It is possible for me to get a nice Elise for around 9k?

[PompeyPaul]

Hi guys and gals,

As the title suggests really, it is possible for me to get a nice Elise for around 9k? I know there are loads of different model variants and would want the fastest possible for my money in the best possible condition.

Likewise, I have (possibly unjust) concerns regarding head gasket failure on the age of Elise I would most likely be looking around.

Any advice greatfully recieved!

Thanks,

Paul

[WestieMan]

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Edited by WestieMan on Friday 19th August 07:43

[HereBeMonsters]

Yes. Mine was far less than that. I'd say it's pretty nice. Not perfect, but nothing that a few bits of trim and a wheel refurb won't sort.

[The Bandit]

£9k will get you in a very decent standard 118bhp S1.
Dont worry about head gasket failure, its no drama and most will 'probably' have had theirs replaced by now(if its even gone).
Not hugely expensive to repair at a specialist anyway.
Get a nice exhaust on it, keep a maintenance fund going and enjoy

[John D.]

Most definately in this market.

[PompeyPaul]

Thanks guys, is the S1 the one to go for for this sort of money? I have heard people say aim for the 111S, but having done some online research it seems these cost quite a lot more for not a whole lot more spec?

[Altrezia]

The 111s and 160 seem to have gone up to crazy money lately, for what is a max of 40bhp more? You can get that by spending £1500 at DVA.

£9k might get you an early S2 if you buy carefully.

[John D.]

Altrezia said:

The 111s and 160 seem to have gone up to crazy money lately, for what is a max of 40bhp more? You can get that by spending £1500 at DVA.

£9k might get you an early S2 if you buy carefully.

The Sport 160 is a bit more than just extra power. I'm not going to get into an arguement over the merits of a S160 over a DVA'd S1, but they do seem to be more than the sum of their parts and desirable as such.

From my experience of selling a S160 a couple of months ago it is very much a buyers market right now. Just because they are listed high doesn't mean they are selling for that

[wacattack]

Altrezia said:

£9k might get you an early S2 if you buy carefully.

Why would you want an S2 though? S1's are better

[doggydave]

wacattack said:

Why would you want an S2 though? S1's are better

No.

[John D.]

doggydave said:

wacattack said:

Why would you want an S2 though? S1's are better

No.

Yes. Especially for £9k.

[lamb jiblets]

John D. said:

Yes. Especially for £9k.

S1 is better at any amount

[Altrezia]

I think it depends what you want it for. I've had 2 S1's and now have an early S2, and the best out of them is the S2. I do miss the rawness and looks of the S1, though.

[PompeyPaul]

I went to view an S2 Sports tourer today. I loved the looks of it and it drove really nicely, most impressed!

Still looking at this time, I want to see an S1 to see the difference that everyone talks about.

[Ireland]

Have a look over here and I'd say you'll find one.

I picked up a 111R way cheaper here than I'd have bought one for in the UK and, as it was already an Irish registered car, I didn't have any VRT (import duty) to pay on it.

Type Lotus into the search on www.donedeal.ie and you might find something to suit (and you'll also find loads of agricultural stuff of the same name).

Also look on www.octane.ie and see if anyone is selling one, or indeed to get info on any car you may see, as most of the Irish Lotus owners are on there.

HTH.

[HereBeMonsters]

PompeyPaul said:

I went to view an S2 Sports tourer today. I loved the looks of it and it drove really nicely, most impressed!

Still looking at this time, I want to see an S1 to see the difference that everyone talks about.

You can live with an S1 everyday (previous owner of mine did - a female surgeon) but if it's going to be used for anything "ordinary", get an S2 (if you can afford it).

If you have another car for "daily", get an S1.

[Altrezia]

Both my S1's were daily drivers, and they were fine - they are just a bit of a pain in the _very_ cold months, but that doesn't last that long.

The S2 is WAY more relaxing on a boring motorway drive, though.

[PompeyPaul]

That was another question, what are they like to live with in the very cold winter months? Presumably you will get the freezing of the inside and outside of windscreen if not garaged, will they still run ok and warm up reasonably with the soft top? Obviously extra jumpers will be needed!

Paul

[fatwomble]

Yes, expect ice inside as well as out, but the S1 heater is good enough to use the car all year round. I used my S1 for 5 winters, the car spending all it's time outside (the Europa was also fine in February this year)

Ignore the S1, S2 argument, very little difference between an S1 and an early S2, both are great

[PompeyPaul]

fatwomble said:

Yes, expect ice inside as well as out, but the S1 heater is good enough to use the car all year round. I used my S1 for 5 winters, the car spending all it's time outside (the Europa was also fine in February this year)

Ignore the S1, S2 argument, very little difference between an S1 and an early S2, both are great

Thanks Womble!

Is it worth trying to source a hardtop or are they prone to more leaks?

Also what sort of cost would you be looking at to spec a standard S2 another 40 or so BHP to bring it in line with the 111S?

Regards,

Paul