The blind spots in these cars can obviously be a problem. If the side mirrors, even the stock ones, are set properly it will minimize, or possibly eliminate, the blind spots. This is how I set my mirrors for all of my cars. It has been particularly helpful in the Lotus. I have to get help adjusting the passenger side mirror on the Elise but can do the driver's side alone.
Set your rear view mirror as you normally would. Then, lean your head all the way to the left so it touches the driver's window. From that position, set your left side view mirror so you can see just the back corner of your car. Now lean the same distance the other way with your head between the seats and set your right side view mirror the same way.
You will need to make some slight adjustments to your side-view mirrors to make everything line up perfectly. Pulling up next to a line of parked cars (to simulate another lane of traffic next to you) or when sitting at a traffic light is a good way to do that.
The goal is to first see the cars behind you in the rear view mirror. As they pass you, as soon as the car is disappearing from the rear view mirror it should appearing in the side view mirror. As the passing car is disappearing from your side mirror it should be appearing in your peripheral vision.
As you pass another car, as soon as it is disappearing from your peripheral vision it should be appearing in the side mirror. As it is disappearing from the side mirror it should be appearing in the rear view mirror.
It will be a little disconcerting at first to drive with the side mirrors adjusted this way but once you get used to it (again, give it about one week) you may wonder why you haven't been driving this way all along.
One other note on this is that backing up (as into a parking space where you will want to see where the lines are, etc.) becomes a little side to side dance in the driver's seat so you can see the sides of the car but in reality the increased safety on the road is well worth it.
