Potential new Elise owner
Discussion
Hi guys,
I've been a big fan of the Elise since it was launched but never had the opportunity to own one. The time has now come where I am thinking about a car for myself as a toy to live alongside the family car.
My question is what model should I aim to look for? I would like an S2 and I'm looking at spending max 16k, but if I could get something for less I would be very happy.
I'm in no rush as we have a house move to contend with in the next few months and I work 1 month away and then have 1 month at home. If the best time to buy is the depths of winter as some people say then I can wait until then.
Also, if there is anybody on here that lives in the Fife/Tayside/Angus/Edinburgh area, or even Dumfries and Galloway that has an Elise and would be willing to show me around it I would very much appreciate that.
Cheers,
Steve
I've been a big fan of the Elise since it was launched but never had the opportunity to own one. The time has now come where I am thinking about a car for myself as a toy to live alongside the family car.
My question is what model should I aim to look for? I would like an S2 and I'm looking at spending max 16k, but if I could get something for less I would be very happy.
I'm in no rush as we have a house move to contend with in the next few months and I work 1 month away and then have 1 month at home. If the best time to buy is the depths of winter as some people say then I can wait until then.
Also, if there is anybody on here that lives in the Fife/Tayside/Angus/Edinburgh area, or even Dumfries and Galloway that has an Elise and would be willing to show me around it I would very much appreciate that.
Cheers,
Steve
You're in the S2 111S (Rover K-series VVC) and S2 111R (Toyota) price bracket there (they start at about 12k and 15k respectively for a decent car). Neither is really "better" in any objective sense, drive both and see which you prefer.
Generally speaking, the later the car, the better the build quality. MY04 saw the last of the common leaks fixed, which is important if you want to keep it outside.
They do lose a bit of value in the early winter, but not enough that I'd turn down the right car should it turn up earlier.
Generally speaking, the later the car, the better the build quality. MY04 saw the last of the common leaks fixed, which is important if you want to keep it outside.
They do lose a bit of value in the early winter, but not enough that I'd turn down the right car should it turn up earlier.
Here's my experience....
Drove the 111s and it was very good, drove the 111r and it was better for me.
Winter less choice, save £500
Summer better choice, get the car you want
If in doubt wait for the right spec, colour etc it will come at the right price, just keep your eye on the classified until your an 'expert' on what's on offer
£16k should get you a nice 111r with less than 40k on the clock
I also use my car a toy for the w/e and I have to say it's fantastic
Drove the 111s and it was very good, drove the 111r and it was better for me.
Winter less choice, save £500
Summer better choice, get the car you want
If in doubt wait for the right spec, colour etc it will come at the right price, just keep your eye on the classified until your an 'expert' on what's on offer
£16k should get you a nice 111r with less than 40k on the clock
I also use my car a toy for the w/e and I have to say it's fantastic
Thanks for the responses guys, I've kept my eye on the clasifieds for a little while now. It seems most people are hanging on to their cars. It's good to know that waiting until winter won't make a difference cost wise. So if the right car comes up then I could just go for it.
The car would be kept outside all year round potentially, unless I could find somewhere indoors to keep it for at least the month that I'm at work and not using it.
I will try to have a go in a k-series and a toyota engined car too and see what suits me best.
Ideally I would like to get one with mileage of around 40k or below, I will only be doing about 7k a year in it so its not greatly important.
There are a few out there that I like the look of at the moment, but we'll wait and see. Unfortunately they are all long distances from me so I'll have to travel, hence me asking if there is anybody that could show me about theirs.
Any advice about keeping the car outside? What cover is best, trickle chargers etc?
The car would be kept outside all year round potentially, unless I could find somewhere indoors to keep it for at least the month that I'm at work and not using it.
I will try to have a go in a k-series and a toyota engined car too and see what suits me best.
Ideally I would like to get one with mileage of around 40k or below, I will only be doing about 7k a year in it so its not greatly important.
There are a few out there that I like the look of at the moment, but we'll wait and see. Unfortunately they are all long distances from me so I'll have to travel, hence me asking if there is anybody that could show me about theirs.
Any advice about keeping the car outside? What cover is best, trickle chargers etc?
Plenty of Elises owners in your own area. Head over to TLF and join the LEGS Regional Forum and/or check out Scottish Elises. There is also Club Lotus NE. I'll wager someone lives close by.
http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/forum/326-uk-...
http://www.scottishelises.com
http://www.clublotus.co.uk
You can always head over to Murray in Edinburgh and have a chat with Brandon who I am sure can advise. He's very approachable and not always looking to close a sale..
Edit - just corrected the LEGS link.
http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/forum/326-uk-...
http://www.scottishelises.com
http://www.clublotus.co.uk
You can always head over to Murray in Edinburgh and have a chat with Brandon who I am sure can advise. He's very approachable and not always looking to close a sale..
Edit - just corrected the LEGS link.
Edited by Hedgerley on Sunday 1st September 14:07
Thanks for the suggestions. I've just registered on Scottish Elises so will have a look on there, I will also have a look at the other two you have suggested.
I popped down to Murray Motors and had a chat with Brandon, he took me for a passenger trip in an Elise S that he had just got in, it was 22k though and thats a bit more than I would like to spend.
I may be in Edinburgh again soon though so will pop back in and have another wee chat.
I popped down to Murray Motors and had a chat with Brandon, he took me for a passenger trip in an Elise S that he had just got in, it was 22k though and thats a bit more than I would like to spend.
I may be in Edinburgh again soon though so will pop back in and have another wee chat.
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