Head Gasket - Make sure when you go to buy the engine is stone cold before start up. If it is warm the owner may have warmed up which expands the engine and could seal a gap. Look out for any blue smoke etc coming from the engine. Any of these problems walk away the head gasket might be ready to go.
Floor Corrosion - A lot of owners have noticed a problem with the footwells corroding under the mat stuck to the floor. Due to the water being trapped underneath these mats it can cause the floor to start corroding. Check this because there could be a cost of replacing the floor if this has happened. Some cars for sale will have it recalled and the floor has already been replaced.
Boot catch - The boot catch has a habbit of sticking and a few owners have to rip the back wheel liner off or at worst drill a hole behind the number plate to get it back open. Check that it opens ok and is not stiff. If you buy its recommended to spray some WD40 or grease it up to prevent sticking. Also I have heard people talk about attaching a string somewhere but I am sure someone will elaborate.
The "Red Hose" - When buying the elise the older model I think 98 and before had the red clutch hose. A lot of people uprate this to the braided hose and the newer models come with this. On hot days the hose heat up and softened which made it hard/impossible to change gear.
Steering Rack - There seems to be some problems with the steering rack with some elises, this can be felt if you take the car a test drive. The steering should be very responsive.
Cluth Pedal - Make sure the clutch is not stiff, sit in car make sure it goes into gear. This is meant to be due to lubrication problems too again keep it well lubricated.
Oil cap and dip stick - Take the oil cap off and check for substance that looks like mayo or butter walk away if this is found (I think thats oil and water mixing?? ......someone will elaborate) Also take out the dipstick and check that it is not milky.
Starter Motor - Sometimes the starter motors can be sticky this will be seen when you start the car up.
Throttle body - If the engine is idling at high revs usually a problem with the throttle body. A lot of people have replaced this with an aluminium one to prevent this.
Suspension - Heard lots of people talk about suspension and upgrading certain parts, and replacing certain parts which wear quick. Sure someone will elaborate as I am not too sure about this part. Check that the mounts are not twisted or damaged when checking the suspension.
Chasis - Any chasis damage walk away as this is almost unrepairable.
Look out for servicing also as there are a few types. The expensive one is the cambelt service and if this is done close to when you looking at the car then its always a bonus.
Headlight covers are a bonus as they have a tendency to corrode or be damaged with stones. Also with the elise being so low it has to be expected to see lots of stonechips. One without could suggest accident repair or else the owner may have opted for a touch up, one worth asking. Some come with a protective film to reduce stone chips.
I have probably missed loads but I can't think of anything else. I hope others can add to this. Cheers
