I want an S1 Elise but whats the difference ?

[ph1l5]

Hi, I think its time for me to get a real car. and really want an elise.
I have £10,000 to play with give or take £1,000 but my question is whats the differemce in spec ?
I have seen some 111's with 50,000 miles on but was really looking for a little lower.

Is there any pointers I should look out for, and should I try to buy from a dealer ?

Cheers in advance

[Hollywood Wheels]

Phil, have a look at the buyers guide at the top of the Elise forum.........just about everything you could need is there. Once you've had a butchers you can post more specific questions and you'll get a lot of help. Dealers aren't necessary IF you are armed with some knowledge. If buying private, get the car checked out by a Lotus specialist, NOT the AA or whoever.

50K is not massive mileage.....more than just about any other car these are all about condition and history, NOT mileage. These are real enthusiasts cars, so most have had silly money spent on them above and beyond any normal service shedule (certainly in my case anyway!) Besides, the services are very resonable considering bhp per pound.

111S is a very good choice. Just remember, suspension is a consumable on these cars, so a 50K mile £10K series Elise should really have had an S2 suspension or simliar upgrade.....if it's on original suspension then it's most likely shot to sh1t.

Good luck, and read that buyers guide....

[Automental]

I'm also starting to research a similar purchase. Thanks to HW for his advice.
Do many S1s have S2 suspension upgrades then?
Does this mean they handle like S2s which I gather are a little more understeery?

[DamienCBR]

Automental said:

Do many S1s have S2 suspension upgrades then?

Yes and no. If the suspension has been done then weapon on choice tends to be the S2 suspension.

Models are
S1 standard
S1 111s
S1 Sport 160
S1 Sport 190 (very few made) wait for someone to corret me......

Depends what you want the car for. If you have never driven anything like this then a standard one might be just fine for you. I was coming from a Tiger Cat E1 which made me smile so the Elise had to do the same. Initially i was looking at the 111s becasue of the extras that came with it over the standard model. Then i tried the Sport 160 (Factory not B&C) and fell in love. The power is right up in the rev range where as the 111s is more linear. Mine is a weekend toy. but for an every day car the 111s would probably be better.