The Lotus Elise Is Reliable, Cool, and a Fantastic Bargain
Vložit
- čas přidán 2. 06. 2024
- CHECK OUT THIS LOTUS ELISE ON CARS & BIDS:
crsnbds.com/elise
Lotus Elise review! The Lotus Elise is a special car - it’s reliable, cool, and a fantastic bargain. Today Kennan and I are reviewing the Elise and we will show you all of its quirks and features. I’m also going to drive the Lotus Elise and review the driving experience.
WEBSITE & MERCH!
www.dougdemuro.com
FOLLOW CARS & BIDS!
Instagram - / carsandbids
TikTok - / cars_and_bids
Twitter - / carsandbids
FOLLOW ME!
Twitter - / dougdemuro
Instagram - / dougdemuro
Facebook - / ddemuro
DOUGSCORE CHART:
www.dougdemuro.com/dougscore
CHAPTERS:
00:00 THIS...
00:30 CARS & BIDS!!!
01:02 Quirks & Features of the Lotus Elise
02:33 Powertrain - The Toyota 4-Cylinder
05:48 Interior Quirks & Features
07:56 The Kenwood Stereo
09:36 Soft Top Installation Walkthrough
11:03 The Engine Compartment
12:03 Rear Badging - A Sticker
12:59 Driving Impressions of The Lotus Elise
17:27 Outro & DougScore
#dougdemuro #cars #lotus #elise - Auta a dopravní prostředky
doug is the type of guy who would expect us to give his friend a chance
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Savage 💀
cold..damn! 😂
Doug is kind of guy who does not listen to his viewers.
damn yo 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I don't think the addition of more personalities in the Dougverse is a bad thing, but when it comes to car reviews like this I prefer when Doug alone does them.
I know. thats literally the reason im watching Dougs Channel he does car reviews like no other and to me personally I don’t think Kennen isn’t a good fit. But I don’t blame Doug for retiring he has a family but when that time comes I don’t think ill watch this channel. 😢😞
I don't get the need for Kennan.
@@theman4884 nobody does. Hes just a dry generic dude in reviews, and kind of douchy in his other list style videos
@Shouko’s Vision why do you think he's retiring? He has a contract w the firm that bought cars and bids from him stating he has to continue to make vids for the site. Did he announce retirement?
@@TheV8Pumpkin wow way to be rude lol, theyre just having fun banter in their list/opinions videos, I dont see how he comes across as douchy
I’m not gonna lie…I didn’t know how much I liked Doug’s voice and delivey until someone else gave it a shot. Love you Doug!!!!
Yep, it's just not the same when someone else does it. Doug has become the master of car reviews
Remember "More Doug DeMuro"? Yeah that's entirely gone, he renamed it to "Cars & Bids" now because the actual Cars & Bids channel isn't gaining more subscribers. This might be the end of the golden Doug era, it's time for me to switch to Throttle House and Savagegeese I guess...
@@jc_47 Throttle House has become my #1 go to
@@jc_47 views on his videos aren't what they used to be either.
Seen this many times everytime theses guys get big as menig bing bought and paid for they change but to each their own im here for the cars
IMO one of the best looking cars ever. Such a balanced design, nothing that sticks out
Talk/debate videos with Kennan are great, we love those. But reviews are best when it’s just Doug
In my opinion the talk/debate videos are just cluster. I watch Doug for the videos of Doug doing car reviews. I don’t wanna watch him use time to make those vids when we’re all watching so Doug can review a car
@@dasapples It doesnt affect you fool. Some people like the discussion ones.
@@Kacpa2 the vast majority don’t, and you can tell from the amount of views they get. Also, what’s up with the hostility 😂 I’m just saying my opinion. You’ll have to do more than call me a fool if you wanna back up your argument
@@dasapples It doesnt take away any time from him reviewing cars. He does those on his off time in his garage.
I get that you dont like Kennan in the reviews, but it doesnt mean other videos with him have to cease to exist just because you fancy it so.
@@Kacpa2I’m NOT the only one who sees them as filler or as Doug diluting his content. I’m DEFINITELY not the first person to say that his videos with other people are not why we subscribed. Maybe put it on a second channel so he doesn’t tank this one by uploading videos that don’t perform well when compared to his usual content or something, but when I get a notification for this channel, I don’t want to be excited for a cool car just to find out that it’s just a short of him talking with some random person with zero context about why they regret buying whatever car
I've been watching Doug's channel(s) for years and I love his style. I appreciate how he wants to keep things fresh and change stuff up, I just don't know if adding Kennan to the mix is the right move. Doug doesn't have to focus so much on C&B now, he has his filming process down to a science and aside from an occasional "guest" like Hoovie or Kennan, I wish Doug would do the reviews solo.
I agree with you. I don't have a problem with him making changes and adding a new host, but a new host should have their own personality and try to do something a little different. Kennan seems knowledgeable but its like he's just reading the script and trying to imitate doug. It's not easy to seem as comfortable in front of the camera as doug is
I think adding up to the team is good. He just need to hire the right team.
He need to add someone talented who can match his energy and humor in a different way from what he does, but in same direction.
It seems to me that Kennan was a "friend hire" which seldom works out well.
@@boxoffisa Bo Xoffisa, for me the 2005 Elise is 16kgs heavier than 1996 Elise despite it is 10bhp more.
@@jharback yep. More like semi friendly hired guy.
Doug is so humble he doesn't even mention owning an Elise himself until 7:07, simply as a side note to reference a use for a little shelf.
Doug, we love having your friends on videos. However, when it comes to reviews, myself and most others prefer for it to just be you!
You and all the other subscribers 😂
You really think he will actually listen to his viewers he keeps re reviewing cars that he already did just because they are on cars and bids I hate when he brings others in his car reviews I just want him which is what I subscribed for
No we don't love having him.....
I actually like him getting other people involved in it.
But he wants to retire.
In all respect to Kennan, Doug's reviews by himself are way better.
I also feel that doug should use other co-hosts on his reviews with other people including Kennan.
We've had just Doug for 10 (?) years, so we're used to that. But more to the point, Doug has had just Doug for 10 years. He has a rhythm and presentation style based on a decade of presentations. I think it's going to take Doug some time to figure out how to integrate a second reviewer into his format.
something different though.
Personally I love the change of pace and I like the new person added, he's knowledgeable and has the same humor Doug has
It doesn't help that Kennan sounds like he's trying to imitate Doug's way of speaking. But he doesn't have the natural energy Doug has and it just comes across as fake to me. Doug's enthusiasm is infectious, Kennan's isn't.
Yes thank you! I hate Keenan reviews
Doug, please continue to do the reviews by yourself. You can delegate other things such as general car history and other interesting tidbits in separate videos to new additions to your channel.
We have come to love your voice and delivery, which are unique and can't be replicated or duplicated. Unless you got Jay Leno to review cars for you.
I think the discussion whilst driving in the car works fine, but getting other people to do the review bit just doesn't work. Kennan doesn't have the charisma that Doug does.
We subscribed for two things. Cars and Doug. I skip episodes with other people entirely, luckily you can easily see it in the thumbnail. Nothing against this person, but he's not the reason we're here.
Well... He sold a considerable part of his company - and this included this youtube channel. So, why have the same amount of work with less of the revenues? I'd make it the same way.
@@marcus_w0 did the sale also include the CZcams channel? I thought it was only cars and bids?
If this is what Doug is doing as a result of the sale, then he basically cashed out and this channel will die a slow death. Don't blame Doug because he has definitely earned it. But Doug is the reason we are fans. Less Doug means fewer fans. There are dozens of other car review channels that the fans can disburse to.
Ehh, his voice is rather annoying
Another interesting feature/note: the power windows were a part of the touring package BUT they weigh LESS than the manual window mechanisms. When Lotus was asked why this was they said it's because we didn't design the manual windows. Also, not all 05's have the sticker "LOTUS" on the rear, mine is an early 05 and it has an actual Lotus Emblem. And lastly you can't get these for $35K anymore unless they have a salvaged title.
It’s more like 45k-50k now I think for good versions
The lotus emblem is not factory, someone added that
....your "Lotus" emblem on the back is "European Badging". My '06 has it because it was ordered that way from the factory.
@@paulricketts1089 I did not know that, thanks man!
Someone spent a lot of money on this Elise swapping all the plastic to carbon fiber. About 3k on the interior alone. They also replaced the factory muffler with a boe quarter stick. But left the cat in place lol
Rookie move.
My 06 exige has sticker lotus badges factory
I bought a brand new red '05 Elisa track pack with sport exhaust. Owned it for 1.5 years and 11,000 miles. This car made me a better driver because you have to keep your foot in it and rarely brake. It is a "momentum" car and it handled like it was on rails. Never broke down and cheap to operate. I have fond memories of leaving San Luis Obispo, CA at sundown and driving the long way back to Las Vegas over the sierra mountains and through Death Valley in the middle of the night. Just me and my favorite music CD's. It was heaven driving it at speed on empty back roads and no police! I installed super sticky Advan tires that only lasted 4,500 miles! I did not care because the car handled unbelievably at the limit. I have owned other exotics but this is the only one I would buy again. Sector 111 in Temecula, CA are now building upgraded "bandit RS" style cars to spec. 100+ more HP and many new mods which transform the car. I know someday I will buy one of these specials to sit along side more exotic metal in my garage. It is a one dimensional toy, but what a toy!
Bring back the solo reviews Doug!!
You say that like he didn't just do one yesterday
@@StreamerBTW99exclusively solo reviews
Who cares it’s fine
100%
Solo Kennan would be fine too
For anyone whoe doesn't have the dislike plugin enabled, this video currently has 2.4k likes and 1.8k dislikes. Clearly, people are unhappy with this addition to the reviews
Thats the best thing we as audience can do. If Doug doesn’t listen to us in the comments then he def needs to see this in numbers as in the Dislike👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Notice this video, in only 9 hours since airing, only got 89k views? That’s probably the lowest ever viewership for him on a single video and his audience is speaking through these comments.
That's awesome! I'm glad the dislike for this nonsense is so strong
Btw where can one get the aforementioned dislike enable plugin?
I feel bad for Kennan because he is getting killed in the comments but it’s really nothing against him. Doug’s style just works best alone and for him.
Clearly Doug has the madd cheddar now after the sale of C&B not to care if we are not happy with this unfortunate collaboration format.
Thank you Doug for telling my story and the one of my grandfather Romano Artioli ❤
A very weird quirk of these cars that no one mentions is that when I'm first or second, there is a "stall converter" of sorts that will keep the engine from dying by automatically raising the revs when load increases. I used to "idle" it in first up small hills, and it was great for slipping in and out of first in stop and go traffic. Surprised as a previous owner Doug missed this!
My 2016 VW GTI with the 6 speed manual "holds" the car on any hill, thus doing away using the clutch!
Great feature.
Doug we love you, but we just love you…
Yeah doug, ONLY YOU
That is a very nice way to put it, I really dislike the episodes he does with the dude from Hoovies Garage or w/e it's called.
They are best friends, wouldn't you love working your dream job with best friends coworker? Besides, Kennan does his parts well, no stuttering, they have chemistry
I see this bitchy comment under every video now.
I don't get all the Complaining and Conspiracy Theories in recent Doug Videos Comments Sections about how Doug having his Friend on sometimes meaning that he plans to stop reviewing Cars. People are really ridiculous sometimes and para-social.
It's Dougs Content, he does what he wants and enjoys doing, we get that Content for free, there really is no Reason to demand any Changes from Doug, nor Explanations.
Prost & Cheers from the Bavarian Alps
Doug we watch your channel because of you the same way as we watch top gear because of clarkson, may and hammond or jay leno's garage because of jay leno.
Wow you took the words right out of my mouth. But yeah the channel will Not be the same anymore sadly 😞. I literally am watching it because of Doug he is an incredible car reviewer and so unique. So I don’t think ill will watch it anymore.
Yeah, and now with Doug and Kennen together, we'll need to compare Doug's channel to other duo review channels like Throttle House. And believe me, there is no comparison to Throttle House, Throttle House is stratospherically better in terms of production quality and chemistry
Yeah, the second banana seems pretty boring.
@@TomO-nx1bd it's quite good. That said, the whole Brit, Canadian/American shtick has already started to wear on me and i haven't watched all that much of them.
Couldn’t have said it better
THIS!!! Is Doug DeMuro! (And, some random dude standing next to him.)
0:30 “before WE get started….”
If Kennan shouts “CARS & BIDS” in the intro I think we’d all head out
*Doug is the type of guy not to show us how he managed to squeeze into the Lotus Elise*
😂
I can’t watch kennen
They should have shown them both squeezing in together, that must've been an ordeal. 🤣😂.
"Oof, ahh, Oooh, Uff, Ow, my Butt!"
Giving it a 3 in comfort was generous.
i'm 6"4 and not super skinny and i can squeeze into an exige ok. you dont have spare room around you and have to crawl out on all fours, but it's not too bad when you're in
@@scottcurl8824 Kennen for me is 50/50 guy.
Doug is the type of guy to build a CZcams channel to 4.66 million subscribers based solely off his goofy personality, and then add someone else out of the blue.
He's probably not going to review cars forever....
He's got Cars&Bids and I bet he's going to slow down on doing reviews. Better to have someone else than none at all.
@@volvo09 then Ill just move to a different channel. I come here for Doug so if he retires, so does this channel
F'real! ha. Savage Geese has been my go-to lately. Thatll be my switch if this clown takes over!
@@scottydc savagegeese
@@scottydc Exactly, I came for the car reviews, I stayed for doug, no one can do it like him.
I owned one of these. A few comments. The car is TINY. Both inside and out. Getting in and out is difficult (and I am not big nor tall), especially if you have the optional hard top (much easier to get in/out w/ the top removed). Design quality is at the level of glue and zip ties. The oil cooler and coolant pipes in the door sills get hot and burn your legs. The engine is reliable yes but the fiberglass clamshells are very delicate and could be damaged by hitting a rubber traffic cone...they are about $15K each front/rear and are perpetually backordered form Lotus. I added a supercharger which made it more fun where I live at high altitude. It was a fun car on the track, but for me the happiest days were the day I bought it and the day I sold it. Really neat cars and you can't beat the cheap price, but if you are coming from Porsche or similar sports cars be prepared. It will get alot of attention everywhere you go, especially in chrome orange, which mine also was.
Doug please dont retire. We like your brand of quirky weirdness, not the other dudes!
Doug is definitely retiring and setting up this guy as his replacement
Well then I'll be leaving, and I think with me are many others.
@@DX88 same mate ngl
He's def not retiring. 😂😂 CZcams=💰
@@TonyStark-wr7obhe has Cars & Bids to manage so I wouldn’t be surprised if he left CZcams to put someone else as the host
@@TonyStark-wr7obhe got millions when he sold part of Cars and Bids, totally doesn't need any CZcams money anymore.
so much for reviewing stock cars, i was really hoping these reviews wouldn't just become a sales pitch for cars and bids auctions
It's basically stock.
@@ssjgeon Other than the wing, the diffuser, and the suspension...
Exactly
Yup, just to push C[ocks]&B[alls]
Nothing's changed, so keep hoping I guess
I have a 6 spd 2zz almost 200k, outside for 19 CANADIAN WINTERS and she still lift and going stong. Amazing underrated engine.
The remote control is the same used by many European cars sold in Japan. This is largely due to the different radio frequencies that are allowable. In Europe they use 433.92 MHz whereas in Japan and North America they use 315 MHz. So cars sold in low volumes frequently used this same key fob. I have the same one on my Japanese market Renault Avantime.
my conspiracy theory is that doug created cars and bids for the solely purpose of getting cool and rare cars to review 😂
actually you theory is half truth
it's really a genius move 😂
Ok you flat earther 🤣🤣🤣jk jk
And in turn cars he reviews go for more money on cars and bids lol
Yeah that’s what I’ve been saying ever since it was created
“Watch ads for my car bid website! Also here’s another awkward guy for no reason”
~Doug Demuro
Doug is trying to do the Blippi switch like we wouldn’t notice
I think I see where this is going: something similar happened with Grant Thompson (RIP) with The King of Random, he started to do videos with "the new guy" for a while to prepare everyone for when he officially left. It's any week now we get the "I'm moving on to bigger and better things" announcement from Doug
yeah i remember when that happened :/ his channel wasnt the same anymore and then the tragic accident happened and it all went downhill since
Doug, I've noticed that when you and a collaborator make a video together, your videos always make 1-200K less views than when it's just you making a car review by yourself. Not that we don't mind having a second person with you, but for you and your brand, you're market speaks to having just you as the video creator and reviewer and I personally find myself more drawn to solo reviews than collab vids. Just my thoughts
Yes, well said, While i do like to collab garage videos, in my opinion, the reviews are best when its just doug. The numbers suggest that many people agree
@@jacobcarroll497 i clearly doubt it.
I actually like it. Doug has an entire team. Other channels are doing this. Demolition Ranch, Garand Thumb, and Throttle House introduced their cameramen and now their respective audience love them after resistance from the beginning.
bruh some of you take this wayyyy too seriously. you're acting like he's gonna go homeless just because he has a friend in the videos
@@dan725 Thank you. I also love it. Kennan is a great addition to the channel.
God love Kennan but man I just can't take it haha. These duo videos are getting tougher and tougher to sit through.
It's like a really uncomfortable attempt at a bro-comedy. Kennan, I'm sure, is a great guy. But I come to the channel for Doug.
I expect to hear a WOO from Kennan while going fast in a car just as I expect to hear THIS from Doug every time they do a video together.
My uncle has one of these, a 2006. He’s actually traveling across the country from Colo and is going to be test-trialing it at a racing place near where I live - couple of weeks from today. He invited me to sit in the paddock area of the track - can’t wait to see what that’s all about!
Rando Doug is back...sigh. We love Doug and only Doug. (I mean that in a sense of for this format btw) Why not do Doug Demuro podcast and have Kennan? Sit downs it makes more sense for 2 people.
Having Kennan in these is like when Matt farah started to leave his “one take” series of videos. The replacement no matter how good won’t be the same and won’t draw the same amount of viewers. Either Doug reviews the car by himself or views on this channel are going to go wayyy down.
On his podcast, Matt Farah said he had a consultant come in for his channel who told him that the one-take format was dead and the algorithm would eventually saabkyle04 him if he leaned on it forever. Doug definitely has info we don't which is driving some of the decision-making.
ok nerd. the views are still here.
@@charmreduction Doug's channel has been on a downtrend since 2020.
@@iddra1868 Doug still gets more views than most people could ever dream of getting
@@macchiatoceo My point is that it's not sustainable, and he knows this that's why he's trying something different. You can't support your employees, buy supercars, mansions, etc. with a dying channel.
Thanks for this one, the Elise has always been one of my favourite cars!
My Dad's friend had an original that I got to go in as a kid which captivated me and I've been hooked ever since! I also loved using this thing in NFS carbon as it could go toe to toe with super cars in the canyon duels.
A lot of commenters have said it, so I'm gonna add my two cents: Doug's voice sounds to me like music in comparison with his friend's voice, which sounds like noise.
these were so popular for a long time over here in the UK, they've held their value really well too. people put tons of miles on them as well, very common to see models with 100k+ miles and still going.
That's great to see them being used and enjoyed.
@@bobhill3941 the Abarth 121 Spider imo still as cool as the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
@@purwantiallan5089 I agree with that.
My 2006 Elise S is nearing 100k and drives great. Though it had a rebuild under a previous owner in 2016. The paintwork starts to look aged, but that happens on all fibreglass cars.
@@BlatentlyFakeName I loved the Elise and grew up with it, I'm so proud to hear of people using them daily. Thanks for the paint information.
Doug, we love you Doug
NOT Kennan!
We love you Doug … no hard feelings, but your fans prefer your reviews to be alone. You don’t need any other people or help.
Been waiting for a review from Doug on this car forever! I love this car!
I like this because it is the essence of what a sports car should be. It should not be a coddling experience. What I love about the Lotus is that after I drove in one recently, it feels exactly like a go-cart. It is very low to the ground and it's an amazing ride. You are so connected to the road and it's fun to be so low down like that. It has a spartan interior, no space, and luxury, but it's a thrill ride and that is what you want in a sports car. Others are so soft and nice that it removes you from the road. In a sports car like this, it's great to have a car without any fluff that distracts from the pure driving experience
I doubt it.
I like how Kenan's designation is shown as "Friend of Doug"
In reality it's "employee of doug".
ikr, dude is a sidekick. it would be better if Kenan made separate content on his own for the channel instead of trying to copy Doug
Because it's too soon to say "Boyfriend of Doug"
@@BLACKAAROW More like sidepiece.
Love these cars. I drove a base model 90's nissan sentra with crank windows and manual locks. When I got into anybody's car and saw power windows, I was like "woah, this is fancy!" So I love the idea of a small, lightweight car that has the bare minimum climate controls and a radio with a focus on being fun and zippy. Definitely dream car, thanks for doing a newer video on one doug!
Always loved this car. So small, so nimble, so light! Like a grown up go-kart.
I've been a fan of Doug's channel for years, but with the advent of "Cars and Bids" am I the only one who feels that his videos are becoming more of an advertisement "this is so great you should go bid on it right now!" than an honest car review these days?
Its definitely the corporate entity pushing this type of video schedule now... Not authentic.
You are not the only one. I suspect the new co-host will start making reviews w/o doug, so they can crank out even more of these reviews to push sales.
@@robertrobbins9254i personally think it would hurt a lot in the trust people have from this reviews, and not nearly as many people will watch them. It's already been made clear by the comments that noone wants Kennan in Doug's reviews.
Thiiiissssss.... Is Doug DeMuro. Its good there, no need for a sidekick.
If doug leaves and we get this other guy doing the reviews solo WE RIOT
I've always wanted one of these. But as you say, it has to be a 4th car and I'm not quite there yet. I actually love that they just went with a regular old Kenwood. I wish more cars would just use standard head units so we could swap them out very easily if we want something better or different.
I have it as a second car and love it.
Actually, that isn't the original stereo. Doug got that wrong. The original was an off-the-shelf single din, and easily replaced, but that steroe didn't come with this car from the factory.
@@robertrobbins9254 good info. It's still pretty great that they just went with the standard
@@robertrobbins9254 Yep, the original was the Blaupunkt Acapulco Mp54. Because it was the lightest one Lotus could find.
I used mine as my only car over lockdown. Great times 😁
So is this dude gonna be the new face of the channel while you venture off into other awesome car adventures?
yeah, im guessing he wants to quit the channel for good. I dont understand however why people are hating on this new guy so much, after all most big channels tend to switch up the people on camera eventually
@@matiastripaldi406 because the channel is literally called "Doug Demuro", the reason we come here is watching DOUG look at cars.
not to mention he's trying SOOO HARD copy cating Doug that it has become satrycial
@@matiastripaldi406 The look, voice, attitude, and enthusiasm is just not the same. You can't expect everyone to just accept changes.
@@matiastripaldi406 Because we're here to watch Doug DeMuro the person, not Doug DeMuro the channel.
I dislike Kennan tremendously in review videos, but I’ll watch for an Elise review
Why? He's not stuttering, not making any errors, Doug and him are best friends, wouldn't you love working your dream job with your best friend as coworker?
@@gustavoraffo489 I wouldn't. I keep my friendships and my business relationships separate. If people don't like the Doug/Kennan team, how does that impact anything in your world?
@@gustavoraffo489 because he's doing the same hand movement, the same weird laugh and the the same language drawl. I don't need to see two people doing the same exact thing.
@@davidp2888 because I actually think it's better with them both working on a video and I would like to convince people so they keep this format, they have good camera chemistry, there are no long pauses or cringe.. Just two car enthusiasts geeking out.. I think people should appreciate that and be happy for doug
@@ChR0nos_7734 maybe, they are close friends after all and I wouldn't be surprised if that are like each other because of that.. Maybe even doug copied Kennan who knows.. Or maybe Kennan has no frame of reference being in front of a camera so he just copies his friend.. I think in time Kennan will hone his presenting skills and be more natural and original
Good review. I am on my 3rd Elise/Exige now. Like you, I drove my first one (one of the first imported Elise cars in 2004) from Atlanta to San Diego, via Tail of the Dragon. I wrote up about it on the forum I started, LotusTalk. Some minor things- The 2005 came with a different stereo head unit and the iPod connector was not a standard part of the Touring package. Really it was just electric windows, the extra foam under the plastic behind the seats, and I think carpeting. The Sport Package had more changes like the wider front wheels and upgraded suspension. And of course, you could get both of these separate packages, my car had both.
I predicted before the cars came here that unlike normal cars ( ;) ) these would eventually drop in value, but really never go below $30k for a good one. And yes, they have now gone up in value. I toy with the idea of selling my present Elise... but then come to my senses and go drive it instead of the Rivian :)
I blame you for me getting into these... 😉 or maybe Thank You... so fun and ranks high on my #MustBeQuirky scale.
@@tvrduude LOL. I have had, over the years, over 50 people blame me for them having bought a Lotus. And a few for them buying a Noble M400. Glad to be of service. :)
@@RandyChase Add me to the "I blame you/thank you" list, Randy! 18 years with my Elise and still going strong.
I had a 2007 Civic Si. Loved that little VTEC engine, but the front drive, front engine, relatively heavy, closed-in chassis let it down. I always thought the Elise was basically my Si's engine (I know it's a Toyota GTS engine, but it's got that similar cam switch at high RPMs) but in a rear drive, mid-engine, light, open top chassis.
the k20z3 is a much much faster engine with just bolt ons (30-40hp difference) and there is no 2zz development anymore in the aftermarket
guess we are getting a heavy dose of Keenan for the foreseeable future, pause
I thought the channel was called Doug DeMuro :/
Adding kennan is like adding a banana in cheeseburger
In the UK a huge number of these are bought just to use as track day cars snd for club racing. Drive to the circuit race and drive home .
Probably one of the best handling road cars ever made.
Its really sad to see that doug doesnt care at all about our opinion on adding kennan despite the dislike ratio, comments and low views, at least he puts him in the thumbnail so we can skip right away
Doug likes when things are forced
I really enjoy Doug’s son being apart of his videos❤
I agree so much I bought one today! An S1… original owner never tracked, no mods. Couldn’t be happier. Arrives on Thursday.
There was actually a big (but hidden) difference between the Lotus and the Opel/vauxhall.
The frame was glued together on the Lotus, and welded on the opel.
This process made the Lotus more stiff, and it weighed almost a 100 kg less. 😊
(Edit: As you can see in the comments, I made a mistake on what car actually had a welded frame. It was in fact the Renault Sport Spider, and not the Opel Speedster.
Thanks to Spuk87 for correcting me. 😊)
Nothing as confidence inspiring as a "glued together" sportscar...
@@GOLD_FEVER I know it sounds kinda sketchy, but in reality it's way stronger.
They actually had to put extra bracings on the welded version, to make it as strong as the glued one. 😄
And the opel/vauxhall also had a diferent engine with more power, a 2.2 with 143hp in the standard one, and a 2.0 with 200hp in the turbo version
@@maxmoller That's some STRONG supeglue!
this is the first time I've ever heard this and I don't think it's true. They shared the same bonded chassis design; that was the whole point of the GM-Lotus joint project. The subframe was slightly larger in the VX220/Speedster to make it more "luxurious" i.e. giving more luggage space, but the core chassis tub and windshield (among other things) were shared parts. Or are you referring to how that subframe was attached to the main chassis?
It seems like Doug is on the road to retirement, slowly trying to integrate and train his replacement at the same time so he can still generate revenue from the channel even when he is gone 🤔🤔
He's 35.
I like that Kennan and Doug are doing the reviews together, just like some good old friends having fun :)
I appreciate Doug is trying to help his friends out and have other “Doug” type people but have Kennan start his own channel are review the not as nice cars from C&B don’t force him on us
Great review, I loved the history, I never knew any of that. I still remember seeing the Elise new on Extreme Machines back in 97, whatching the extruded aluminum structure being formed and glued together, it was facinating.
To a lesser extent, I remember seeing one being reviewed on a British car show 5th gear!
Well it aint a bargain anymore, thanks doug 🎉
Hasn’t been for a while
Man i always think this Lotus looks great. Seeing it first time at Test Drive Unlimited, this car crashed into my memory, because of its memorable appearance, compact size and some kind of special character.
Didnt know that the Opel Speedster designed by the same guy that creates Lotus, this man has some taste for sure.
Mb u can find Speedster to reviewing it, rly wanna check it out.
Hey Doug, no more Kennan. We watch for you, not him.
We need only solo Doug reviews, seeing someone else with him reviewing hurts the video concept
*Doug is the type of guy to call a Lotus reliable*
I mean it has a Toyota engine......
@@jamesreuss9704 How about a Toyota everything?
It is, close friend of mine has had his 2005 Elise since 2011 and hasn’t had any major problems aside from small electrical stuff. It really is an exotic you can stack miles on without thinking twice
I've had mine for 5 years, literally no problems other than the battery mount needing some extra securing. Beyond the Toyota drivetrain there's not much TO go wrong.
My dad supercharged his and it has had nothing but electrical gremlins since.
Been looking forward to a re-review of my little car since his first disastrous one (driving cross-country - probably the worst-case scenario for an Elise). Hopefully he takes it to the canyons in this one
Watched it. Hilarious that 80% of the review was about features (there are none) and 20% was about the driving experience (the entire reason you buy the car), but it was on-brand for Doug lol.
Would have loved some backroad or canyon driving and not just around town, but overall he gave the car a much better chance here compared to last time.
Also the Doug score is controversial as always :)
Doug doing reviews with Kennan is like if you invited your friend to a party in your house and he brings his younger brother for some reason.
Doug is the new kind guy THIS year, reviewing modified cars
We're here to see Doug saying Doug things, not for the car .not for Ken.
do you people just not care about cars? do you not watch other car reviews?
@@viktorlindeberg7363 We watch Doug videos to hear Doug's opinions, not Ken's. Also if someone's watching something that they don't consider buying no matter what, they're doing so just for entertainment. If we were not car enthusiasts we'd be watching whatever the crap that's trending right now like none car people.
The Elise - the working man's halo car. I would love to scoop one of these up in a few years.
Way to go DOUG. Ive been squirreling away $$$ to get one of these. Your video is going to make it more popular and makes prices go up.
The key fob rubber strap thingy breaks after a few years or regular use.
The 2006 seats are an improvement.
Space is tight, but legroom once seated is plenty even for tall people.
Red line is 8500 rpm.
The AC does not work well in hot states like Texas, although there are a few mods that really improve it if you're willing to do the work.
The hardtop removal/installation is made easier with the right T-handle.
The car in the video has a VonHep aftermarket exhaust. It's just a muffler replacement, not a full exhaust. They don't exist anymore, but mine has held up to track usage for over twelve years so far.
Lotus had a track tune for the ECU that just shifted the cam switch down slightly in the rpm range. Makes the switch less obvious, but fills the small torque dip right before the switch that existed in the stock tune.
Won't beat a Z06 or GT3 around a track, but is not nearly as far behind as you would think a 192-HP car would be. A V6 Camry will kick your ass on a highway pull though.
I can attest to this. Had one a while back as a track car. AC was mediocre at best for my South Florida climate. I replaced it with a 2004 CE Z06. Fantastic AC in the C5.
@@truthserum5310 Modifications to improve it include:
1. Cutting hole through third (center) rib in bottom of front crash structure to match other two holes. Increases outside air reaching fan box by 50%
2. Using foil tape to seal fan/mixing box better, as the box has some leakage as built by the factory.
3. Using some sort of heater core bypass valve within the hose arrangement, because the heater core is always hot otherwise, and it's in the air stream even if you want cold AC. Preventing hot water flowing through it reduces air temp coming out of the dash vents by 7 or 8 degrees F.
4. Cutting holes in the driver's side foot well front panel to match those in the passenger side. This will increase airflow in the case of the recirculation mode being on.
I don't ever use recirculation mode, so I didn't bother with #4. But the others made the car a lot more comfortable on hot Texas days. Still not quite as good as a stock C5, but a lot better than it was for sure.
@@xtnuser5338 Interesting. Car is long gone, and I doubt I'd ever get another. Too many compromises. Would of been nice to know this years back. Very happy with my CE Z06. I'll be sticking with it for years to come.
@@truthserum5310 The Z06 is a fantastic choice. My newest toy is a GT3RS, and I have five other normal cars and an an F250. If my Exige was my only car, the compromises would be too great. But since it's just a toy for occasional track-day fun, I'm keeping it as long as I can continue to pull my knees up far enough to climb into it. I just absolutely love the go-kart feeling.
Heck, I couldn't sell it now if I wanted to. I made a verbal deal with a couple of buddies...if they started helping me maintain it, they get usage rights. So they did, putting in tools, shop space and labor, and sharing in consumables costs, insurance/registration costs, etc., and so now they get dibs to take it to track days or autocrosses themselves if they want to. I don't go back on deals I make, so I'm stuck unless one of them wanted to buy it and inherit that deal with the other. But it's okay because I'm happy to just keep it and drive it myself once in a while too. I just love that go-kart feeling!
It's also a really good car for learning in. I've got two college aged boys, and this Summer they're both going to do their first HPDE events in it. I'm pretty excited about that.
@@xtnuser5338 Congrats on the GT3RS, I'd love even just a base 992 GT3 manual. Too rich for my blood at this point. Ha. I did own a 2014 Cayman S manual for a couple of years. I sold it last June during the sky high prices for a tidy profit. I'm certainly missing a Porsche in my stable. Maybe after the kids are out of college. My current garage consists of a high mile 2002 C5 Vert Auto (will be selling soon), a 7K mile 2004 CE Z16 Z06, a 16K mile cherry and all stock 1987 Buick Grand National (owned it for many years), a 1965 Buick Riviera, an 80K mile mint 99 Buick Riviera Supercharged, and my daily driver is a 2005 F-150 FX4 (Had since new). Wife has a 2023 Mazda CX-9. I also own 4 Honda Motorcycles ranging from 1979-2003 model years. All cars besides the Mazda are paid in full. I need to thin things down a bit as retirement is coming in hopefully 5-7 years.
Solo Doug is what we need. Forget ke whatever.
I love that you did cross country trip in one of those. I did a LA to DC trip by myself in a highly modified 911 SC Targa without AC or a radio in the summer. Looking back I don't know how I survived but I have major respect for your trip. Yes, you had AC and a radio, but I had decent room and fairly comfortable racing seats!
There is no front trunk because there is no space. The most forward part is the crashbox, and that also has the radiator on it making it an air duct at the same time. The crashbox is glued to the chassis which starts right behind the swaybar. Space available there is used for the a/c and heater unit. It's all packed underneath the front clam
I really don't see why people don't like Kennan in reviews, he doesn't really interfere with the formats flow and vibe. If he can add more info in review why wouldn't he do it? Commenters are so mean ngl.
My friend has a 2006 Lotus Elise, and I have to say that car loves to be driven hard. It literally has a boat engine that revs to 9k RPM. What an experience.
Boat engine? Where’d you get that?
I thought it was a corolla engine?
@David G it's a Yamaha engine. It just reminds me of the high revving nature of a Jetski, since it's Yamaha and revs high.
@@lawnmower6591 I know, I’ve got two Celica gts
Only true fans will remember when Doug reviewed normal cars
Doug is a rich man now. He doesn’t review peasant cars.
@@ILeapZHDyea but I just wish that he could review more normal affordable cars. It's been like almost a year since he reviewed a normal car which was the new 2022 or 2023 Honda HRV crossover
And soon, only true fans will remember when Dough reviewed cars on his own.
@@jonlosito2004 Fr. Last time he reviewed a normal car was the Nissan Ariya.
The key hole acting as the door handle is pretty smart
I’ve had several Elise’s. The engine isn’t the issue, the clam shell is. Curbs can total the car.
The trunk had no lining between the fiberglass. I knew a guy that accidentally left a jack in the trunk, it punched through the side at an autox event.
Insane former hardtop user checking in! It was a daily driver through Colorado winters, and it handled the snow surprisingly well. Sure, the heater wasn't the quickest thing to kick in, but it handled snow better than any front-wheel drive vehicle I've ever taken out in it. As an aside, I'm never daily driving anything without cruise control ever again.
Hey, me too! '05 Bordeaux Red Elise since new. Still driving it. The only time I don't drive it is when it's snowing. I mean...I'm not crazy. :)
Wanted to see Doug and Kennan trying to get in and out of the Elise. That would’ve be the best quirk. Must’ve ended up on the cutting room floor because they looked too ridiculous.
Contrary to the echo chamber in the comment section, I think it's nice to see Doug doing car reviews with other people by his side. His friend isn't doing a bad job as a co-host; people are just too critical.
Had a 2010 Elise with the hard top. Drove it for 7 years and sold it for what I bought it for... awesome little car but ... LITTLE.. I moved up to an Evora and haven't regretted it.... don't mind Kennan's contribution; he seems competent.
This in purple was one of my dream cars. So fun to see the review of it.
OH HELL NAW, friday just became the day i dont watch doug vids i guess
I know a guy who used his Opel Speedster since he bought it new as a daily driver in germany and also raced it in autocross every weekend. The car hast now 220000 miles (350k km) and he is still racing it!
Yes it is, and a blast to drive, these Lotus Elites handle and are tremendous in a slice and dice drive down a tight back country road. Only issue is being able to get in and out of it without grabbing the windshield pillar.
That Kenwood radio seems newer than 2005 as it has SiriusXM and Bluetooth. Sirius and XM were separate companies in 2005.
Merged 2008, good spot.
that radio is from 2017
2005 came with a Blaupunkt
Alway happy to see a Lotus review
I’m SO happy you finally reviewed the Elise! I recently sold mine after owning it for a year and I absolutely loved every second of ownership! I drove it alll over the southwestern US, spent multiple 12 hour days in it, had multiple girlfriends in it - some of the best roads in the country and all the way up pikes peak too! Memories for a lifetime! In the end I drove it about 15,000 miles (I was also 23 when I bought it so I guess Doug and I have that in common 🤣) loved the vid! I was one of those “insane” people who had it as a second car and had the hard top so I could drive it during the winter in colder climates 🤣
8:42 “They gave you a chord.. And you liked it.” 😂