I want an Elise!
Discussion
Hi I'm new. Oh dear, I hear you say! Thing is I am in the market for an Elise. Never had one before. I would really appreciate some basic advice. In particular, which models to go for, things to be aware of, mileage issues, cam belts, what to expect etc. I've seen some seemingly great cars on Autotrader but I'm going in blind at the moment. So....dealer versus private, hard/soft tops, modifications, which engines blah, blah, blah! Imagine you know these cars and your best mate has around £12-14k to spend. How would you advise him (or her!)? Any input welcome!
Edited by nickjones100 on Friday 7th November 22:58
Ahh! So LHD made by the factory? That's great news! Thank you. I'll do some searching in Europe, although I can buy from UK funds. Also rarity in Europe can push relative prices up and provenance may be tricky to establish. Also read today that they get quite hot in the cabin? Maybe aircon could be important? Hmm...great fun!
nickjones100 said:
Also read today that they get quite hot in the cabin? Maybe aircon could be important?
Take the roof off instead, aircon rarely works on that budget.That sort of spend just about gets you just into S2 territory
Youve started out on a path that will lead to enjoyment, frustration, fun, anger and every other emotion you can think of, but if it gets under your skin, you will love it.
This journey will involve speed and handling second to none, but also breakdowns, so dont spend everything you have on the initial purchase
There is a nice LHD series 1 for sale on SELOC at the moment.
Do some research into what you want, SELOC and the buyers guide on here are a good start.
I would look more on PH and SELOC classifieds personally, Autotrader is ok for run of the mill cars but I found cars owned by 'enthusiasts' were sold on the on two sites mentioned.
I'm currently looking for the right S1 to turn up in the classifieds, for my second stint at Lotus ownership.
Good luck in your search
Do some research into what you want, SELOC and the buyers guide on here are a good start.
I would look more on PH and SELOC classifieds personally, Autotrader is ok for run of the mill cars but I found cars owned by 'enthusiasts' were sold on the on two sites mentioned.
I'm currently looking for the right S1 to turn up in the classifieds, for my second stint at Lotus ownership.
Good luck in your search
Thanks to everyone for your comments. As a result and a lot of web activity over the weekend, I have found a nice looking LHD low mileage car at a good price here in Spain! So now the serious stuff starts! Which leads to another thought. Anyone know of a specialist in Spain who could give it an inspection for me? I'm getting there!!
Just to confirm they can get EXTREMELY hot with the roof down in sunshine. Even with our fairly balanced UK climate, during Summer they can quickly heat up to blistering temperatures. Air con helps, as does keeping both windows down.
Think of sitting in large aluminium baking tray, with little heat absorbing materials around you!
Think of sitting in large aluminium baking tray, with little heat absorbing materials around you!
SeanyD said:
Just to confirm they can get EXTREMELY hot with the roof down in sunshine. Even with our fairly balanced UK climate, during Summer they can quickly heat up to blistering temperatures. Air con helps, as does keeping both windows down.
Think of sitting in large aluminium baking tray, with little heat absorbing materials around you!
They can also be extremely good fun. Don't have to drive it at midday in the high temperatures. If it's not an every day car take it as you find it and adapt accordingly. Air con on an S1 is useful but far from being the most efficient. Think of sitting in large aluminium baking tray, with little heat absorbing materials around you!
SeanyD said:
Just to confirm they can get EXTREMELY hot with the roof down in sunshine. Even with our fairly balanced UK climate, during Summer they can quickly heat up to blistering temperatures. Air con helps, as does keeping both windows down.
Think of sitting in large aluminium baking tray, with little heat absorbing materials around you!
We had to pull over and find shelter while driving through the centre of Spain a couple of years ago, Elise and a VX220. But to be honest I've never had a problem in this country in the 7 years that I've owned it. Think of sitting in large aluminium baking tray, with little heat absorbing materials around you!
Thank you for all the input! Great stuff! Well as I will be using it a few times a week I reckon I can probably live with the heat stuff! Short journeys, apart from the events with my friends from Driving Mallorca (check out www.drifingmallorca.com) which is bonkers anyway.
So I've found a repossessed euro spec 2008 SC LHD car for the same price as a good S2 2004 model. Due diligence required methinks! Awesome car though.
The dream gets closer, and I just can't wait to get going. I have a funny feeling ill end up with a really nice uk spec S2 with a good provenance though. No doubt I'll have a load more stupid questions tomorrow! So thanks for the input so far!! Needless to say my budget is being tested!
So I've found a repossessed euro spec 2008 SC LHD car for the same price as a good S2 2004 model. Due diligence required methinks! Awesome car though.
The dream gets closer, and I just can't wait to get going. I have a funny feeling ill end up with a really nice uk spec S2 with a good provenance though. No doubt I'll have a load more stupid questions tomorrow! So thanks for the input so far!! Needless to say my budget is being tested!
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