Selling all vehicles to buy the dream.
Discussion
Hi all,
Short introduction might be necessary, drove MR2's (mk1 85 twice, mk1 89, sw2090) for years and started driving motorcycles.
However after 7 years of motorcycles i'm done with it. No more fun , the costs and the risks made me and my motorcycle driving GF decide to stop.
(also did some track in the late 90's with a renault Clio and trackdays beginning of 2000 with the MR2's, and after being to the track to smell some fuel and rubber and introduce my GF to the Belgium Zolder i melted inside again
)
With 4 motorcycles (CBR1000RR 07,GSXR750 00, VFR800 00, Bandit 1200 96) at home that are going to be sold there will be some money left for my old dream, a Lotus Elise. Still in doubt between S1 and S2. S1 because will be more fun, more pure. But because we also want to do weekend trips in it, my GF wants to drive it and wants to do some trackdays (learning with a instructor) i'm leaning to a S2 (without a/c!
)
Reason i want to import is the price difference. Cheapest Elise S2 in Holland from 2001 does 24.000 euros.. Around 19k in pounds i believe.
I started looking for a private sale and looking on autotrader.co.uk to see what the prices are doing. However still need to sell the bikes, 1 down, 3 to go.
Are there people who have hints/tips about buying a car in the UK ? where to look ? where not to look ?
Also i did some research about the CAT A , B, C & D story. Damage in the past etc.
But i also see things like "sadly showing up on V reg"
What does that mean ?
Some helpfull tips would be highly appreciated. If i buy the car near someone who helped i can bring by some belgium
because i live on the border in Holland. Besides that we really like to explore the UK with the Elise and do some trackdays over there and meet some lotus drivers.
If pictures from the bikes are requested, no problem, but because it's lotus minded over here i won't spam you guys with it.
I can do all repairs myself, doesn't have to be in mind condition but would prefer a car that has been garaged and serviced. I hate rust, that's why i got rid of the old MR's.
Think i'm looking in a price range till 11k in pounds. Might be somewhat more if necessary.
Short introduction might be necessary, drove MR2's (mk1 85 twice, mk1 89, sw2090) for years and started driving motorcycles.
However after 7 years of motorcycles i'm done with it. No more fun , the costs and the risks made me and my motorcycle driving GF decide to stop.
(also did some track in the late 90's with a renault Clio and trackdays beginning of 2000 with the MR2's, and after being to the track to smell some fuel and rubber and introduce my GF to the Belgium Zolder i melted inside again
) With 4 motorcycles (CBR1000RR 07,GSXR750 00, VFR800 00, Bandit 1200 96) at home that are going to be sold there will be some money left for my old dream, a Lotus Elise. Still in doubt between S1 and S2. S1 because will be more fun, more pure. But because we also want to do weekend trips in it, my GF wants to drive it and wants to do some trackdays (learning with a instructor) i'm leaning to a S2 (without a/c!
) Reason i want to import is the price difference. Cheapest Elise S2 in Holland from 2001 does 24.000 euros.. Around 19k in pounds i believe.
I started looking for a private sale and looking on autotrader.co.uk to see what the prices are doing. However still need to sell the bikes, 1 down, 3 to go.
Are there people who have hints/tips about buying a car in the UK ? where to look ? where not to look ?
Also i did some research about the CAT A , B, C & D story. Damage in the past etc.
But i also see things like "sadly showing up on V reg"
What does that mean ?
Some helpfull tips would be highly appreciated. If i buy the car near someone who helped i can bring by some belgium
because i live on the border in Holland. Besides that we really like to explore the UK with the Elise and do some trackdays over there and meet some lotus drivers. If pictures from the bikes are requested, no problem, but because it's lotus minded over here i won't spam you guys with it.
I can do all repairs myself, doesn't have to be in mind condition but would prefer a car that has been garaged and serviced. I hate rust, that's why i got rid of the old MR's.
Think i'm looking in a price range till 11k in pounds. Might be somewhat more if necessary.
Edited by Hein on Friday 5th September 09:04
Hi Hein, there is a specific elise/exige forum on this website you'll probably get a better response there. I have a 2003 S2 I considered an S1 but in the end heart ruled over head. No regrets they are a fantastic car, they are plenty quick for what I need (in fact at times too quick) if you're used to bikes it wont blow you away in a straight line but my God can they corner, and you know from all the feedback when you can push it and when you can't. I can heartily recommend the S2. But my advice is if you can test drive both and bring the girlfriend, if an S1 suits your needs then it might be worth your while saving a few quid by going that way.
From what I know the S2 is more practical too, I find it fine for trips away, although you will need to travel a bit light.
From what I know the S2 is more practical too, I find it fine for trips away, although you will need to travel a bit light.
Hi there,
Here's another reply!
There are alot of opinions regarding S1 and S2 elises, which is best etc.
I do not draw such a great distinction between the two.
The salient points are that throughout the production lifecycle there has been a steady improvement in the quality of the cars produced, with perhaps the most significant improvement at the transition from S1 to S2.
The only other change is that S2 front tyres were 10mm narrower as standard, this revision was made to reduce oversteer at the limit (and as a result stop people parking backwards into fields via the nearest hedge). If this is an issue for you it is easily resolved by fitting the wider tyres.
The difference in mass between late S1s and early S2s is negligible, it is only the later cars with aircon and then the toyota engine which see a significant increase. Since you appear to be looking at an early S2 then this is not an issue for you.
Styling is a contentious issue, but only if you wish to debate it! Ultimately it is down to your personal preference. I'd be happy owing either and did not consider this when I bought my car. I feel the S1 is the classic look, but this designed is compromised due to the original design not providing sufficient downforce at the rear, as a result the design was modified to include the blip spoiler at the back.
The S2 was designed having previously learnt the lessons from the S1 and comes as more coherent package. I love them both.
The only other two differences between the two cars is the the standard S2 was fitted with the C-R transmission from the S1 111S and benefited from being fitted with purpose designed Bilstien shocks as opposed to the off-the shelf Konis.
It is this final point which I feel the most significant. The only real issue with S1 quality was that the Konis would bang and crash on uneven surfaces affecting the ride quality. At the time of the original design the elise was only expected to sell a couple of thousand units and did not justify the investment into bespoke suspension. However, following the success of the S1, Lotus were able to invest in this area and the S2 suspension is much improved over the S1. This was the significant factor when I bought my S2.
It is possible to fit the Bilsteins to the S1 at a reasonable cost (I think its £800-£1000, someone more knowledgable will be able to confirm the costs) and this brings the S1 up to the standard of ride quality and handling of the S2.
So the bottom line is no real difference between a well sorted S1 fitted with Bilstien dampers (essential upgrade)versus a standard S2 fitted with wider tyres (optional upgrade). As with any second hand buy there are good cars and bad cars, which have been driven by good owners and bad owners, the only way to sort the wheat from the chaff is to go and drive them and see which one fits best.
Hope this helps, choose wisely and enjoy.
Neil
Here's another reply!
There are alot of opinions regarding S1 and S2 elises, which is best etc.
I do not draw such a great distinction between the two.
The salient points are that throughout the production lifecycle there has been a steady improvement in the quality of the cars produced, with perhaps the most significant improvement at the transition from S1 to S2.
The only other change is that S2 front tyres were 10mm narrower as standard, this revision was made to reduce oversteer at the limit (and as a result stop people parking backwards into fields via the nearest hedge). If this is an issue for you it is easily resolved by fitting the wider tyres.
The difference in mass between late S1s and early S2s is negligible, it is only the later cars with aircon and then the toyota engine which see a significant increase. Since you appear to be looking at an early S2 then this is not an issue for you.
Styling is a contentious issue, but only if you wish to debate it! Ultimately it is down to your personal preference. I'd be happy owing either and did not consider this when I bought my car. I feel the S1 is the classic look, but this designed is compromised due to the original design not providing sufficient downforce at the rear, as a result the design was modified to include the blip spoiler at the back.
The S2 was designed having previously learnt the lessons from the S1 and comes as more coherent package. I love them both.
The only other two differences between the two cars is the the standard S2 was fitted with the C-R transmission from the S1 111S and benefited from being fitted with purpose designed Bilstien shocks as opposed to the off-the shelf Konis.
It is this final point which I feel the most significant. The only real issue with S1 quality was that the Konis would bang and crash on uneven surfaces affecting the ride quality. At the time of the original design the elise was only expected to sell a couple of thousand units and did not justify the investment into bespoke suspension. However, following the success of the S1, Lotus were able to invest in this area and the S2 suspension is much improved over the S1. This was the significant factor when I bought my S2.
It is possible to fit the Bilsteins to the S1 at a reasonable cost (I think its £800-£1000, someone more knowledgable will be able to confirm the costs) and this brings the S1 up to the standard of ride quality and handling of the S2.
So the bottom line is no real difference between a well sorted S1 fitted with Bilstien dampers (essential upgrade)versus a standard S2 fitted with wider tyres (optional upgrade). As with any second hand buy there are good cars and bad cars, which have been driven by good owners and bad owners, the only way to sort the wheat from the chaff is to go and drive them and see which one fits best.
Hope this helps, choose wisely and enjoy.
Neil
Thanks for the helpfull reply.
Couple of thing i already sorted thru the seloc and pistonhead forum.
We would like to go for the 111s S1, however because of the long trips we should also look a little bit at comfort and then the s2 comes around the corner. less engine noise, better seats, etc.
It would still be fun at track.
But it's going to be a tough decission.
Couple of thing i already sorted thru the seloc and pistonhead forum.
We would like to go for the 111s S1, however because of the long trips we should also look a little bit at comfort and then the s2 comes around the corner. less engine noise, better seats, etc.
It would still be fun at track.
But it's going to be a tough decission.
Veghel ? that is not to far away. I live on the border Brabant/Limburg, just below Eindhoven.
But if i drive an exige i will propably never want to by an Elise
I would like to accept your offer. Just sitting next to you for a run around would be great. Also for the misses, so she gets an idea what she is getting into
Sended you a PM.
But if i drive an exige i will propably never want to by an Elise
I would like to accept your offer. Just sitting next to you for a run around would be great. Also for the misses, so she gets an idea what she is getting into
Sended you a PM.
Edited by Hein on Monday 8th September 12:08
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