Potential Buyer of a Honda S1 Elise

[pilchard8]

After putting up a What Car thread up a few months ago, and settling on a Cerbera Ive never had the chance to a look at a S1 Honda Elise, but after finding out its hard to find a Cerbera Im weighing up other options.

Ive always liked the S1 Elise, Ive had a Mk1 Mx5 before and I really enjoyed that even compared to the power of some cars Ive owned. It was suggested in my thread for my budget I could get into a Honda Elise.

Been doing my research, the reliability, power and looks has really made me sort after one. The original idea was to buy an Elise and get the conversion done a few months down the line when Im bored with the power but thinking about it, it will be way cheaper to buy already done from the owners club/here.

The car will be used for weekend driving/shows and will be stored outside on the drive. I'm keeping on eye on the market at the moment and none really have come up for sale. For my budget do you think I will get one (20k) and how much roughly is it to go forced induction from the NA K20?

Also is there chance I could look around a normal S1 or even better a Honda one, I live in Sheffield and I'm willing to travel just for a passenger ride as it gives me idea of what Im getting into. Thanks

[fatwomble]

£20k will still get you one, although they seem to have gone up since I sold my last one.



There's a Honda'd S1 on seloc
http://classifieds.seloc.org/ads/lotus-elise-s1-ho...

and a Audi S2
http://classifieds.seloc.org/ads/elise-type-25-aud...

[robinandcamera]

Hi

I've got a honda elise myself, love it.
I paid about 17k a few years back for it, so 20k seems about right now I think. Spec can vary other than the engine itself which will effect price. e.g. mine had a factory hard top and uprated brakes as well. Nitrons and other mods will shift the price about a bit.

I've not picked the phone up to speak with them, but to stick a charger on seems to be just under 5k drive in drive out:
http://www.maidstonesportscars.co.uk/services/perf...

Personally I would like a little more power/low down torque on the road now, but don't want to lose the na scream the car has at the minute... On track it's bl00dy brilliant as it is.

[pilchard8]

Thank you for the replies. Im researching as much as I can at the moment and I will keep a look out on those websites listed. Up to now Ive never done a track day and with a car like the Elise I may be tempted but will the Honda Elise (especially charged one) be wasted on fun b roads or outings with friends?

Also is it ok to keep it on the drive? The TVR's I were looking at didnt like it but will an Elise with hardtop suffice?

[John D.]

Personally I'd go for an NA version to begin with if you have never driven an Elise before. An Elise with 160bhp is quick. 200bhp Honda will be properly fast on road. Supercharged versions must be nuts, with what? 250-300bhp?!

Not trying to teach you to such eggs.

[robinandcamera]

pilchard8 said:

Thank you for the replies. Im researching as much as I can at the moment and I will keep a look out on those websites listed. Up to now Ive never done a track day and with a car like the Elise I may be tempted but will the Honda Elise (especially charged one) be wasted on fun b roads or outings with friends?

Also is it ok to keep it on the drive? The TVR's I were looking at didnt like it but will an Elise with hardtop suffice?

Na certainly won't be wasted, but you may need to take some brave pills if you really get on it. I've had to pull over a few times now to swear out loud and let the adrenaline calm down a little

This guy has a great video for you, especially at the 5 minute mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt5ORqc0Z58

Supercharged and charge cooled for comparison, but this will be well in to the 300's without a doubt:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=armG5YLYmr0

He's got quite a few useful videos actually if you want to see what's what. NA you do get the joy of being able to wring out each gear.

I can't comment for keeping it outside, but it has to be better than a TVR given this is aluminium.

[Exige77]

That silver one is mine.

It does go quite well.

[danwebster]

Its possible to get the best of both worlds, but its not cheap...

This has more torque everywhere than any 2l supercharged car I've had on my rolling road, its a 2.2 na motor - i'm pulling out of the pits in 3rd in case you're wondering what gear i'm in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WynurqkX1bU

[rex]

Some more video for you. This is in an Exige s1 supercharged with 300bhp at the rear wheels. As a car for a B road blast it is a bit too quick and restraint has to be shown.

https://youtu.be/4fuTjPlROIc

Next video is the same car at spa on a very cold track (snow was on the track just an hour before) . Was on track tyres as was expecting warmer weather being as it was an Easter weekend.

https://youtu.be/nbMc8fs1ZhY

[Maxf]

rex said:

Some more video for you. This is in an Exige s1 supercharged with 300bhp at the rear wheels. As a car for a B road blast it is a bit too quick and restraint has to be shown.

https://youtu.be/4fuTjPlROIc

Next video is the same car at spa on a very cold track (snow was on the track just an hour before) . Was on track tyres as was expecting warmer weather being as it was an Easter weekend.

https://youtu.be/nbMc8fs1ZhY

Spa looked 'interesting' - a few squeeky bum moments!