Buying advice

[timmsky]

a full set of BJs is never a bad thing I guess.

Campbell

And this from a married man.... you're leaning against an open door there big guy

However - things already mentioned re. lightness and MMC's aside, having owned S1's both sides of the millenium ('97, '99 & '00) , I can honestly say that the only thing the '97 car had against the '99 and post 2K car, was the MMC brakes. I never noticed any other difference on road or track and would gladly have any of them again.

Of course, if there was a difference in cost, go for the cheaper one as that will leave more in the kitty for inevitable upgrades later on

HTH

[timmsky]

Also consider whether the recall has been done on either car for the floorpan...

The later car may not have shown any signs of corrosion and may not have been done.

[Rich H]

As the owner of a 97 S1 I would not be put off with the red clutch hose or the MMCs (or lack of) while they have their problems, the difference in cash must be significant and it is still an S1 after all. Spend part of the difference on a decent set of shocks, geo and tyres (if req, you did say standard!) and tidying up the scruffy bits. Would make a better drivers car for sure but if it's got to have resale value there is no point modding it at all so get the later car.

the only things I would be insisting on is the floor fix is done (And done to your satisfaction!) and it is mechanically sound with evidence of regular servicing, brake fluid changes, use, etc. Last thing you want is a neglected one which needs critical work from day 1. Mine was fairly well neglected, with no evidence of a brake fluid change (Until I got her!) for over 4 years!

Things will wear out, but as we all know milage is only one of the factors with little hand built plastic cars, the major factor being how much white lightning cider the spotty YTS lad had in Hethel town centre the night before he built your car....

my 2p

Rich

[campbell]

Interesting views.

I followed the advice re: removal of bonded floormats but never enquired about "recall" for whatever extra bit of ally plating they were offering to fit.

Wonder if I've missed that boat. Doesn't seem to be worsening, and that's been a good couple of years now...

[campbell]

a full set of BJs is never a bad thing I guess.

Campbell

And this from a married man.... you're leaning against an open door there big guy

I was just checking to see if you were awake Iain...I was proved right, nice to hear from you!!

[Jon]

Chaps, hope you don't mind me butting in, but, here's the ad tect for the car I bought 4 months ago. The chap had more of a clue than me and I don't think I did it full justice in the classifieds post. As written:

HERE WE HAVE FOR SALE THE EVER POPULAR

LOTUS ELISE S1 1997 ON A PRIVATE PLATE (INCLUDED) IN

TITANIUM.

SPECIFICATION:

*ALLOY WHEELS

*REMOVABLE MOMO STEERING WHEEL

*DRIVING LIGHTS

*SOFT TOP CONVERTIBLE

*4 BRAND NEW TYRES

*ALLOY WINDOW WINDERS

*EBC DRILLED & GROOVED NEW BRAKE DISCS ALL ROUND

*EBC (GREEN STUFF) NEW PADS ALL ROUND

*FULL LOTUS & SPECIALIST SERVICE HISTORY WITH CAMBELT CHANGE LAST YEAR.

*BRAND NEW KONI REAR DAMPERS

*BRAND NEW BATTERY

*NEW GEAR SELECTOR CABLE

*ALL DOCUMENTS PRESENT.

SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE I HAVE MAINTAINED IT REGARDLESS OF COST. I PURCHASED THE LOTUS IN JUNE 2005 FROM AN INDEPENDANT GARAGE AND BOUGHT IT SOLEY FOR WEEKEND USE.

TO MY KNOWLEDGE THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN TRACKED OR ABUSED AND ALL MAINTENANCE WORKS TO THE VEHICLE SINCE IN MY POSSESION HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT BY TORQUE RVT ( INDEPENDANT TVR/LOTUS SPECIALIST) OF MIDDLEWICH IN CHESHIRE.

IN JUNE 2006 THE ENGINE WAS STRIPPED & REBUILT AT A COST OF JUST UNDER A THOUSAND POUND, REPLACING ALL SEALS AND GASKETS AND NEW LAMBA PROBE FITTED TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. RECEIPTS PRESENT FOR ALL WORKS CARRIED OUT.

UNFORTUNATELY DUE TO EXPANDING FAMILY THIS MUCH LOVED PERSONAL LUXURY OF MINE IS HAVING TO VERY VERY VERY RELUCATANTLY GO UNDER THE HAMMER ( TO A LOVING & APPRECIATIVE HOME ONLY).

AS CAN BE APPRECIATED OF A CAR OF THIS AGE THERE IS A LITTLE WEAR & TEAR TO THE INTERIOR, AND VERY MINOR STONE CHIPS.

[GregR]

*BRAND NEW KONI REAR DAMPERS

He had a clue up until that point Still, thats a lovely spec mate, and an absolute steal!