Elise - advice please

[flyingscot68]

My other half (Lesley) is totally in love with the Evora and fancies an Elise for herself.

I've spotted this for sale http://www4.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... ?logcode=p

Just wondered if anyone knows this car or has any advice to add when it comes to the S1?

I know it's a more 'edgy' car than the S2 but having never driven either I'd love to hear from someone who has experienced both. It would be Lesley's everyday car.

Price seems pretty good, I wouldn't expect it to lose much from the advertised price.

Cheers

Kenny

[j2 lot]

Its a big step from an Evora to an S1 Elise.
Has Lesley been in or driven an Elise ? If not thats the first thing she should do, as apart from the Lotus badge and the level of performance they are very different propositions, especially as a daily driver.

I have had several S1s and S2s: the S1 is a better drivers car but you need to accept a lot of compromises over normal cars an S2 could be slightly better appointed depending on the model and age so a bit easier to live with day to day. Neither will be anywhere near as comfortable and useable as an Evora.
The newer the car the better screwed together it will be.

Edit to add: if she is happy with an Elise for every day use an S1 will be a better investment

[Dominic]

That one looks okay. I would be keen to ascertain if it's had the head gasket done. The S2 suspension is a good upgrade. J2Lot's post covers the S2 Vs S1 case really. The S2 may be easier to live with, and depending how new you go for, will have a much easier roof to live with. Having said that, you get use to the S1's roof, and I don't have any issues with it. IMHO, S1's if looked after, will be depreciation proof now.

You and Lesley are welcome to take mine for a spin at some point. I am away just now (back on the 12th). It will give you something to compare others to (either other S1's or S2s). Also, feel welcome to give me a call for a blether on the subject if you wish.

[Shug]

Great offer by Dom - would deffo take him up on it, as his is a really good example of a cared for, but not too pampered, honest S1 with the right bits.

I loved my S1, there are times I miss it (even compared to a more powerful S2 I have access to now) and it was a daily driver for 5 years. But you have to think of them as kit cars really - the build quality of a 90s Lotus is very, very different from the Evora. Also - as a daily driver, I'd also consider that they are more like classics in the amount of maintenance they will need. Electrics will be starting to show their age, you'll constantly be on the look for tired balljoints and wheel bearings, etc, etc.

Not trying to put you (or Lesley) off, but if you go in with your eyes open, I won't have to defend my beloved S1s against accusations of being unreliable sheds

[Andy G]

I love nuts cars.

I wouldnt use an S1 as a daily driver though.

I did 18k miles in my 2004 111r in the first year from new. Far better day to day car, and the S1's, great though they are just arent in the same ballpark build quality wise, or interior comfort. The S2 is also set up more for neutral handling (which you can adjust) but the S1 is more tail led, part of the reason i love them!

As an aside my wife had a 2005 Boxster S which was the perfect car for her every day, and so well built, it would be a far far far better place for her to be in the event of an accident. More toys, easier to get in and out of, soft-top etc.

ps - not trying to ruin her dream.

[flyingscot68]

Thanks for all the advice folks - much appreciated.

There's nothing really there that I didn't expect. Car would be a daily driver of sorts - if she was doing a photo job she'd have access to the Evora or our C-Class Estate for convenience. Maybe even the old Bay of I ever get it finished

I guess the best thing to do is to take you up on your very generous offer Dominic let her loose in one to see how she likes it.

I could never convince her to have a Porsche Andy, for reasons I'll let her explain to you at Oulton

[UncleRon]

Would agree with the above - I still have both an S1 and an S2 111R, although only the 111R is road legal just now, but when they were both on the road Mrs Uncleron would happily take the S2 out any sunny or dry day whereas she would probably only take the S1 out when she had too.

I think I live pretty close to Dom so if you want to do a back to back look see just let me know.....

I'm also doing Oulton on Saturday in the S1