Newbie needs help!
Discussion
I posted these questions elsewhere, but thought you may have an answer to some of the questions I have
I am in UK and looking for some advice
if some of you "experienced people" can help!
Looking at buying a Lotus Elise (got a budget of about £19k)
and surfing the net, noticed a few things which worried me
and I wondered whether these should be genuine concerns
I also welcome your thoughts and experiences, on any buying recommendations
I am looking at starting a new business and want to obviously make an
impression on new clients. The car is undoubtedly gorgeous
Mileage: would be doing about 50 to 70 miles per week maximum.
1) Overheating - does the car suffer badly from this? Whats the best
way of dealing with the problem and prevention?
2) every day use (average miles) - as mentioned above, would it be
suitable for such "frequent" use?
3) hardtop - I decided due to our wonderful climate I would want one
of these, any recommendations? The car is likely to be parked outside at times, so want to ensure I don’t suffer any leaks – so any advice on this welcomed.
4) rusty exhaust - again suggestions from prevention of this? Is it
worth buying something to replace the existing exhaust?
Also seen the problems about the corroding Footwells, Which types of Elise are
Affected by this little problem? Any advice on this, I got a little confused
Over the model numbers (mk1 is this the same as a S1 and is a mk2 the same as a S2)
I read that the Mk2 (s2) doesn’t suffer with the problem of the footwells as it has carpets
5) insurance - now 31 years of age, and got protected NCB of 13 years, any ideas
of how it would cost?
6) Finally model number, which model should I be looking at buying ?
Thanks for any advice/info/help
Samantha
Apologies if these questions are basic, but I would welcome some guidance before I hit the net/autotrader
I don’t want to get caught out thru my inexperience
I am in UK and looking for some advice
if some of you "experienced people" can help!
Looking at buying a Lotus Elise (got a budget of about £19k)
and surfing the net, noticed a few things which worried me
and I wondered whether these should be genuine concerns
I also welcome your thoughts and experiences, on any buying recommendations
I am looking at starting a new business and want to obviously make an
impression on new clients. The car is undoubtedly gorgeous
Mileage: would be doing about 50 to 70 miles per week maximum.
1) Overheating - does the car suffer badly from this? Whats the best
way of dealing with the problem and prevention?
2) every day use (average miles) - as mentioned above, would it be
suitable for such "frequent" use?
3) hardtop - I decided due to our wonderful climate I would want one
of these, any recommendations? The car is likely to be parked outside at times, so want to ensure I don’t suffer any leaks – so any advice on this welcomed.
4) rusty exhaust - again suggestions from prevention of this? Is it
worth buying something to replace the existing exhaust?
Also seen the problems about the corroding Footwells, Which types of Elise are
Affected by this little problem? Any advice on this, I got a little confused
Over the model numbers (mk1 is this the same as a S1 and is a mk2 the same as a S2)
I read that the Mk2 (s2) doesn’t suffer with the problem of the footwells as it has carpets
5) insurance - now 31 years of age, and got protected NCB of 13 years, any ideas
of how it would cost?
6) Finally model number, which model should I be looking at buying ?
Thanks for any advice/info/help
Samantha
Apologies if these questions are basic, but I would welcome some guidance before I hit the net/autotrader
I don’t want to get caught out thru my inexperience
many of your questions can be answered, as they have been asked before!. i suggest that you do a search of the old threads.
any car that has a tent strapped to it will leak at some point in it's life. the roof is designed to work ( people ask this about tvrs too ), sometimes they just need a little help, seems to be the answer.
are you inclined to do a bit if tinkering yourself?
it is a sportcar - they need to be tinkered with and they need to have an eye kept on them - are you prepared for that?
i love the look too - i'm still hankering for one.
i'd suggest you go drive some of them before you think about buying one - this will give you a better idea of what to expect.
you need specialist knowledge when looking at this sort of car - the aa/rac are not up to the job of inspecting these cars.
the diaries ( elise.net i think ) are very interesting, and probably very useful too ( though having not bought an elise i can't really comment on that.
)
ever thought about a tvr?
:getscoat:
any car that has a tent strapped to it will leak at some point in it's life. the roof is designed to work ( people ask this about tvrs too ), sometimes they just need a little help, seems to be the answer.
are you inclined to do a bit if tinkering yourself?
it is a sportcar - they need to be tinkered with and they need to have an eye kept on them - are you prepared for that?
i love the look too - i'm still hankering for one.
i'd suggest you go drive some of them before you think about buying one - this will give you a better idea of what to expect.
you need specialist knowledge when looking at this sort of car - the aa/rac are not up to the job of inspecting these cars.
the diaries ( elise.net i think ) are very interesting, and probably very useful too ( though having not bought an elise i can't really comment on that.
) ever thought about a tvr?
:getscoat:
Hi samantha
I think this could turn into a pretty look thread, but i'll start the ball rolling.
First, for £19,000 you will able able to buy a very decent S2 (aka Mk2) Sports Tourer.
1. Overheating
--------------
Not heard much in the way of overheating problems. Check your coolant levels regularly. The K series engines in all Elises are "prone to" (but still very rare) Head Gasket Failure (HGF). General advice - keep your revs below 3500 until the engine reaches 80 deg C.
2. Everyday Use
---------------
As long as you've test driven one and feel confortable with the driving postion and can accept that you are
not going to get creature comforts such as air con, power steering, servo brakes, ABS, traction control, central locking, airbags, electric windows, rear seats and a boot, cup holders etc
then yes it's fine for using everday (possibly the most fun car to drive EVER). Lots of people on this forum do. I wish I could use mine to drive to work, but sadly, I have to get a train.
If you are going to use it everyday, I suggest you doing for a car with the "Sports Tourer" option pack which has carpets, leather, four speakers and a heap of other stuff to make the car more "practical".
3. Hard Top / Leaks
-------------------
The S2 soft tops are very good - not as fiddly as the old ones and don't leak. I was considering a hard-top but they are quite pricey ~£1300. They do look very sexy though. I've heard some S2's have leaky boots if you park on a hill. Solutions - 1) Lotus fix 2) Don't park on hills
4. Exhausts
-----------
Don't thin there are may problems with exhuasts. I have a sports exhaust. get one. they sound grrrrrr8 (~£300).
If you get a S2 sports tourer, you won't get corroded footwells (not all variants of S2 have carpets).
5. Insurance
------------
Pretty cheap. Lots on insurance in the archieves.
6. Final Verdict
----------------
An S2 Sports Tourer is the car for you. For £19,000 you may be able to get a < 1 year old car privately or a slightly older / higher milage
car from a dealer. If buying from a dealer don't buy from "Bob's bargain cars" or similar and make sure you get a warranty with it.
Cars built after april 2002 have most of the problems sorted out and after may will have 2 years warranty. Budget for slightly higher servicing costs, lower petrol costs (depending how you drive) and
more frequent tyre replacements than a "normal car" and you can't go wrong (although i'm slightly biased).
Autotrader say: "If you are even considering an Elise, forget the competition and buy one". I agree
-Wozza
I think this could turn into a pretty look thread, but i'll start the ball rolling.
First, for £19,000 you will able able to buy a very decent S2 (aka Mk2) Sports Tourer.
1. Overheating
--------------
Not heard much in the way of overheating problems. Check your coolant levels regularly. The K series engines in all Elises are "prone to" (but still very rare) Head Gasket Failure (HGF). General advice - keep your revs below 3500 until the engine reaches 80 deg C.
2. Everyday Use
---------------
As long as you've test driven one and feel confortable with the driving postion and can accept that you are
not going to get creature comforts such as air con, power steering, servo brakes, ABS, traction control, central locking, airbags, electric windows, rear seats and a boot, cup holders etc
then yes it's fine for using everday (possibly the most fun car to drive EVER). Lots of people on this forum do. I wish I could use mine to drive to work, but sadly, I have to get a train.
If you are going to use it everyday, I suggest you doing for a car with the "Sports Tourer" option pack which has carpets, leather, four speakers and a heap of other stuff to make the car more "practical".
3. Hard Top / Leaks
-------------------
The S2 soft tops are very good - not as fiddly as the old ones and don't leak. I was considering a hard-top but they are quite pricey ~£1300. They do look very sexy though. I've heard some S2's have leaky boots if you park on a hill. Solutions - 1) Lotus fix 2) Don't park on hills
4. Exhausts
-----------
Don't thin there are may problems with exhuasts. I have a sports exhaust. get one. they sound grrrrrr8 (~£300).
If you get a S2 sports tourer, you won't get corroded footwells (not all variants of S2 have carpets).
5. Insurance
------------
Pretty cheap. Lots on insurance in the archieves.
6. Final Verdict
----------------
An S2 Sports Tourer is the car for you. For £19,000 you may be able to get a < 1 year old car privately or a slightly older / higher milage
car from a dealer. If buying from a dealer don't buy from "Bob's bargain cars" or similar and make sure you get a warranty with it.
Cars built after april 2002 have most of the problems sorted out and after may will have 2 years warranty. Budget for slightly higher servicing costs, lower petrol costs (depending how you drive) and
more frequent tyre replacements than a "normal car" and you can't go wrong (although i'm slightly biased).
Autotrader say: "If you are even considering an Elise, forget the competition and buy one". I agree
-Wozza
I'll echo Wozza's comments...
I'm 28, and drive a series 1 (generally considered less refined than the series 2) every day to work (which is about 90 miles a week).
Servicing isn't cheap, but the intervals are fine, tyres will probably last about a year, unless you rag it everywhere, and or include track days.
Exhaust might go rusty after about 3-4 years of being kept outside, but hey, what can you do? a replacement is only about 400 quid fitted, and you can choose a nice sports exhaust then!
Mine is kept out side, as unfortunately I have no garage, but doesn't leak, and is fine in the rain, I believe s2 cars are better again generally in this area than the s1. Not sure about the s2 hard top, I'm sure someone on the board will ahve an opinion if the soft top is enough or not.
Insurance should be fine if you shop around, you have all the good things going for you (female, over 30 etc).
Best of luck whatever you decide! CH
I'm 28, and drive a series 1 (generally considered less refined than the series 2) every day to work (which is about 90 miles a week).
Servicing isn't cheap, but the intervals are fine, tyres will probably last about a year, unless you rag it everywhere, and or include track days.
Exhaust might go rusty after about 3-4 years of being kept outside, but hey, what can you do? a replacement is only about 400 quid fitted, and you can choose a nice sports exhaust then!
Mine is kept out side, as unfortunately I have no garage, but doesn't leak, and is fine in the rain, I believe s2 cars are better again generally in this area than the s1. Not sure about the s2 hard top, I'm sure someone on the board will ahve an opinion if the soft top is enough or not.
Insurance should be fine if you shop around, you have all the good things going for you (female, over 30 etc).
Best of luck whatever you decide! CH
1) Overheating - does the car suffer badly from this? Whats the best way of dealing with the problem and prevention?
The Elise does not suffer from overheating.
2) every day use (average miles) - as mentioned above, would it be suitable for such "frequent" use?
Many, many people do far higher milages that that and never have any problems, it is a modern vehicle you can put a lot of miles on it without any concern.
3) hardtop - I decided due to our wonderful climate I would want one of these, any recommendations? The car is likely to be parked outside at times, so want to ensure I don’t suffer any leaks – so any advice on this welcomed.
Some roof's leak some don't, some hardtops leak, some don't, if you want to guarantee a leakproof car you really need to consider either a garage :-) or a shower cap for the car.
4) rusty exhaust - again suggestions from prevention of this? Is it worth buying something to replace the existing exhaust?
Get a stainless one fitted, problem sorted forever.
Also seen the problems about the corroding Footwells, Which types of Elise are
Affected by this little problem?
It seems all may be however you'd need to check the specific vehicle. There does not, yet, seem to be any correlation between usage patterns/age vs the severity of the problem.
Lotus are working on a resolution/treatment or this problem.
Fd
Samantha
Agree with the comments made above.
I've just bought an S2 Sports Tourer for around your budget.
1. Overheating
Only done 1,000 miles but has not got over 94 degrees yet and that was sitting in stationary traffic on the M25 for a while. Apparently S2's are less prone to head gasket failure than an S1.
2. Roofs
Mine seems pretty waterproof. Overnight I have a cover so a downpour will not get through. Overall conclusion is keep a small towel for any small leaks that you may (but may not) get.
3. Practicality
To a certain degree. Can get enough in for a weekend away for me and Mrs CVP if we travel light. Practical to drive, most certainly the controls are "hard wired" you feel completely connected to what the car is doing like nothing else I have driven. I get to work with a massive grin on my face now.
4. Exhausts
Wait until it goes rusty and then go for a sports exhaust, that's what I'm doing.
5. Overall
Get one - they are seriously brilliant. Keep it for a year or so, get some driver training (mine is to be booked soon) then after a year or so go to DVA power and get it seen to to 155bhp and increase the enjoyment. Do it
Chris
Agree with the comments made above.
I've just bought an S2 Sports Tourer for around your budget.
1. Overheating
Only done 1,000 miles but has not got over 94 degrees yet and that was sitting in stationary traffic on the M25 for a while. Apparently S2's are less prone to head gasket failure than an S1.
2. Roofs
Mine seems pretty waterproof. Overnight I have a cover so a downpour will not get through. Overall conclusion is keep a small towel for any small leaks that you may (but may not) get.
3. Practicality
To a certain degree. Can get enough in for a weekend away for me and Mrs CVP if we travel light. Practical to drive, most certainly the controls are "hard wired" you feel completely connected to what the car is doing like nothing else I have driven. I get to work with a massive grin on my face now.
4. Exhausts
Wait until it goes rusty and then go for a sports exhaust, that's what I'm doing.
5. Overall
Get one - they are seriously brilliant. Keep it for a year or so, get some driver training (mine is to be booked soon) then after a year or so go to DVA power and get it seen to to 155bhp and increase the enjoyment. Do it
Chris
If you do buy one then there are two things I can guarantee if you drive it how it was intended. 1) it will go wrong and 2) it will take more looking after than your average family saloon.
Saying that though, I had an S1 for two years and wouldn't have changed it for the world, and if I hadn't driven a Noble I would still have it!
> Mileage: would be doing about 50 to 70 miles per week maximum.
That's less than an hours driving. You can comfortably drive for 3 or 4 hours without stopping in an Elise without any problems. I know some owners with more than a 100K on the clock, a testiment to the Elise.
> 1) Overheating - does the car suffer badly from this? Whats the best way of dealing with the problem and prevention?
Never heard of any major problems with overheating.
>2) every day use (average miles) - as mentioned above, would it be suitable for such "frequent" use?
See my comment above.
> 3) hardtop - I decided due to our wonderful climate I would want one of these, any recommendations? The car is likely to be parked outside at times, so want to ensure I don’t suffer any leaks – so any advice on this welcomed.
Can't comment on this as I never had a hard top.
> 4) rusty exhaust - again suggestions from prevention of this? Is it worth buying something to replace the existing exhaust?
I had a three year stainless steel sports exhaust on mine and it looked as good as new! I'd recommend that you buy one with a s/s sports exhaust, as they sound better!
> Also seen the problems about the corroding Footwells,
This is a new one on me.
> I got a little confused Over the model numbers (mk1 is this the same as a S1 and is a mk2 the same as a S2) I read that the Mk2 (s2) doesn’t suffer with the problem of the footwells as it has carpets
An S1 is the first evolution of Elise, the S2 is the second.
> 5) insurance - now 31 years of age, and got protected NCB of 13 years, any ideas of how it would cost?
This depends on where you live. If it's not garaged it could put the premium up.
> 6) Finally model number, which model should I be looking at buying ?
Pop down to your local dealers and ask to try out the various models. A basic Elise is adequate for most, a 111s or 135 would be better suited if you want to take it on a track.
A good reference site is Rob Collingridges site www.elises.co.uk
Hope this helps
Anthony.
Saying that though, I had an S1 for two years and wouldn't have changed it for the world, and if I hadn't driven a Noble I would still have it!
> Mileage: would be doing about 50 to 70 miles per week maximum.
That's less than an hours driving. You can comfortably drive for 3 or 4 hours without stopping in an Elise without any problems. I know some owners with more than a 100K on the clock, a testiment to the Elise.
> 1) Overheating - does the car suffer badly from this? Whats the best way of dealing with the problem and prevention?
Never heard of any major problems with overheating.
>2) every day use (average miles) - as mentioned above, would it be suitable for such "frequent" use?
See my comment above.
> 3) hardtop - I decided due to our wonderful climate I would want one of these, any recommendations? The car is likely to be parked outside at times, so want to ensure I don’t suffer any leaks – so any advice on this welcomed.
Can't comment on this as I never had a hard top.
> 4) rusty exhaust - again suggestions from prevention of this? Is it worth buying something to replace the existing exhaust?
I had a three year stainless steel sports exhaust on mine and it looked as good as new! I'd recommend that you buy one with a s/s sports exhaust, as they sound better!
> Also seen the problems about the corroding Footwells,
This is a new one on me.
> I got a little confused Over the model numbers (mk1 is this the same as a S1 and is a mk2 the same as a S2) I read that the Mk2 (s2) doesn’t suffer with the problem of the footwells as it has carpets
An S1 is the first evolution of Elise, the S2 is the second.
> 5) insurance - now 31 years of age, and got protected NCB of 13 years, any ideas of how it would cost?
This depends on where you live. If it's not garaged it could put the premium up.
> 6) Finally model number, which model should I be looking at buying ?
Pop down to your local dealers and ask to try out the various models. A basic Elise is adequate for most, a 111s or 135 would be better suited if you want to take it on a track.
A good reference site is Rob Collingridges site www.elises.co.uk
Hope this helps
Anthony.
HI There
MANY THANKS for the replies all of which are hugely appreciated
My reasoning behind the car, is not purely to impress anyone (a part of that is, to create a good impression, obviously)
I was wanting the car as it appeared relatively straight forward to own and it was also something I wanted to treat as an investment, adding to it however i could.
My reasoning for getting the car, is I have a (financial chance!) to buy something which I really want, I wanted a sports car and couldn't decide between the Elise and the Boxster
I chose the Elise as it did appear to have a HUGE amount of people who, like yourselves, can offer advice and guidance for novices like myself.
I enjoy driving, and having had a Corsa merit and a Nova previously was SERIOUSLY hoping my next car wouldn't give me the same problems I have in getting around the hills around where i live... LOL
Before making a commitement to buying, looking after and owning an Elise, I wanted to educate myself further and thank you all for some really good advice!
MANY THANKS for the replies all of which are hugely appreciated
My reasoning behind the car, is not purely to impress anyone (a part of that is, to create a good impression, obviously)
I was wanting the car as it appeared relatively straight forward to own and it was also something I wanted to treat as an investment, adding to it however i could.
My reasoning for getting the car, is I have a (financial chance!) to buy something which I really want, I wanted a sports car and couldn't decide between the Elise and the Boxster
I chose the Elise as it did appear to have a HUGE amount of people who, like yourselves, can offer advice and guidance for novices like myself.
I enjoy driving, and having had a Corsa merit and a Nova previously was SERIOUSLY hoping my next car wouldn't give me the same problems I have in getting around the hills around where i live... LOL
Before making a commitement to buying, looking after and owning an Elise, I wanted to educate myself further and thank you all for some really good advice!
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