Scottish Elises

With the choice between a low mileage 97 S1, and average mileage 2000 S1, both at around the same price, what would you go for?

Assume both are standard cars.

I am of the mind that the later car has had all the "issues" dealt with via progressive development at the factory, whereas the 97 car may need some things changing / improving.

Am I right?

Or is the earlier car just as good a buy?

I'd go for the later car.

A low miler older car will probably be a little more prone to problems that have been caused by sitting around - also like you say the older model may not have had some of the revisions that the 2000 model did.

Campbell,

I would have to go with the S1, more raw and just a better driver experience, and i would have thought you would be in the same boat.

I am hoping to go and see Jon's car sometime soon, as it looks very good even for a 97, i think it would keep me happy for a short while.

Dave

low mileage 97 S1, and average mileage 2000 S1

erm very good Dave, they are both S1`s....

Campbell,

I would have to go with the S1, more raw and just a better driver experience, and i would have thought you would be in the same boat.

EDIT*****

Must stop posting with too much wine fuelling my posting!

My apologies, i shall creep back into my cave and let you get on with this debate!

Dave

@ dave.

jke11y wrote:

low mileage 97 S1, and average mileage 2000 S1

erm very good Dave, they are both S1`s....

And because of that avatar Dave, I was reading it thinking Ed was a fanny for thinking it was an S2

The_Rossatron wrote:I'd go for the later car.

A low miler older car will probably be a little more prone to problems that have been caused by sitting around - also like you say the older model may not have had some of the revisions that the 2000 model did.

Ross,

Appreciate that. Great to get wider views.

Back on the buying trail with brother in law, there's a lot on the market but they are all over the country so this could prove expensive and time consuming!!

Cheers

Campbell

Thinking about re-sale, I would imagine to the uninitiated that the 2000 would be more attractive. Also as already mentioned, you'd expect that any issues would have already been addressed.
Could come down to individual spec like the possibility of MMC's and whether you see that as a +ve or -ve. Also there is a chance that the 97 may have the red clucth hose. Whilst not a major issue would likely need resolved at a cost of either time or money maybe even both.

Rag_It wrote:Campbell,
I am hoping to go and see Jon's car sometime soon, as it looks very good even for a 97, i think it would keep me happy for a short while.

Dave

Dave,

Hope the viewing goes well...was just about to suggest Jon's car to Ian when I twigged you were looking at it...we will keep a discreet distance until you have made up your mind

Campbell

Stewart wrote:Thinking about re-sale, I would imagine to the uninitiated that the 2000 would be more attractive. Also as already mentioned, you'd expect that any issues would have already been addressed.
Could come down to individual spec like the possibility of MMC's and whether you see that as a +ve or -ve. Also there is a chance that the 97 may have the red clucth hose. Whilst not a major issue would likely need resolved at a cost of either time or money maybe even both.

Stewart,

Red Clutch Hose. Good point

MMC disks - probably 50:50 in terms of pro vs con, I had fancied them when I was saving for my car but looking at owners' experiences in the rain (which I drove in a lot!), I was happy with steel disks and have actually enjoyed the upgrades I've been able to do to them on a gradual basis.

Thankfully I don't think resale is a worry, Ian is in this for the long term like many of us!!

cheers

Campbell

earlier car should be lighter.

Suppose it comes down to which is in the best mechanical condition of the 2 cars he has in mind. Although depending on his usage (i.e trackdays) he'll probably have to replace all the balljoints/wheel bearings/bushes etc at some point in its life

Neil,

Ta. Trackdays likely to be much like my own participation - occasional only! But a full set of BJs is never a bad thing I guess.

Campbell

campbell wrote:

Rag_It wrote:Campbell,
I am hoping to go and see Jon's car sometime soon, as it looks very good even for a 97, i think it would keep me happy for a short while.

Dave

Dave,

Hope the viewing goes well...was just about to suggest Jon's car to Ian when I twigged you were looking at it...we will keep a discreet distance until you have made up your mind

Campbell

Campbell,

The distance is muchly appreciated, however i would rather Jon's car was sold and i certainly dont want to be seen as a time waster, but if the car is right the funds will appear. If your BIL i scash ready Jon's car seems good!

Dave

Stewart wrote:Could come down to individual spec like the possibility of MMC's and whether you see that as a +ve or -ve. Also there is a chance that the 97 may have the red clucth hose. Whilst not a major issue would likely need resolved at a cost of either time or money maybe even both.

What he said . Red clutch hose and greater potential for plastic dowels (HGF potential) on the earlier car. Also IMO, the older the car and the fewer the miles, the greater the chance its been used on short runs and the engine might be all coked up.

Still, it might come down to which has FSH (if that matters to you), which has better tyres on it, which is due a bigger service sooner etc. I guess what I'm saying is there's more to consider than just the age

Best of luck