20k to spend, what would you buy?
Discussion
Hi all
I'm seriously considering buying my first Lotus. I currently daily drive a Renault Clio RS200 with the cup chassis, and I love it. I've spent a good amount of time on track with the car and I will be honest, I forgot how fun a FWD, revvy car can be. However, I want something faster and even more engaging to drive.
I really would like an S2 Elise, mainly because I don't like K Series engines. They sound good, but I would obsess over the HG issues and it would ruin the car for me. I would prefer the S/Cd variant, if possible.
I know prices are fairly mental at the moment, but is my budget too low for a well sorted S2?
I would be daily driving the car, but I WFH and only really drive for fun. Last month I covered 160 miles, so I don't really go anywhere and for any long drive that I might do, I have a VW T5 van.
Thanks
NG
I'm seriously considering buying my first Lotus. I currently daily drive a Renault Clio RS200 with the cup chassis, and I love it. I've spent a good amount of time on track with the car and I will be honest, I forgot how fun a FWD, revvy car can be. However, I want something faster and even more engaging to drive.
I really would like an S2 Elise, mainly because I don't like K Series engines. They sound good, but I would obsess over the HG issues and it would ruin the car for me. I would prefer the S/Cd variant, if possible.
I know prices are fairly mental at the moment, but is my budget too low for a well sorted S2?
I would be daily driving the car, but I WFH and only really drive for fun. Last month I covered 160 miles, so I don't really go anywhere and for any long drive that I might do, I have a VW T5 van.
Thanks
NG
Don't forget that for the first 3 years the S2 Elise had the K engine and at your budget that's what you are probably looking at.
I actually prefer the K engine, it's lighter and full of character, and I would not at all be put off the the HG 'issue' - just factor in a replacement when you buy it if it's not already been done. Its permanently fixable with a better after market composite gasket.
I have an early S2 111s and they are great fun
I actually prefer the K engine, it's lighter and full of character, and I would not at all be put off the the HG 'issue' - just factor in a replacement when you buy it if it's not already been done. Its permanently fixable with a better after market composite gasket.
I have an early S2 111s and they are great fun
Buy this one - LINK.
It's got a K series, but the 135R is really top of the pile for S2 Elises. My Father has had one since 2004 so maybe a bit biased, but the OZ rims (wider fronts), lighter weight, decent power, blue alcantara make for a much more special S2 elise. Looks like it has had some sensible modifications too.
That one at £19,990 looks a bargain to me. You won't lose much money on it either. If I wasn't living abroad now I'd get it inspected and buy it myself.
It's got a K series, but the 135R is really top of the pile for S2 Elises. My Father has had one since 2004 so maybe a bit biased, but the OZ rims (wider fronts), lighter weight, decent power, blue alcantara make for a much more special S2 elise. Looks like it has had some sensible modifications too.
That one at £19,990 looks a bargain to me. You won't lose much money on it either. If I wasn't living abroad now I'd get it inspected and buy it myself.
BertBert said:
The k is great, been there several times in the past.
What's the required budget to take the car to a specialist and have the head redone and refitted? £1000 all in or £2000? Or more?
Not even that.What's the required budget to take the car to a specialist and have the head redone and refitted? £1000 all in or £2000? Or more?
I've just done mine and it would have been £300 in 'stuff' and a weekends work to just for a straight fix. As it is, I went for a few upgrades, Cams, and a DVA power Cylinder head, and it still came in at under £600 in bits.
Mine is now pretty much same engine spec as the 135 linked. Its flipping ace. Its rorty, torquey, weights next to nothing, doesnt even seem to use any fuel!
S2 K series is a bit of a 'thing' too... better roof, doors, NVH etc... but still the proper Elise experience with no servo brakes, the close ratio gearbox, less weight (Toyota S2's are a lot heavier), more usable torque...
Edited by snotrag on Friday 5th August 12:54
Edited by snotrag on Friday 5th August 12:55
DrJNA said:
Buy this one - LINK.
It's got a K series, but the 135R is really top of the pile for S2 Elises. My Father has had one since 2004 so maybe a bit biased, but the OZ rims (wider fronts), lighter weight, decent power, blue alcantara make for a much more special S2 elise. Looks like it has had some sensible modifications too.
That one at £19,990 looks a bargain to me. You won't lose much money on it either. If I wasn't living abroad now I'd get it inspected and buy it myself.
That does look to be an excellent buyIt's got a K series, but the 135R is really top of the pile for S2 Elises. My Father has had one since 2004 so maybe a bit biased, but the OZ rims (wider fronts), lighter weight, decent power, blue alcantara make for a much more special S2 elise. Looks like it has had some sensible modifications too.
That one at £19,990 looks a bargain to me. You won't lose much money on it either. If I wasn't living abroad now I'd get it inspected and buy it myself.
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