To buy or not to buy

[Closed_eyes]

Hello,

I've been reading here already for a while. As title suggests I still didn't pull the trigger on buying the Emira yet, I thought maybe some interaction here with some of you might help

So I'm dailying a 2025 tesla model y awd. And even though it has 514 hp and 493nm of torque, you don't really feel it. So I'm contemplating on having a nice weekend/roadtrip car.

I was mostly drawn to the Emira because of its looks at first but now that I testdrove a 360hp i4 I got really impressed by the experience, the excitement of driving the car even already at low speed. Also I absolutely love the turbo whistles!

Other options I'm thinking about are the Porsche 718, the alpine a110 or the Alfa Romeo 4c. So far I just tried the 718 boxer (base) but it felt a bit boring. Even though it shifts less jerky than the emira (i could not really floor the throttle in the i4 in track mode, it was jerking forward) it also didn't really come to live. I could just imagine it as a nice roadtrip / touring car.

Why i didn't decide on the emira yet:

• I read quite some trouble about the bubbling paint, water leaks, malfunctioning ac and so on. Spending so much money and then having a lot of problems is not really appealing.
• I'm in doubt if the Emira for longer roadtrips would be still fun to drive or that it would be too noisy that it will get annoying.
• i would disable the fake enigine noise but at the same time im afraid that part of the experience will also be gone if i do that (does someone have experience with that)
• (more a general sportcar consideration) I'm afraid that after the honeymoon phase owning the car would get old quickly and that I might not enjoy it that much anymore
• the emira new Turbo SE costs about 163k euro where I live and for that money I can literally buy a used 718 (base 2017) and a used alpine a110 (2024) and then still have like 40k money left over.
• the older models are ~140k and then I don't know about what already happened to the cars, even the dealer told me you don't need to drive in the i4 only the v6(!? Which sound weird to me) so that makes me wonder how reliable those demonstration cars are if you would buy them. Plus I would like the safety features in the new model like the blind spot warning (since I noticed the visibility is difficult). And If i would buy used then i would just have the 350hp version without all the improvements.

Thanks for any responses/ thoughts I appreciate it!

 

[geoffbland]

... I testdrove a 360hp i4 I got really impressed by the experience, the excitement of driving the car even already at low speed. Also I absolutely love the turbo whistles!
...So far I just tried the 718 boxer (base) but it felt a bit boring. Even though it shifts less jerky than the emira

Sounds to me like you've already decided

I would guess you'll find the "feeling" of the Alpine similar to the Porsche (although very different cars). You might like the 4c though if you like the Emira?

Anticipate that you are going to get the bubbling paint - you probably will. If not - bonus. The rest of the issues you mention are fairly rare on the car but again it's a fairly low-volume car (compared with the alternatives) so again expect some troubles.
I've driven long road-trips (12 hours+) and not had a problem with the noise or comfort (mind you I've done the same in my Elise S1 so maybe you are different).
I think the car gets even better with time when you get used to it and learn to drive it to its potential.
"even the dealer told me you don't need to drive in the i4 only the v6(!? Which sound weird to me)" - Sounds weird to me too. 100% make sure you test drive any car before you buy. Also the V6 and i4 driving experience is very different, Supercharger+Manual vs Turbos+Auto, I test drove both and would recommend that.

Also remember a large part of owning a Lotus is the community; there some Lotus owners groups in Belgium & Netherlands and events that you should look out for such as the annual Lotus Ypres day https://ypreslotusday.be/.

 

[Johnson]

Can you drive a manual? If so, I’d highly recommend the V6. I’ve owned a number of manual sportscars, and only the short throw of the MX-5 beats the Emira.

As for all the other problems mentioned here on the forums, keep in mind that people often only voice their complaints. I’ve had my car for two years without a single issue.

 

[Orchardbike]

The V6 gearbox is incredibly noisy however.

 

[Lotus64]

There are few vehicles as engaging to drive or beautiful as the Emira. It will have quirks and may have issues, yet all you can do is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. It is a lottery, and you can't win it if you aren't in it!

Mine has been flawless after a year and a half. I wouldn't hesitate to get another one at the current msrp. It's certainly a check on my bucket list.

• Your paint might bubble. All you can do is avoid water exposure to avoid and/or delay it. If the day comes under warranty, it's an annoyance but it's fixed. If out of warranty, time to get creative. It's a privilege to have first world problems.
• The car is noisy. It's a sports car. I'd be weary of a longer drive more than a couple hours although it can be done. A GT is better suited to that task. How hardcore are you?
• Disabling the I4 fake noise will not dilute the experience as it is more pure. V6 sounds amazing too.
• The honeymoon phase has not worn off, and I still think what the hell is this car doing here every time I see it. It's an absolute spaceship that will elicit gasps and screams.
• You've got to pay the cost, to be the boss!
• It's a lottery. Get the newest model if you can, as they have more features and theoretically should be more sorted.

Cheers!

 

[Medic518]

Agree with @Lotus64 on all points, and will add..

• Have have no issues with paint bubbling (coming up on a year, 3500mi, been through winter driving and summer) but is garaged. Don't drive on wet days, and dry immediately after washing - leaving the doors open to ensure any and all water drains (barely any at all).
• Car is somewhat noisy IMO, but I have made calls with the windows down, without shouting, and no one has said they have had an issue hearing me. There is one noisy "creak" that I have identified at the roof liner back near the rear widow - should be an easy fix. I do plan on installing some sound deadener on the rear wall when I get around to installing a small sub back there. I have done 1000mi in one day, after the first hour I was wondering if I could do it, but after a short stop and seat adjustment I went 12hrs straight - only stopping for fuel and had. blast.
• I disabled the "piped-in" noise with a snip and some bullet connectors (just in case I need to reconnect), made the KEF system sound better, but it still seems underpowered (hence the coming sub/tweeter install). Also makes the turbo whine is much more present - I plan on adding the GFB BOV for better blowoff, reduced flutter and better throttle response.
• I get the increased cost, but it is worth it..
• Agree with @Lotus64 get the newest model you can - mine has all the connections for ADAS features, but none installed. Wish I had some, and would turn off the others..

Hope this helps..