S1 Ownership

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StuC
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S1 Ownership

Post by StuC » Sat Apr 27, 2019 2:31 pm

Hi everyone and sorry for another slightly noob post on this forum.

I met up with Dom this week who was kind enough to show me round his lovely sport 135 and give me the lowdown on S1 ownership. After going out for a blast I’m more or less convinced. There are however two things holding me back. Dom offered his helpful opinion on both and I’m hoping for a general consensus.

1. I have no garage. I’ve been advised by a few people that this could be a problem in winter but I’ve read other posts saying that it’s fine. I’m not keen on car covers and garage rental in Edinburgh is extortionate. Does anyone have any experience of keeping an S1 outside up here? Is it just a terrible idea? I plan to use it fairly regularly. I have little mechanical ability (maybe that in itself is a reason to avoid).

2. I’ve seen a nice looking 111S advertised but it’s got just over 90k miles on it. Mechanicals etc aside, does anyone have any experience with buying/selling higher mileage S1s? My main concern is the difficulty I might have if and when I come to sell it with >100k on it.

Part of me thinks I should just get an S2 snd worry less about these things but I don’t want the opportunity to own an S1 to pass me by, and the slightly lower cost would leave some budget aside for any work that might need done.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

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campbell
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by campbell » Sat Apr 27, 2019 3:35 pm

1. Bad idea. S1 essentially a classic now. Plus they are not very weatherproof. Damp and mould and other nasties likely if left out permanently. IMHO.

2. Mine ran to 118k miles with regular maint and TLC, and 2 top end rebuilds on the engine. Bottom end was very sound. A salvage company bought mine sadly so can’t comment on saleability ! Mine was never going to be sold but I think a well maintained high miles car will always sell because they are only getting rarer.

In summary. Want an S1? You need a garage and deep pockets to enjoy it properly. Choose the right S2, esp if you can stretch to a Toyota version, and you have a more day to day solution. Albeit still try to garage it. A decent shower cap fitted over the roof will really help if not.
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Victor Meldrew
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by Victor Meldrew » Sat Apr 27, 2019 5:23 pm

campbell wrote:
Sat Apr 27, 2019 3:35 pm
1. Bad idea. S1 essentially a classic now. Plus they are not very weatherproof. Damp and mould and other nasties likely if left out permanently. IMHO.

2. Mine ran to 118k miles with regular maint and TLC, and 2 top end rebuilds on the engine. Bottom end was very sound. A salvage company bought mine sadly so can’t comment on saleability ! Mine was never going to be sold but I think a well maintained high miles car will always sell because they are only getting rarer.

In summary. Want an S1? You need a garage and deep pockets to enjoy it properly. Choose the right S2, esp if you can stretch to a Toyota version, and you have a more day to day solution. Albeit still try to garage it. A decent shower cap fitted over the roof will really help if not.

As an S1 owner with high miles.... As an owner of an S1 with high miles, in my experience they cost a lot to keep running. I would look to get the newest car you can find. Everything on mine is a good knock away from being broken. Just waiting for the next joyride on the back of the AA wagon. I was averaging around 5-600 miles between breakdowns. That is between 5 miles and 600 miles.. Honestly unless you are going to garage the thing and use it on special dry days you are just buying one of the most enjoyable money pits on the road. And one little bump it will probably be written off.

If you can stretch to a 1.6 engine car, that will probably be the best entry point into long term successful Elise ownership.



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tjscott3
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by tjscott3 » Sat Apr 27, 2019 5:59 pm

i used my s1 daily for three years. it lived on the driveway under a shower cap and it was fine. i did nearly 30,000 miles and had two major issues. one being head gasket ( the plug for the fans had vibrated loose so they didnt kick in as it overheated. the little clip on the socket must not have been engaged ) and it like to cook alternators. other than that it was actually pretty reliable.

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campbell
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by campbell » Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:09 pm

Victor is broadly on the money.

Except that a 1.6 S3 is a weaker choice coz gutless. Better off with a 1.8, 134bhp version of the Toyota variant. Torquey and quick enough for most purposes and values look really, really stable.

I may have a saved search for that version on Pistonheads. Let me see what it throws up...
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campbell
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by campbell » Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:18 pm

Stu...

The best colour ever:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... ul/9559591

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... 07/9630484

This one's a collectors item IMHO but would still be a great buy:
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... 08/9601714

You just need to be careful when searching up the 134bhp version, as it's easy to get 111R or R models swept into it - those are the 190bhp high revving versions and although brilliant on track, they are a little short on torque for enjoyable road driving unless you rev the knackers off them.
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Victor Meldrew
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by Victor Meldrew » Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:45 pm

When my Elise was about 10 years old then yes I think you could easily run the car as an almost daily. Most of the S1’s are getting close to 20 years old now. Totally different proposition.

Go for the newest car you can afford.

Valid comment about the 1.6 being gutless I guess. It we have had a few along on runs and they didn’t hold us up any. Road only it would probably be ok but not if you want to track it regularly, I can see that being a bit wank.


I will be considering either replacing or hopefully supplementing the Elise with something newer. Maybe a 2-3 year old Caterham or an MX5 or a Cayman or an M3. Who knows
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StuC
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by StuC » Sat Apr 27, 2019 7:52 pm

They say advice is what you ask for when you know the answer but wished you didn't...

Sounds like really it needs to be an S2.

I had a 2009 SC a few years back (sold to move abroad) and then an Exige S (no parts to repair following an accident). I'd have an SC again in a heartbeat but they're few and far between at the moment and I do slightly grudge the high asking prices. I've driven a 111R and, like you say Campbell, unlocking the real performance at high revs was a bit irritating.

I much prefer the look of the S2 compared to the S3. I've also driven an S3 and I found it a bit less characterful.

So that leaves the standard Toyota S2 or an SC, which actually isn't a huge jump in terms of cost. A low mileage 111S also seems in the same ballpark (albeit with a k series engine) although I suppose may feel a bit sluggish without the close ratio 'box.

Thanks all for the help.

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Victor Meldrew
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by Victor Meldrew » Sat Apr 27, 2019 8:05 pm

Avoid the K series engine like the plague. Just asking for trouble.

I am just counting the days till mine goes bang again. And it will. They all do.
Well it moves... might as well make the most of it....

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rawsco
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by rawsco » Sat Apr 27, 2019 8:26 pm

Re 1 plenty of options for winter storage both commercially and within the fold for varying tariffs. I bought my S240 without a garage and found many options available for the winter storage. Avoid covers. Could look at an outdoor carcoon too. It certainly would benefit from dry storing tho.
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j2 lot
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by j2 lot » Sat Apr 27, 2019 9:53 pm

I think S1s should probably be considered classics to be kept well and used hard occasionally with an expectation you will need a decent annual budget to keep it in tip top condition so it holds value. It’s easy to fall out of love with such beasts as the costs can outweigh the enjoyment. An S2 / S3 is probably your best bet.
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Kinger
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by Kinger » Sat Apr 27, 2019 10:48 pm

Hi,

I love the S1, mine has 83k on the clock and I don’t worry about taking it on track or long journeys. Last year I took it to the South of France via the Alps, did three track days the drove all the way home, nearly 4000 miles in a week. Car didn’t miss a beat. Mine is used all the time, I think it’s better if they are constantly used rather than brought out for occasional short drives. Mine had a great history when I got it, head gasket etc. In fact my S2 Exige spent more time on the AA truck than the S1. Get a good one and they are magic. Get the right one and you’ll love it.ImageImageImage


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campbell
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S1 Ownership

Post by campbell » Sun Apr 28, 2019 7:03 am

That’s a brilliant point, Graham. They definitely fare better when used frequently :-)

Ours was “little and often”.

But it also rather liked its frequent trips to Uncle Craig for regular TLC and the occasional bit of invasive surgery. This can be a huge time-sink, never mind the £££.

I think someone handy with the Spanners could have a ball with an S1. But if you’re not, then you need to realise what you are taking on and the fact that getting a good ‘un is now a lottery with rapidly weakening odds...

Pic for nostalgia:

Image

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Dominic
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by Dominic » Sun Apr 28, 2019 7:47 am

Hi Stu,

It was good to meet you last week.

1. As per our chat, a garage or lock-up would make a big difference, or at very least some form of winter storage.

2. Buy on history, not on mileage.

An early S2 K has the potential to be as troublesome as an S1.
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Mikie711
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Re: S1 Ownership

Post by Mikie711 » Sun Apr 28, 2019 9:11 am

I'll just leave this here

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... hp/9637973

and if you want to see how it was done.....

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=33620
Elise S2 260
GR Yaris
BMW M2 Comp
RRS HST
VW Caddy
Mk1 Escort (bare shell)

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