Scottish Elises

I've just sold my Z4 and I'm actively looking for an Elise, unfortunately there don;t seem to be many for sale at the moment - hope to have one before the summer is finished.

I live very near Knockhill and I'm a regular (spectator) at the events there. I've not done any track days, but could be tempted to try once I have an Elise

David

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1033456.htm

Get that one bought!

Welcome to the Group David, and as Graeme says, consider that one.

Very low mileage and looks a cracker.

tut

tut wrote:Welcome to the Group David, and as Graeme says, consider that one.

Very low mileage and looks a cracker.

tut

Thanks - yes it looks very good and a tiny mileage. At the risk of starting a posting war - is there much to choose between an S1 and S2. I know there were some changes to brakes and suspension (as well as the bodywork of course) but is it really just down to preference of the appearance and budget?

Come along to events, get runs in some, have a good poke about and see what you prefer.

The real issue is that the newest S1 is 8/9 years old now and therefore will inevitably be more hassle. Some flaws were corrected when they went to the S2 (like wheel bearings) but they introduced new ones No effective changes to brakes, just a change in offset so the discs aren't interchangable. Servo only arrived with the 111R. S2 was a bit more civilised from the get-go, but heavier.

Looks are totally subjective - I love my S1 and truly feel it'll be the classic in future years, but the S2 floats a lot of people's boats. I have a 2000 S1 (modified to hell) and my other half has a 2006 111R. Very different beasties and both excellent in their own ways.

As I am completely unbiased even though owning two S1's, if it is your first Elise, I have found that new buyers prefer the looks of the S2. I think that it is generally agreed that it was better put together and they learnt from the faults with the S1, and would be a better day to day car.

However it is heavier than an original S1, and for me does not have the classic simple lines of the first ever Elise. That 111S is one of the last made before they went over to the S2, and Inferno is a beautiful colour. You could keep the hardtop, but most hardcore owners would sell it, I got £750 for mine.

Whether you are buying an S1 or an S2, bottom line is that it is an Elise, and if you get a good one it is doubtful if you will ever regret it. Hence an ever growing Scottish_Elises after ten years.

tut

What they said, but basically, yes, personal preference. Coming from a Z4 you won't be disappointed with either.

You'll find lots of cars have had the brakes upgraded anyway (disks, pads and hoses). That's fine, don't be put off. Very few cars run standard brakes.

Standard suspension is better on the S2 (Bilsteins) than on the S1 (Konis), but lots of S1s have had the S2 kit fitted (which works reaaaaly well!). Incidentally, that red 111s I linked too is on the originals, so budget £600 for that. Konis only last about 20k miles, so those are overdue if they are original. Nitrons or Ohlins are expensive upgrades and are good for real trackaholics. Keep an eye out in the ads for those.

Both S1 and S2 are just as likely to cause trouble! It's not always true that the older or higher mileage the car, the worse it will be. It's a bit of a gamble really and they ALL need love and attention. You can forget your German engineering!

Look for a car with an enthusiastic owner. Better to buy one which has been tracked by an owner who knows how to keep it properly than one which has had "one lady owner" and a full history, but has never been warmed up properly or had it's oil changed between services.

If you're going for an older Rover K-Series engine, make sure it's had a cambelt service recently or factor in £500 for that. Later S2s with the Toyota engine won't cause any bother as long as the book is stamped.

If the car still has a standard exhaust, budget £400 for a sports one. You might think you don't need it, but sooner or later you'll hear another Elise and you'll get "exhaust envy". Yes, you will.

Any cars you like the look of, just post them up here. SE is never short of opinions!


P.S. Don't buy this one. http://pistonheads.com/sales/1077057.htm

What a package!!!!!

Would insist on a test drive though.

tut

Mark

Your date of Lotus ownership just got closer by joining this forum!

You wont regret buying one! Super cars!!