Suzy has written an ad below...
We were never going to sell it.
OK so this is our second Elise, we've had them for eleven years. This on we've had for 7, since new. We meant to
always have it but it just isn't getting used anymore. It was a perfectly serviceable family car provided we weren't all going anywhere together but now we want to take bikes or sailing gear with us it's just not seeing use. And what use it does get (commuting) seems a waste...
It's one lady owner, bought new from Murray Motors in Edinburgh, always warmed up properly as per the instructions. It's an MY04 car on a 03 plate. Standard 111s except for a couple of bits...
Lotus briefly dallied with replacing writing "L O T U S" on the back with a badge. We didn't like that so we got
them to make us one with the writing on instead. We also had a Lotus sports exhaust fitted and the interior sill
covers leather covered. Also the central console was leather covered and it has a leather gearlever gaiter. Looks
lovely (all in black).
The rest of the car has a dark red leather interior. Which looks ace.
The outisde of the car* is Starlight Black. This is the best colour**.
It's done 57000 (TBC but it's ball park) miles, last year it suffered the dreaded HGF which was fixed (Scholar bottom end, DVA checked the head). None of it done for power, it's fast enough for us, just a "do it once, do it right" mentality.
Unfortunately this was then followed by another failure, faulty gasket, which was replaced in January. Receipts to
support.
Service History.
They really cost pennies to run, so we haven't scrimped. Any failures have been replaced or upgraded. Heater
resistor pack has been done, the radiator failed (they all do that sir) so the large alloy Eliseaparts one was
fitted. Braided brake hoses, EBC discs, Mintex 1144 pads. Tyres are in good condition*** (Bridgestones all round -
always replaced in pairs). The front tow mast mount was replaced with an extortinate Elise parts stainless one at
the same time the rad was done, the original ones rust like crazy, the Eliseparts one is stainless steel but you
have to take the clam off to replace it... So when you look at others don't just think "I'll just replace that!"
What else can I tell you, there is service history (obviously) a mixture of main dealer and specialists. Latterly
Dan at SPS automotive 'cos he is ace. Some bits my husband does (oil changes and brakes is as far as his expertise
goes though). He doesn't charge but expects non-receipted payment in kind. He's still waiting.
So now having maintained it regardless of cost it's going. No it is. We've decided. We're not going to change our
minds (this is written after seeing it polished sitting outside in the sunshine. Memories of trips to Skye and Mull
where the roads are like tarmac billiard tables bereft of traffic and the boot is stuffed with camping gear and we
have no reason to go home for days come flooding back. A small tear wells. It's just a car. Move on.).
You know how great they are as you are reading this ad, but I'll remind you. We've had/have other cars, hot hatches,
Scoobies, motorbikes, sportscars but Elises has been a constant for eleven years and they are awesome. On the right
road, in the right weather nothing touches them. Nothing. You can take your ABS, your audible radios, your airbags
and traction control and this will destroy you. It's done 1000 mile trips round Scotland and left us feeling fresh
and alive on reaching our destination grinning from ear to ear.
While small and not so small children take photos of us on ther phones****.
Call with questions and we'll talk. I am more than happy to accept bank transfers from Africa with a balance to be
- oh no hang on. Don't be silly, don't waste our time.
*OK the engine isn't it, nor are the windows. There are stone chips, we'll discuss that when you call to offer me
more than the asking price.
**Personal opinion. May not be substantiated by actual fact.
*** OK I haven't checked that.
**** Pete insists they are taking pics of him. I frankly doubt this. He also maintains that in the Hebrides even a
car is a novelty. It's at this point I question why I married an Englishman and he has to go and spend some time in
the spare room thinking about how lucky he is.
Here are some photos.
