Thinking of buying an S2...

[Horchsense]

I'm new to PH - so a big "Hi there" to all. Profile = old git (a spritely 50 this year). Not that wealthy (FE Lecturer in Art & Design) - thinking of buying an S2 next spring. Mid-life crisis? Perhaps. But have teenage daughter who doesn't require my services any longer and a forgiving wife with her own car. I currently drive an Audi A3 tdi (nice but boring) - empty most of the time - and can't see any good reason why I shouldn't flog it and buy an Elise. Unless you can tell me different that is...
Yes it will be parked outside in the street (cul-de-sac) so it will get rained on. No, I'm no diy mechanic. Yes it will get used for the everyday commute (20 miles either way). But have been led to believe the Elise is a realistic everyday car (plus my wife has a Focus). Can probably run to around 18k. That's 111S money - but I'd rather buy a Toyota engined R or new S I think than a K series... any comments or advice???

[boobles]

Nothing wrong with the k series engine in the elise mate... The only thing i would say is, can you live with climbing in & out of the car every day? Its a challenge to say the very least & you need to be totally dedicated.

[bogie]

lots of info on the Elise board here and on www.seloc.org

an early Toyota engined 111R would be easiest to live with daily ..better built, aircon and heater that works, easier roof to put on etc.

Theres quite a few members on SELOC that are 50+ and really enjoy the car and trackdays etc - go for it

[ripley500]

I just bought an S2 and I love it. Like the earlier poster said though make sure you can live with getting in and out - it might sound silly but you realise that the short trip to the local shop becomes a bit of a chore, but once you get in the car the short trip becomes a long drive as I find myself going the long way everywhere to get more driving time

Personally I like the Elise as a second car - I couldn't live with one as my main car - keep your current motor and buy a cheaper elise - older ones are just as much fun

[111s_amz]

Same here...ive had my s2 for 2 weeks now absolutely love it and all the attention that comes with it!

[TANGO1]

Had my S2 about 4 months now and absolutely love it, I use it everyday as my everyday vehicle. You soon get used to getting in and out, have to admit I prefer getting in than out but thats only because I just love being in it.

[hag]

greetings, i'm thinking of buying an S2 also, as an everyday runner. Trying not to overspend though cos when I've paid for it in the UK I have to bring it back to Ireland and pay tax on it at 25% of the Irish open market selling price('02 elise cost €30k so that's €7,500 on top and it's about 1.5 euros to the £1, flipping unpleasant, but there you go). I was wondering is there any service available that doesn't cost the earth that would check out an S2 for me before travelling to buy?