Looking to buy an Elise
Discussion
) done. Thanks for the input guys but what I was really after, and I have searched for it without much success, is a list the little things that commonly go wrong. I looked at one today and found the roof release was so tricky, then discovered the plastic sleeves on the front pins that engage the roof sides were both split and distorted. The seat belt top mount plastic cover was broken and a trim in the boot was detached as well. All little niggles I know but are there common ones, rattles to watch for or which model years should I avoid. I want a British car, actually the missus does, and it will stay with us for a while, hopefully.
Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
Sagi Badger said:
Thanks for the input guys but what I was really after, and I have searched for it without much success, is a list the little things that commonly go wrong. I looked at one today and found the roof release was so tricky, then discovered the plastic sleeves on the front pins that engage the roof sides were both split and distorted. The seat belt top mount plastic cover was broken and a trim in the boot was detached as well. All little niggles I know but are there common ones, rattles to watch for or which model years should I avoid. I want a British car, actually the missus does, and it will stay with us for a while, hopefully.
Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
Hello hello hello!!! What 'ave we 'ere!!!! Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
Sagi Badger said:
Thanks for the input guys but what I was really after, and I have searched for it without much success, is a list the little things that commonly go wrong. I looked at one today and found the roof release was so tricky, then discovered the plastic sleeves on the front pins that engage the roof sides were both split and distorted. The seat belt top mount plastic cover was broken and a trim in the boot was detached as well. All little niggles I know but are there common ones, rattles to watch for or which model years should I avoid. I want a British car, actually the missus does, and it will stay with us for a while, hopefully.
Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
Seriously, this is what's worrying you about buying an Elise? Is this really the car for you?Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
I'm sure you'll find a car in your budget that doesn't have broken plastic covers for the seat belt mount _ stay clear of that one, obviously a very dodgy history??????
.......and for the record, most people are concerned with the cars history, mechanics, body work etc.
I bought a very good 2006 111R from a main dealer last year for 18K....with 32000 miles. The engines and drive train a very strong so provided it is serviced properly, it will go for years and years.
I have just had mine supercharged at Essex autosport, and what a transformation...less initial outlay and you can spread the cost.
I have just had mine supercharged at Essex autosport, and what a transformation...less initial outlay and you can spread the cost.
Sagi Badger said:
Thanks for the input guys but what I was really after, and I have searched for it without much success, is a list the little things that commonly go wrong. I looked at one today and found the roof release was so tricky, then discovered the plastic sleeves on the front pins that engage the roof sides were both split and distorted. The seat belt top mount plastic cover was broken and a trim in the boot was detached as well. All little niggles I know but are there common ones, rattles to watch for or which model years should I avoid. I want a British car, actually the missus does, and it will stay with us for a while, hopefully.
Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
As suggested above, it may not be the right car for you. Thanks in advance again, I am sure loads of people ask this.
J
The roofs aren't generally broken, nor is seatbelt trim, but there are plenty of niggles - it's effectively a hand-build car, don't forget. So plenty of S2s have indicators popping out, for instance... Poor quality fittings in places. It's pretty certain that at some point, it WILL start rattling or buzzing, unless you're particularly fortunate.
In some ways, going for a slightly older car wouldn't be the end of the world, as a careful owner will have fixed many of the niggles for you. People fix the indicators properly for a start...
The roof is never going to offer MX5 levels of ease though - it just looks like you're concentrating on all the minor things and expecting production car levels of quality: you will probably be disappointed.
Incidentally, I'd try a 111R, an S and a 111S. See what you prefer.
People are down on the Rover engine, but it can be better than the R in many ways - it's a helluva lot lighter for a start. It doesn't have to be any less relieable - just buy a car that's been fettled by SabreHeads or DVA, and you'll be good to go.
People are down on the Rover engine, but it can be better than the R in many ways - it's a helluva lot lighter for a start. It doesn't have to be any less relieable - just buy a car that's been fettled by SabreHeads or DVA, and you'll be good to go.
The plastic seatbelt cover broke in mine after about a week, actually prefer the look of it without the cover so have left it. It will break easily if compressed mine broke on ingress as wasn't use to getting my overly large frame into the car!
Don't be too concerned about mileage there may be a reason for it being high, my car hasn't wanted for anything but 33k miles in just short of 3 years as I do 60 miles a day on the m1 in it. My car has never been near a track and isn't driven particularly hard yet your mileage cap would rule it out, not that its for sale, but I hope you see my point.
Don't be too concerned about mileage there may be a reason for it being high, my car hasn't wanted for anything but 33k miles in just short of 3 years as I do 60 miles a day on the m1 in it. My car has never been near a track and isn't driven particularly hard yet your mileage cap would rule it out, not that its for sale, but I hope you see my point.
Scrambled said:
Seriously, this is what's worrying you about buying an Elise? Is this really the car for you?
I'm sure you'll find a car in your budget that doesn't have broken plastic covers for the seat belt mount _ stay clear of that one, obviously a very dodgy history??????
.......and for the record, most people are concerned with the cars history, mechanics, body work etc.
Understood but I am living with a Sagaris that I have serviced for over 3 years including major works, no one else has touched it, so a Lotus is a lot more main stream to me and if you like "production", calm down.... I know it's hand built in the best country in the world and that's why I want one! I understand where you are coming from though and perhaps my notes appear cosmetic and flowery but what falls off? What upgrades are good/desired? The Club Racer looks inviting or is it one to avoid? You should see what questions get asked in the Sag/350 etc. page. I'm sure you'll find a car in your budget that doesn't have broken plastic covers for the seat belt mount _ stay clear of that one, obviously a very dodgy history??????
.......and for the record, most people are concerned with the cars history, mechanics, body work etc.
The other responses such as the Toyota motor comments for instance are what I really am looking for. The car I was looking at had less than 1k miles so would have hoped for it to be complete. What can someone tell me about gear shift upgrades, read this somewhere and now can't find it. Fancy a private sale although a dealer recommendation would be appreciated. Picking up that reliability is generally very good.
Thanks all for your advice.
j
From what I can tell gearshift action is car dependant, I think mine feels up there with the best I've tried whilst others say theirs is rubbish.
I have elise s 1.8 and find the engine very easy in as much as 30mph in fifth and it will still pull reasonably strong. Mine is completely standard so can't imagine what the higher powered ones are like.
I have elise s 1.8 and find the engine very easy in as much as 30mph in fifth and it will still pull reasonably strong. Mine is completely standard so can't imagine what the higher powered ones are like.
Just to chime in - I ran a 2006 Elise 111R for 2 years, doing 20k miles in that time. I had it serviced twice by main dealer, new set of rear tyres, new pads, geo, louder exhaust and K & N induction kit. The only fault I had was the nearside window dropped as a result of a bolt shearing behind the door card. Otherwise it was faultless and only lost £1k in depreciation in that time. I honestly wouldn't say it was any worse from a reliability perspective than the Honda Civic which preceeded it. My current Lotus has the Rover engine and is 5 years older. It is noticeably less well engineered and has suffered a greater number of faults, but is infinitely more fun in the process. Whatever you get it will probably suffer a few rattles and shakes and bits will fall out and fall off. I think they call it "character" in Lotus circles...
Sagi - there really isnt much to worry about with the S2 yota models, the later the better.The mechanicals are good unless abused but then you can abuse any car. The 6 speed gearbox on a new car can be a bit notchy 2nd to 3rd but that usually goes by 6k miles and the change is excellent when warm after that. Everything else is normal British car which is to say a bit less well screwed together than a BMW but entirely acceptable for a toy. Better built than a TVR or so I am told.
To give you an illustration, I've had my 111R now for 4 years. In that time it has broken down on me once when a plug fell out of the multi function relay at the back of the engine bay. Cure - push it back in and secure with a zip tie. Initially the aircon didnt work and the dealer discovered that Lotus had not sealed the pipes when assembling the car - it now works well. Lastly I had a water pump go on the engine, which is not unknown with the yota unit. No other problems. Cheap servicing and something like 30 to 32 mpg.
All the trim in my 07 car is good, nothing has worn out or dropped off. Everything works.
To give you an illustration, I've had my 111R now for 4 years. In that time it has broken down on me once when a plug fell out of the multi function relay at the back of the engine bay. Cure - push it back in and secure with a zip tie. Initially the aircon didnt work and the dealer discovered that Lotus had not sealed the pipes when assembling the car - it now works well. Lastly I had a water pump go on the engine, which is not unknown with the yota unit. No other problems. Cheap servicing and something like 30 to 32 mpg.
All the trim in my 07 car is good, nothing has worn out or dropped off. Everything works.
Sagi Badger said:
Sweet, thanks, cable ties and glue are part of TVR'in so Ellie (it's for the missus) will fit in just fine. Water pumps, how many miles can we expect? Anyone had any suspension issues sub 100K miles and under 10 years, ball joints or bushes?
cheers J
Not going to bore people again with my peice of..... But considering the amount of work done (5k before I gave up) which lead me to hate it, i loved every drive in the thing and wish Id kept it but if you get a rotten car it'll bite..... Hard!!!cheers J
I'll post up my problems when I'm not typing on my iPhone.
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff