Scottish Elises

I've been THINKING about buying this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/580220.htm

Honest thoughts and opinions please. Since my daughter arrived into the world last year I haven't been out much in the Elise other than to work and back. At least with this I can get Alice and the mrs in it. However, I've done loads to my car and I don't want to end up with another money pit. So keep the Liz and tart it up a bit or buy this? (or similar)

Got to confess that when I think of "Porsche" it's that type of 911 that springs to mind for me. Must have been impressionable in the '80s. I love the shape and the spoiler although I think that without the Turbo's wide rear arches and even bigger spoiler they look a bit less butch. Never owned a Porsche but if I ever do it will be one similar(ish) to that.

Jim

Looks amazing - I wonder how well they last at that age and mileage - good luck with the decision it cant be an easy one.

You should of swapped me for my S3 a while back

Porsche looks the part, but i reckon it could be expensive to run

Looked at this style of 911 before buying the Elise, the Bad Boys film put the idea in my head

I remember money pit being used by alot of the owners, iirc a service requires the engine to be released from its mounts to allow the oil to be changed

I had a browse in the following http://www.911uk.com

not a fan of skinny porsches.. needs a turbo body to look good in my opinion...great condition though..

mark

That car is actually in disguise.

In reality it is a small door to a very large room which you will eventually fill with all your money.

You have been warned!

Take care,

At that age running costs aren't small - my Uncle was put of by this after some research and he can do most of the work himself

Like the look of classic 911s, but it is easy to forget just how far cars have come in the last 20 years in terms of handling, grip, and performance. An old 911 like that oozes charisma, but I suspect it would feel otherwise pretty unimpressive after a 111R or Exige. Ultimately I reckon it would be just a money pit in return for a pretty mediocre drive. As James May once said 'all old cars are rubbish - that's why they aren't made anymore'

Mark

Cisco wrote:That car is actually in disguise.

In reality it is a small door to a very large room which you will eventually fill with all your money.

You have been warned!

Take care,

Expect to double or triple the costs when compared to an elise.

I would personally go for a lower mileage car.

Mass

p.s. I did owned a Porsche for over 10 years

John,

I'm afraid the problem with these cars is that they're cheap for a reason. There are 100s of them out there, on at £12k with sentences in the advert saying "thousands spend, large volume of receipts"; why? because they break. Lots.

BEtter off buying something more contemporary to get your jollies in matey, thought about an old S4 or e36 M3 coupe? Plenty of good ones out there to be had well within your budget

why? because they're faster and more reliable?

H8OAG Sheds and Smokers survey says.......

Have a good look at the photo........the background can give up as many clues as the subject.

(A car park in Alexandria suggests no premises.....or less photogenic premises)


It is a Scottish registered car albeit with illegal non reflective plates
(Tony Flint of PCGB Scotland or Motortune in Shotts may know the provenance of this car)

All the repairs listed are known issues with this model.....right down to the fork mod on the G50 box. (Stops it jumping out of second gear on the overrrun)

All head/engine/gearbox work should be carried out by a specialist

Head/Valve work commensurate with mileage

Wheels are non standard ...with the original fuchs being more desirable for resale

The asking price is not deadly.....if the list of repairs have recently been carried out

I would however be concerned about the need to replace the front wings as the bodies generally remain rust free with little maintenance

The heater issues are typical....but make sure the aftermarket exhaust works with the heat exchangers to heat the car.

The ebay website no longer lists the car.......so it may be gone

Did notice an S2 with no reserve though if you fancy a Porker with potentially less issues

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I was hoping you'd say "go for it" and that the money pit stories were a myth. But I'll get the lotus sorted and keep it instead.

Mark, did you get an Elise yet?

J