Elise Buying Advice

[scoobybloke]

Well it's time for a change of car (one guess what I own at the moment... )

Always wanted an Elise and now I've decided to get one. At the moment I'm looking at an S1 - 97/98 reg. Budget is around 13-14K.

I've already been using the search facility a lot and visited the excellent Lotus Buying Guide

However, as good as that site is, I think there is simply more information than I can absorb and certainly refer to when test driving a car. So my question is - what are the main points I should be looking for?

As regards driving the cars, I've been out in several, including a 111s at Bedford Autodrome and I've also done Andy Walsh's driving day at North Weald (mainly as a Scoob day, but we also got to go out with Andy in his lovely Elise), so I am aware of what I'm letting myself infor as regards noise, ride quality etc

I do appreciate that this question must come up loads of times (I'm a moderator on Scoobynet and we get the same thing aswell!! ), but I would like some 'real world' advice.

Thanks in advance for any help

Chris

[jonboy]

I bought a standard '97 at the start of this year which I run as an everyday car. My advice would be to go for a later year (98,99) to make sure you get as many of the "Real World" fixes as possible on the car, and you don't have to do them yourself like i did! eg, look for:

- Revised soft top fitting (early 98?) for better seals and hardtop compatability

- Barrel shaped springs rather than the original straight springs which rub on the shocks and create even more noise over bumps

- Brake discs - a matter of preference. The original MMC ones are great in the dry and apparently last forever(nearly), but simply DO NOT WORK when wet/cold. Disc splash guards were added some time , which make wet driving just about acceptable. Also MMC discs squeal like buggery without special rubbery shim-type things fitted to pads.

- condition of steering rack gaiters. Prone to disintegrate within sight of the production line. New rack will cost!

- Early door retainer plates usually break off - not serious, just a niggle. Check if door will catch open.

But obviously, don't worry too much about this type of thing 'cos the cars just so much damn fun.
JonBoy

[bennno]

Why not get £17.5-£18K together and take a look at an S2. For that money you will get a 15k sport tourer such as my Silver one which is advertised on the classifieds.

With Elise prices the very oldest (6yrs) cars with 40-50K miles are only 3-4K less than a year old car, even if you dont want a S2 the very latest S1's seem to be going for £15K odd which is only a couple of grand more than a older one.

Bennno

[scoobybloke]

Thanks guys - this is the sort of thing I'm looking for. As regards going for a later S1 or maybe even an S2 - it's a thought. A lot depends on what is around at the time I guess.

Any advice on the best insurance brokers would be helpful too.

Chris

[NightFire]

As far as insurance goes, I'm with 'More Than' (Royal Sun Alliance) and it costs me £540 a year fully comp, although I paid another £60 on top of that for "lifetime no claims protection". A very reasonable deal I thougt.

[scoobybloke]

Not bad - damn sight less than the Scoob. Last year was £831 with cat1 alarm, tracker, garaged etc (me 31, 3 pts, full no claims etc). This is one of the reason I'm considering changing. I still want something that is fun to drive without the associated running costs - never an Impreza strongpoint.

Recommendations for good dealers / servicing in the Herts / Essex area would be good too! (Sorry keep adding new questions as I think of them )

Chris

[bogie]

For servicing and repairs in Essex the best place is Sinclaires of London www.lotusrepairs.com

for more Liz buying info try www.elisefaq.com or www.elises.co.uk

other Elise BBS's

www.british-cars.co.uk
www.seloc.org (South East Lotus Owners Club)

cheers

bogie

[scoobybloke]

Thanks Bogie

One or two sites I hadn't seen before.

Chris

[jonny tvr]

You can get a 1998 S reg with 34K miles with a recent service, good tyres and very good paintwork for £10.5K.

I did 6 months ago in the Summer!

[misomorph]

Jonny, that was an absurdly low price mate. You got a steal.

Scoobybloke, you have mail.

[scoobybloke]

Thanks Mike - I'll read it when I get in this evening - email access from work is playing up at the moment.

Chris