Discussion
Hi Guys, ok firstly im not a dreamer, iv just go a new job and has about 9500 to spend, I had an r reg s1 (norfolk mustard) 3 years ago and miss it, but do i buy a low milage s1 or go with a higher milage s2, or is it pos to get and s1 130 or sumit, im looking to not have tp spend alot on the car just general stuff (had my s1 2 years and had no expences realy) what is max milage for both ud buy, I do bout 10k a year max
thanks in advance
thanks in advance
I can't give much advice on either as I have not owned nor driven an S1 or S2--but I would say being that you already had an S1, an S2 would seem the likely next step. I plan to do something similar in terms of getting an SE, than moving onto an S4(S) then a V8--but that's just because I feel the need to try the one I fell in love with and continued to fall in love the Esprit variations to the very end-although I have to say I much prefer the Pre 2000 models as I feel the last few years the Esprit became a modular vehicle in the way of all these tacky "tacked" on additives to the body. I just don't like the look of the 25th anniversary editions much. Older Esprits like the ones you are looking at are so much cleaner, pure, simple yet so erotic, er, exotic 
. Post pics whichever you end up with!!
. Post pics whichever you end up with!!S1 Elans are getting quite pricey, due to eligibility for historic racing and general desirability as the first of the breed, so your budget would only buy a restoration case. They got progressively heavier and more civilised through the series, though performance didn't change much until the S4 Sprint, since improvements in power output were pretty much absorbed by increase in weight.
The Stromberg S4 is generally regarded as the least desirable, but in S/E spec is actually nearly as quick as the Sprint due to better torque spread from the variable choke carbs and it's the only one you'd stand a chance of getting a really nice example within your budget.
There was never an S1 130 - I think you're getting confused with the Plus 2 S130 and Plus 2 S130/5, which used the Big Valve Sprint engine.
The Stromberg S4 is generally regarded as the least desirable, but in S/E spec is actually nearly as quick as the Sprint due to better torque spread from the variable choke carbs and it's the only one you'd stand a chance of getting a really nice example within your budget.
There was never an S1 130 - I think you're getting confused with the Plus 2 S130 and Plus 2 S130/5, which used the Big Valve Sprint engine.
Hmmm... Tricky one. But a great situation to be in. I currently have an S3 Esprit but my housemate has an S2 Elise and im quite a lotus Fan! In your situation with that cash to spend i personnaly would buy and esprit but it will cost you a fair bit to run. People say they are fine and if you get a well maintained one it shouldnt cost you a penny. Well mine only cost me £180 in my first year of its company... but well into four figures half way through the second year!
The S1 is a lovely car and gaining more of a cult classic status. (fantastic interiors too) if you have previously owned an s1 i would be tempted to get an S2 just to mix things up a bit in terms of ownership. I would expect it to be easier to change having let go of the S1 if you get what i mean. I could not sell my Esprit to (Upgrade) to a Stevens, an S4 or V8 or so on because i love my current car. its beautiful and i have invested time and money into it. ( I would like those cars alongside mine!) As you have have already parted from your S1 it will make it easier to make the jump.
In terms of prices there are some very good S2's to be had at reasonable prices not too far over your budget. But choose your car wiseley.
The S1 is a lovely car and gaining more of a cult classic status. (fantastic interiors too) if you have previously owned an s1 i would be tempted to get an S2 just to mix things up a bit in terms of ownership. I would expect it to be easier to change having let go of the S1 if you get what i mean. I could not sell my Esprit to (Upgrade) to a Stevens, an S4 or V8 or so on because i love my current car. its beautiful and i have invested time and money into it. ( I would like those cars alongside mine!) As you have have already parted from your S1 it will make it easier to make the jump.
In terms of prices there are some very good S2's to be had at reasonable prices not too far over your budget. But choose your car wiseley.
Course the big problem with the S1 compared to the S2 is that the chassis is bonded in place, so it's not easy to swap when it rusts out. And the fixed windows mean that the ventilation system only works when you're moving at a decent speed.
But then if you're going to buy a Europa, you're better off saving up for a Twin Cam, 'cos the Renault engined versions just aren't that quick.
But then if you're going to buy a Europa, you're better off saving up for a Twin Cam, 'cos the Renault engined versions just aren't that quick.
Go for an S2, not had an S1 but a friend has one, roof is a pig to put on and take off, when it puts it on it leaks which is ironic. Its also I little less forgiving on the raggedy edge compared to the S2. When you consider that the styling on the S2 has changed little over the last 8 years, the only thing that will give its age away to the man in the street is the numberplate. Loved my S2, it was a fab car, would still have it if i hadn't needed to scratch the exige itch but thats another story. S1's just have a 'older' look to them. However, you pays your money..... Good luck.
AMGexigeS said:
Go for an S2, not had an S1 but a friend has one, roof is a pig to put on and take off, when it puts it on it leaks which is ironic. Its also I little less forgiving on the raggedy edge compared to the S2. When you consider that the styling on the S2 has changed little over the last 8 years, the only thing that will give its age away to the man in the street is the numberplate. Loved my S2, it was a fab car, would still have it if i hadn't needed to scratch the exige itch but thats another story. S1's just have a 'older' look to them. However, you pays your money..... Good luck.
sorry but i dont agree with you about the roof,when your used to it,its not so difficult.i also still love the look of the s1 and imho it looks better than the s2.Not many convertibles need an allen key to remove them, that you've got used to removing the roof on your S1 I have no doubt. I was trying to inform the uninformed of what to expect, the S2 roof is simplicity personified, the S1 roof isn't? As for styling, like I said, you pays your money...
I guess the key question is, do you prefer the look of the S1 over the S2? And when you suggest a S1 111r do you mean S2 111r? Assuming you do mean an S2 111r then that would be my choice. The Toyota engine is much more reliable than the K series, and the later model you buy the more modern the spec will be, 06 plate cars came with the LED back lights and the 111r had ABS brakes where previous Elises didn't. These are just a few examples but if I was buying an Elise again I wouldn't be tempted by an S1. The S2 sport 135 is the car I once had and it had the dreaded Head Gasket failure that is a common fault with the K series engine. It cost an arm and a leg to put right due to further issues caused by the HGF (overheating) and this was a car that had less than 30k miles on the clock that had been cosseted by me. Of course some K series run for triple this mileage and experience no problems whatsoever.
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