The green looks good imo. The config render was reflecting a warm background and came across too garden green. This looks very Aston Martin Green.

@Atombender

2 жыл бұрын

I think the "real-life" colour looks better than the configurator colour too. I generally dislike matte colours, this one looks fresh but not too showy.

I love how transparent you are with all your manufacturer dealings. From purchasing all the way through to servicing etc

Cracking review Damian. Perfect honesty! Speaking to many lotus owners, you’ll end up loving the things you hate before long…. All part of the ownership!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Tom - I hope so

All lotus owners: "Yep, sounds about right". Just wait until you need some spare parts! I agree it's a shame the colour hasn't lived up to expectations. Hope you can enjoy the driving experience anyway once it has been run in, after all that's the most important thing with an Elise.

@jonathantennantphotography2869

2 жыл бұрын

Never had an issue, and never had an issue with spare parts. Maybe I was lucky ?

@zimbarbaluba

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathantennantphotography2869 depends what you need, some parts end up on back order with the factory for months, years etc

@tomasengelmajer4634

2 жыл бұрын

@@zimbarbaluba Sadly it is like that today even for some Toyota products and for Lotus many times worse with all the industry/covid/ecoterror issues. I do understand it but it is sad when you are the one needing the part... Some suppliers even ceased to exist so they have to find new ones and other hard situations for the Lotus team.

@BlatentlyFakeName

2 жыл бұрын

Lotus are usually really good, much better than most other dealers. There can be a wait for certain parts though as the company which made some of the stuff on the older models went out of business years ago and no one has taken over production.

I’d be pee’d off with that change in green too, nothing like the catalogue sample! Love your videos for being so honest, it’s not as though the car was cheap so fully understand your disappointment with Lotus. Also agree about the plastic trim, should be aluminium for the final edition.

@4pevans

2 жыл бұрын

I'd agree but I think color it was painted is much nicer

@Blackr33

2 жыл бұрын

I don't think it's as much of a change in color, rather that the configuration doesn't represent it well. I looked at a hell of a lot of real photos of the colour I got and even then was worried what it might end up like.

Lotus PR department must be on their holiday's, as they missed a great opportunity to have you look round the HQ and give the brand a boost among your many viewers. As for the car it looks great and it would be good to see some custom metal buttons and vents made to boost the quality or the interior. Keep up the great videos.

I feel sad for you because of the horrendous service Lotus provides. On a bright side; for me as a viewer there's not more enjoyable than a brutally honest review of that experience. Thank you for that. I do like the color by the way and it looks like a proper supercar to me too. Looking forward to more content once you passed the 1,000 miles. Cheers from the Netherlands

When I buy a Lotus, I’m only interested in the car and not the buying experience. They are brilliant and I LOVE my Elise!! As for your disappointment at Lotus releasing a new Petrol engined car after you placed your order, you have bought the very last lightweight Lotus! And it is awesome! And we have known about the Emira coming for a long time. The FE is brilliant. Love the green, but would have gone for yellow stripes to really complete the look.

I still think it's a beautiful spec love the green with the yellow accents and grey wheels... would maybe remove those signature stickers they look a bit crap

I also agree with you about the colour, and Lotus should be shamed for the casual way that they have treated you. But.....The Elise is a joyous thing to drive and own.

Love the brutal honesty, v refreshing! Think the green looks great and would look even better with gold wheels

I spent 8 months deciding on colour, Lotus has many different greens, silvers etc with similar names… nearly went Porsche PTS Oak Green… ended up with Daytona Blue in the end. Probably should have went with orange 😂. Car comes alive above 4000 rpm. Can do that after 600km. Sales and service in Australia is exceptional.

don't mind the colour but some gold wheels would definitely give it a bit of a visual lift. "Give it some beans" may also now be inappropriate as the latest craze is for kids to empty a tin of beans all over a car, supermarkets have now been advised not to sell beans to children lol

@simonorr594

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, gold wheels are needed. But will Lotus help?

@MrDead1975

2 жыл бұрын

@@simonorr594 you don't need lotus, you just get them painted or powder coated at a decent shop

Love the way you say it as it is. Good on you, we need more of this on KZread. Excellent content. Congratulations.

Love the fact the indicator and wiper stalks are still 1990’s Vauxhall Astra ones 👍😎

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Totally

@tomasengelmajer4634

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV And then imagine that in 100k Evora GT ;-) It is a pain but that drive!!! Lotus is so obsessed with the driving feel and details but those "market experience" details are just on 27th place sadly for them. It should get higher but keep the driving obsession going ;-).

I've got to say I prefer Lotus's in a bright colour. The 240FE is a good road car but I prefer the Cup250 for looks and track days. I hope your catalyst lasts, watch out for exhaust rattles if you track it

One of the best car reviews I’ve seen. Totally up front and honest. Regardless of your experience, there is not a car I would rather own.

All that you've said, I still think it's a wonderful and beautiful piece of car art 😊👍🏁

Great little car, hopefully the green grows on you. Incredible how different it is to the colour when you spec it. Love the interior and the gear shifter. Agree about the stainless bits. Doesn’t need the gold wheels, in my opinion. I look forward to another driving video where you can rev it out.

Love your honesty and sorry if you’re a bit pissed off by the whole experience. It looks good IMHO.

Just googled Lotus Elise racing green ... next time ... do as I just did.

What a beautiful car! Congrats

Pretty car and a lovely colour. You'll have some fun in that, Damian, the questionable buying experience will fade from the rearview quickly I'm sure. Enjoy!

Still a great looking Lotus. And a future classic for sure. Love the wheels!

Good on you for being so honest, it's hard when you've spent so much and want to love it so much to admit any gripes, I think the colour looks great but agree, nothing like that configurator image (almost looks matte on the configurator)

Health to drive Damian, looks like a car which will give miles of smiles!!

I appreciate your candidness, really enjoyed this one :)

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

You could try a clear mat wrap on the racing green to make it look more like the green on the configuration?

Thanks for your interesting comments. Concerning the front number plate the 220 sport comes with a much smaller plinth which most Dealers stock and will accommodate a standard plate which I stuck on with double sided Gorila tape ( the original was screwed on too low by the dealer and was ripped off the first time that I pulled into my drive at home)). The tape works very well. I bought my 220 new earlier this year - I couldn't find a final Edition in an acceptable colour which wasn't £10000 more. Your car looks very good in green and I envy your choice. It looks better than my car which is in the blue you refer to. I'm sorry to hear of your disappointing experience. I'm pleased to say that my supplying dealer Hendy of Poole were excellent in every way. Without cost they even changed the radio and were very enthusiastic about Lotus in general.

Is the allen key not stuck in the drivers door area? My Elise has had a stick on front numberplate for years, never had any hassle with police. I've had mine 24 years but nearly got rid of it in the 1st year of ownership due to poor dealership experience and warranty issues.

Great review I appreciate the honesty. I don't mind the green but I agree it doesn't look as good as the configurator colour which is what I've always spec'd it as when window shopping. I'm a fan of the exhaust note.

Always love your content and your complete honesty 👍👍

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

I really enjoy these kind of videos you do Damian. I'm sorry it hasn't been the new car experience that it should have been, shame. Thanks for the honest informative video though, much appreciated and enjoyed. Have a good weekend!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers, Oliver

Thank you for a great video…as ever. Really sorry to hear you had such a poor buying experience. Once you can get that roof off and beyond the 4000 rev limit things are going to be looking up. I’ve had my Sport 220 for 18 months and it has brightened up almost every day in that time.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Excited to hear that, Chris

Mmm, have to say, I do love a gree, but totally agree with you, really sad, it’s not a winner. Man, sad times.

1000 mile run in!, it will be like getting a new car in 5 years when you hit that :) It's a lovely car and a box ticked well. I'm sure it will be the car of choice (even with your collection) for a trip to the local shops for a loaf of bread soon. A cheeky bit of different just for fun. :)

I'm real sorry the experience didn't go as hoped but I LOVE the color the wheels and just the right amount of yellow! I sure hope it grows on you because it is absolutely beautiful!!!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

👍👍

Awesome!

Yesss! Have been waiting for this all week since you posted it on Instagram! (I’m really sad that they ruined it for you though :/ )

As a Glasgow Rangers fan green is not a fave colour BUT I’d happily have this little pocket rocket I’ve always loved the Elise and this spec is beautiful and will grow more on you you’ll see I love basic and light and fast Handling is everything I’d love a bit of yellow around the front end a little like the Lotus 7 nose cone but smaller Happy days ahead I hate RR limos and expensive super cars we can never afford Yaris this and Porches 💋💋💋

Great honest Video - I also like you picked a colour that looked great on the configuration page but when it arrived I was extremely disappointed as it also looked nothing like the one on the web, however as this was a car from stock I did have a safety net with the dealer that if I didn’t like the colour then I could cancel my order and have my deposit returned. I must say the dealership and factory they have been extremely helpful in allowing me to re-order a new vehicle in Vortex Grey and to a build spec of my choice.......happy days to come I hope as I await delivery later this year ( one of the last builds ). Just hope my first choice colour is spot on 🤞🏻.

Sorry about your experience - mine very different, ordered a exige 390 in racing green also - love the colour, dealer very engaged and went through every option and great advice , yes mine was late also but absolutely love the car !! Think maybe depends on your dealer mine was fab !!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear it

I really like the spec!! Congratulations and health to drive

Lmao - You getting into that car is me getting into my wife's bloody mini, welcome to my world :)

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

👍👍

Lotus do both 'racing green' and 'motorsport green' just to confuse us. Motorsport green is fantastic with a yellow metallic fleck to it, racing green is sadly rubbish imo, very flat, no depth. Good if you're into understated colours but not for me. On the plus side you can't see the colour from the inside and it still drives better down UK roads than just about anything else.

Hi, have you done a video with the roof off yet at all? I’ve always wanted a lotus and I’m currently looking even though prices have gone stupid… everyone I tell about my dream to own an Elise tells me I’ll never fold myself into it or out of it but like you say, I can’t think of a time I’d drive it without the roof off. Look forward to more content. 👍🏼 … Was it Hendy’s in Poole you picked it up from? Im coming down from Staffordshire to there in a few weeks to have a look around.

The green looks really nice. This was all bought and collected in COVID-19 times so it was never going to be a normal purchase unfortunately.

Great looking car imho, I don't see many green ones. Guaranteed its going to be an awesome drive, more on that please when you're ready!!

Thank you for sharing very interesting video. I am still waiting for my 240FE, its looking like Christmas delivery now and I ve been told that when it does come its unlikely to have the soft top with it as there is a supply issue on these. Having had 4 Elise’s though I am prepared to wait as long as it takes as this one needs to see me out! Your dealer did well to get some customisations that weren’t on the configurator, I was told that there was no flexibility whatsoever. I think factory handovers have been quashed due to covid but it is worth paying a visit when things lift it’s a great experience. I think the colour combination looks superb, perhaps a yellow strip up the front and some roundels on the door would finish it off. Get those 1000 miles done and start to enjoy it!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't get the soft top either, but hopefully it won't be too long. Neither did the faceplate for the stereo arrive. The Colin Chapman signature and yellow "sport" lettering was added after delivery by the dealer. I have no idea if the factory was ever actually going to fit these items. Factory deliveries were possible by the time my car was ready.

Loved this! Did make me laugh. Well done guys 🤣🤣🤣

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I agree with Tony Gordon that a bright colour is preferable that colour is very difficult to see as it is too much like the background, but they are good fun, I have owned two

Color is nice, kerp your chin up. Looking forward to some beanage, and drive reviews!!

They haven't learned anything from James' experience with buying Evora 400, have they? Ah, Lotus.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Apparently not

When you said late and unfinished I knew it was a Lotus immediately 😂😂😂

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Ouch! 😀

It looks fantastic. I ran a number plate on the ‘bonnet’ on mine and preferred the look. However, although the colour is very different surely you looked online to find cars of the same colour? Or were none available as the colour was new to the final edition?

Nothing like the configurator, I’d be pretty cheesed off, but it’s not like your looking for a return, so who cares, it’ll be great fun. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

An honest review, lucky the guys (SSC) that look after Lotus Australia are far more accommodating. I second that comment about the brakes being spongey, I own a 430 Cup Exige and never loved the stock brake feel, it might just be a personal preference, but it’s an incredibly unnerving feeling when you hard brake into a corner, and 60% of the pedal does bugger all - I’ve recently solved this by upgrading the pads to Pagid RS14’s, had them on my S2 260, i’d recommend the same, the feel, bite, progression are far superior.

I bought a 8 months old black and gold Esprit in 1981. It was originally bought by a Saudi Prince whilst studying in London. Had a few thousand miles on clock. Within 2 years got lumbered with £8,000 of repairs consisting of cylinder head gasket that was not diagnosed by dealer, major fault on air conditioning system that dealer couldn’t fix, radiator leaks, worn gear stick linkage, flexible exhaust coupling replaced, doors used to shake at high speed. Had Morris Marina door handles and Rover back lights. Great looking car but taught me a lesson never to buy what was a glorified fibreglass kit car

Start up montage with the pigs had me laughing:DD Epic editing skills!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I thought you’d like that

@benbav4585

2 жыл бұрын

I hope we get to see the Tesco car park hokey-cokey in another episode. “You put your left leg in. You put your right leg out. In, out. Where’s the tool for the roof? That’s what it’s all about.” 👍

Congratulations. A beautiful car that. All the best.

Welcome to Lotus 😁 I have to confess I purchased my first Porsche sports car this year and I have an issue with it and Porsche are just the same, ignoring a known issue and hope you just give up. Wasn’t expecting that as you kind of except it with past new Lotus.

I noticed you have not reviewed a McLaren 720s yet, which has the steering sensitivity of a Lotus. I am in the area this week in case you want to give mine a go. I also have a 458 Challenge which I am taking to Dick Lovett Ferrari Day at Castle Combe on Sep 28 if you want to give that one a go too. It's nuts! Full racing gear mandatory.

Great review. I bought an original S1 with the MMC brakes and I really enjoyed the buying experience . Had a tour round the factory and was given a couple of Lotus books too....... hast forward to 2021 and I've placed an order for the new Lotus Emira. Today I've been invited to check the car out, guessing there's a buffet as my dietary requirements were asked. I'll let you know how I get on.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Lucky you

@jonathantennantphotography2869

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV Had an email from Lotus yesterday inviting me to a private launch event at my local dealer and also an invite for a video call to talk to Lotus re. the spec. on the car.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

@@jonathantennantphotography2869 Sounds good

Congrats mate for taking delivery, I got my cup 250 FE beginning of this month as well :D

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

What spec did you go for?

@vicsh4581

2 жыл бұрын

the very basic spec mate, only added the cruise control & carpet, not even the hardtop. Not willing to pay any more luxury car tax on any of these options. I'm planning to do all the things aftermarket.

It looks great....congrats on a really nice spec! Great green/yellow combo. I think a long road trip will help you bond with it. Lotus should be nice to you, though. I could see you in an Emira in future....

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I can’t

What ever happens, you are the few lucky guys who can have this special edition. Do not look back take your car down to the country lanes and enjoy with your car.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Sound advice

Another classic joins the Car Guys garage... and what a lovely little car it is. Looking gorgeous in its racing green, this little pocket rocket is no slouch. It's such a shame that Lotus dropped the bag for Damien and he gives an honest review of his buying experience. Nonetheless, congratulations Damien on adding your 1st new Lotus to the garage. I think it deserves a run up to the highlands or trip thru Wales to show off its abilities. More please. Love that PP too.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

👍👍

Holy... That stereo 😱

Lotus are out of order. Thankyou very much Damian for giving everyone the heads-up.

Excellent review Damian. I'm certain a supercharged Elise will eventually dull some of the hurt feelings.

Love Damien's refreshing honesty as always, no fakery like all the usual KZreadrs which is getting very tiresome.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Wayne

What kills you ,in this YTcar channel business , is your honesty Damian :) BUT we love you for it. Yeaaah the clear difference in the color pattern would be almost the death for me as a buyer,not getting exactly what you paid for IS a deal breaker,so everything else that usually you would take as "quirk" in the buying experience becomes a drag . Hopefully the end of the breaking period and the unleash of the car full potential gets your smile back good buddy!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers,, dude

I agree that colour does match the configuration which is a shame and a lotus could learn from it, however I do think the green is still a really nice colour and somewhat Aston Martin like

A Lotus? Is it a Lotus? Aaaaaand its a Lotus! I recognise that shape. Mine was gunmetal grey. Back in 2001.

Welp, sounds a lot like what JayEmm on Cars has explained in a video from a few years ago about the Lotus customer experience and nothing has changed since

Last one ever is a genuine USP. A nice little steal for you there.

Great honest video, again. I had a similar experience buying a rare new car and it tainted the whole experience. Do they not realise it affects any potential future sales!? Btw, where's Jason?

Sums up Lotus: a great drive! Forget everything else

I feel like this is JayEmm 2.0. As I recall, he weighed in when you were anticipating this car. And it was a less than enthusiastic weigh in, as I'd mentioned in that video. Almost entirely having to do, I'm guessing, with his own purchase and service experiences. I'd like to hope that this will grow on you? Looking forward to that post break-in video. The beans edition! Cheers from across the pond. 😊

Is that a 5270? Stunning piece… enjoy your car!

Gorgeus car! Congrats

I like the colour , car looks good 👍🏻

Never trust the color shown on the configurator. It shows cartoons not real photos. Go to the showroom and look for the colour cards for real.

Been hitting the gym big style ..... good for you ..... excellent film too. Good man.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

No chance, must be the camera angle

@mattbuckley392

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV What camera do you use .... might get one myself hehehe

Love the car. I like the green, gold wheels would transform it. Mrs C got the guys to add a little red to Subaru gold on one of our green cars, looks great. I had a new Elise in 1998 after a 18 month wait. Loved it as daily. Did 20k miles in it and pretty much got my money back when I sold it. No reliability issues, just ripped the arse out of three pairs of suit trousers getting in and out. I'm 6ft 2in. Bell & Colvill were excellent back then and I went to factory to see mine on the line etc. Sounds like Lotus service went down hill sadly.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

That customer experience sounds brilliant - always a thrill to see your own car being built.

Love the green ! Great choice and looks amazing.

Sorry you had such a bad sales experience with your Elise. I ordered my S1 at the London motor show the moment I saw it. A "P" reg., one of the first 200 produced and the process was great, including a tour of the factory and the dealer offering me 25% extra to not take delivery, which I turned down obviously!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Great story. Yes I was sad about the initial experience , but now it’s time to enjoy the car and find out if I gel with it

I love the green color

Brilliant car in a lovely colour but i think I would have chosen yellow wheels to match the yellow seat trim to give that classic Jim Clarke Lotus 25 look. Great video btw. 👌

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Barrie

The colour looks good although definitely annoying that it is different to what was displayed

I think the spec looks fab, but definitely different to the configurator 😅

I really enjoyed this video! Appreciate the honesty from the start, this could have been one of those KZread New Car vids of how amazing your life and experience is (then sell the car in two weeks). Most of us only own one car (not to dismiss your experience), if I was to put all my money into buying an Elise and then to go through the experience you've had I'd be furious! What is it with car manufacturers and dealers?? From the nightmare of trying to buy a specific Porsche or Ferrari, you have to buy five other cars you don't want first, or then the growing complaints from people dealing with Mclaren... Is customer service really that difficult to master?

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I’m sure they’ll treat Shmee150 much better

@SpontaneousEvolution

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV sadly I think you're right...

I am sorry for your initial experience-the anticipation and following the details/info as your car is being configured and built is a significant part of the whole experience. I remember thinking the green on the configurator looked nothing like the Lotus Racing Green I have seen on other Elises-but I do think its a great color for this car so perhaps over time you will like it. As others have said, hopefully you can banish the initial poor memories once the car is broken in and you can enjoy it fully. I have been thinking of a adding an Elise or possibly Evora/Emira to my 69 Elan at some point(no hurry). The problem in the USA is there are few dealers around and even fewer you can trust- no Bell & Colvills here. Makes the purchase of a $100,000 car stressful, esp if the closest dealer is 200 miles away and you can't get easily service/fettling-no dealer in the Washington, D.C. area-unbelievable. Thanks for the honest review and I look forward to future comments-your channel is a real service to the enthusiast community, cheers.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Mark - good to hear.

Hi Damian, Starting with the colour, as far as i know there are two different hues of LRG as i see from the video, this looks like the darker one. I think that a single or double yellow stripe will enhance the while appearence a lot. On the brakes maybe due to some calibration, worth of investigation at first service, please consider ss braided hoses. i was too on the verge to get one getting rid of the 718 Spyder Just a bit off topic, what do you think about the new F. 296 GTB ? I'm intrigued a lot. Btw congratulations for your new toy !Cheers from Italy

Just to add there are many online resources where you can buy all manner of modifications for your Elise and a huge amount of Indy support. I’m sure you’d be able to find better buttons.

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks

Thanks for the review. Personal highlight though is the unexpected pig at 14:21!

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

I thought you’d like that

Sorry for your new owner experience but make up for it with driving experiences! Ring it's neck and enjoy! Can't wait to see future videos.

I’ll be honest with you Damian, I think the car looks brilliant. Really mature, suits the car and while the green difference is staggering the current colour really suits the car too. Don’t feel too harsh 😊

@TheCarGuysTV

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Gaelen

@tomasengelmajer4634

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheCarGuysTV It will grow on you I am certain.

The beans are back ! Happy driving in your new Lotus.....will it be a keeper ?

Truth is truth and thanks for that....customer service seems to have completely vanished these days but at least you have the car and it is a good car.... just leave the wheels as is, throw on some matching yellow racing stripes and get to that 1000 mile mark as fast as you can.