, plus it corners and drives like a sports bike. Driving to work is a blast. Boxter/Cayman/even R4 is more practical as a car, but this is a Lotus. It's not a car, but can be used as one. It gets better fuel economy than my T595.

  • @AmateurEnthusiasm
    @AmateurEnthusiasm2 жыл бұрын

    I'll never forget the many hours I've spent with my miata in Japan's mountains. I quite nearly teared up at this video.

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad this resonated with you. Thanks for watching!

  • @shenanigan87
    @shenanigan872 жыл бұрын

    Very lovely footage, and extremely enjoyable to watch! While not my type of vehicle, I love seeing people enjoy a car for what it is, especially in such stunning scenery!

  • @philipc239
    @philipc2392 жыл бұрын

    The best father and son time 👍❤

  • @edturner3474
    @edturner34742 жыл бұрын

    I loved this video…for the reasons you loved doing it…with your son, in a Lotus, on some amazing roads…memories forever!!! Thank you for making it!

  • @MongoMotors352
    @MongoMotors3522 жыл бұрын

    I wish I had such a car when my kids were young. Enjoy the memories.

  • @robi4514
    @robi45142 жыл бұрын

    Great road trip and amazing scenery - you and your son are very lucky! I think your road trip summed up all the good and bad of the Elise. The joy of driving, creating adventure, feeding the senses and best of all - making memories. I've had my Elise here in the UK for fifteen years - previously I had a Caterham but wanted something just as fun, but more comfortable and it hasn't disappointed. There aren't many pure 'analogue' sports cars around these days - mine doesn't even have airbags or ABS! Looking forward to your next trip.

  • @MidasTwo
    @MidasTwo2 жыл бұрын

    Loved seeing an overseas reaction to this special car... Somehow I drive a car that's around 600lbs lighter than even the lotus haha... "Simplify, then add lightness", wise words indeed.

  • @seanm3ify
    @seanm3ify2 жыл бұрын

    Please keep making videos like these. The scenery and visceral emotions that a road trip creates are such wonderful feelings. I love being able to see this experience that you and your son were able to enjoy.

  • @EverydayDriver

    @EverydayDriver

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching and letting us know!

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