Hey guys, I'm looking to buy a 2002 or 2003 C2 and wanted to know if the tiptronic is reliable or are there any things to look out for? I want to make sure I get something that won't cost me a fortune in the future. I really want the 6-speed but I will drive the car a lot and I already have an Elise to fulfill my track needs. Thanks

 

The tiptronic is very reliable with very few owners reporting any trouble.
Disadvantage: It's an automatic box, if you are really into manuals then prob not for you.
Advantage: It's a very clever automatic, once you know how to use it they are just as fun.
In Manual mode the tip won't let you Red line the RPM so you know previous owners are unlikely to have damaged anything.
As you slow down the tip will change down into lower gears for you so you don't try and pull away in 5th gear.
You can manually drop the switch down 2 notches but the tip will only change down the ratios when the speed/ rpm are ok for it.
It also has a learning function so it will change gears similar to the way you drive normally.
I am not a racing professional so I think that it changes gear faster than I can with a manual box. Hope this helps

TB