Dilema, which to buy?

[hampytvr]

Any thoughts, currently looking for an elise S2, have seen a low mileage standard S2 that I like with excellent history and for the same price have been offered a high mileage (80k+) 111S with patchy history but appears to have been well cared for re cambelt and suspension updates.
With regard to future values and re-sale any advice would be appreciated?

[Stephanie Plum]

No easy answer without having more detail. Have you got any links to the cars you are looking at? What do you plan to do with the car? Track it or just road use?

And when you say 111S are you talking about the K series engined car 156bhp S2 111S or the 134bhp Toyota Elise s? And you say the standard S2 - I take it from that you mean the 118bhp K series again?

[hampytvr]

The car is intended as a road car and not a daily driver, no track use. Average 1-2k miles per year.
The choice is between a 2002 S2 and a 2003 111S.

[SeanyD]

Personally I'd stick to the lower mileage 118bhp, if you're keeping the mileage low. Likely to more or less hold its value and be more desirable when it's time to move it on.

[hampytvr]

Thanks, that's interesting. I have always thought of the 111S being more desirable and the S2 although not in my eyes, the poorer cousin.

[Stephanie Plum]

80k miles isn't high for a 2003 car. And those last cars were well built. I have one with 104k in the clock and it drives beautifully.

Neither will lose much value. Drive both and see which one you enjoy most.

Both are easy to fix if you get any little issues so it really is how you feel when you get in them. Or maybe out

[hampytvr]

I agree with all your points, the only answer is to drive them. Thanks

Stephanie Plum said:

80k miles isn't high for a 2003 car. And those last cars were well built. I have one with 104k in the clock and it drives beautifully.

Neither will lose much value. Drive both and see which one you enjoy most.

Both are easy to fix if you get any little issues so it really is how you feel when you get in them. Or maybe out

[Darryl247W]

Both will hold value well. Elise prices have risen since I bought my 2003 111S 3 years ago.
Mine had sketchy history too, but I took the risk as there's not much to go wrong. Even HGF isn't the end of the world. I think there are enough enthusiasts with a similar view of the Elise. If it's priced accordingly when you buy, reselling shouldn't be a massive pain later.

It depends how you feel when your drive each, and assess their real condition. it's worth asking if the HG had been done recently.
The only real plus of the 111S is the more powerful VVC engine, but I can confirm it's a joyful thing to thread down a twisty B-road.

[Tickle]

Someone is selling a S2 111s on FB, they are trying to price it.

Link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524434837658414/