Buying advice please?
Discussion
My turbo Cinquecento has been sold and I'm hedging towards buying an Elise.
I'm looking to spend <£16K and I'm really after a late 111S. However, having driven (and not been impressed by) a couple of stock 118 bhp early Elise's, I'll also entertain a Turbo Technics/Sport 160/Super 160.
At the risk of a flame war, can I have some "real world" buying advice from owners of these specific models please - having just got rid of a heavily modded car I'm keen to get something that's not too temperamental!
I'm looking to spend <£16K and I'm really after a late 111S. However, having driven (and not been impressed by) a couple of stock 118 bhp early Elise's, I'll also entertain a Turbo Technics/Sport 160/Super 160.
At the risk of a flame war, can I have some "real world" buying advice from owners of these specific models please - having just got rid of a heavily modded car I'm keen to get something that's not too temperamental!
16k won't get a late 111S, it'll get you a nice early S1 111S though. Never driven either of the models you're after so can't comment I'm afraid.
The 111S is less moddable than the standard engine so buying a standard car and adding the bits you want might get you the car you're after plus you'll have the piece of mind about the quality of the mods.
The 111S is less moddable than the standard engine so buying a standard car and adding the bits you want might get you the car you're after plus you'll have the piece of mind about the quality of the mods.
Nooooo...it's 'cos I don't want to put a roof on the Spyder! 
You are doing the right thing by thinking horses... I run a 111S but have been recently tinkering with a few extras. Changed the breathing equipement early on (ITG) and this year updated the exhaust, manifold and brakes. Much better deal now.
Some will tell you that the differences are subtle (std vs 111S), and sure some of them are. BUT the 111S does have the close ratio box, cool revability, and a better back end (thanks to the spoiler), and easy to run. Great MPG and great smile factor!!! Insurance can be a bit more but worth every extra penny. S1 makes sense in that you get the rawer version, I drove a S2 but wasn't to bothered between the 2, unless you want more creature comforts. If you have the right spec (low mileage) I don't think you can go far wrong. At least someone else has done the depreciation for you...
PS. Advans make the difference on the understeer issue (really got my goat in the early days - why they chose the pirellis beats me).
Some will tell you that the differences are subtle (std vs 111S), and sure some of them are. BUT the 111S does have the close ratio box, cool revability, and a better back end (thanks to the spoiler), and easy to run. Great MPG and great smile factor!!! Insurance can be a bit more but worth every extra penny. S1 makes sense in that you get the rawer version, I drove a S2 but wasn't to bothered between the 2, unless you want more creature comforts. If you have the right spec (low mileage) I don't think you can go far wrong. At least someone else has done the depreciation for you...
PS. Advans make the difference on the understeer issue (really got my goat in the early days - why they chose the pirellis beats me).
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