late s1 or s2?
Discussion
I would like opinions from owners of both s1 and s2 models .
you think the S2 is a more refined car? i've read loads of articles on S1 and S2 cars, buying guides etc...and just can't decide which model to buy
An S2 example is stretching my finances a little but just wondering if it's a better 'investment' over a MK1 i've been looking at 99V s1 for £16K and S2 51 plate Racetech's £19K
you think the S2 is a more refined car? i've read loads of articles on S1 and S2 cars, buying guides etc...and just can't decide which model to buy
An S2 example is stretching my finances a little but just wondering if it's a better 'investment' over a MK1 i've been looking at 99V s1 for £16K and S2 51 plate Racetech's £19K
at the end of the day "investment" and sports car dont mix 
if you want an investment buy a mini cooper s
have you driven either? which looks do you prefer? for 16.5k you could get a tidy 111s which is more powerful and probably the best version.
id be inclined to go fo the late S1, (as i did) because of the looks. 99/00 models had all the bugs ironed out and are sound cars.
S2s are more refined, and thats fine..if its what you want. if its your only car go for the S2 if not, a nice S1 with a few choice mods should see large grinning and initial pant-wetting
go test drive a few and decide for yourself.
if you want an investment buy a mini cooper s
have you driven either? which looks do you prefer? for 16.5k you could get a tidy 111s which is more powerful and probably the best version.
id be inclined to go fo the late S1, (as i did) because of the looks. 99/00 models had all the bugs ironed out and are sound cars.
S2s are more refined, and thats fine..if its what you want. if its your only car go for the S2 if not, a nice S1 with a few choice mods should see large grinning and initial pant-wetting
go test drive a few and decide for yourself.
I have to take issue with my mate dragster.
Investment and sports cars have to mix because one day you will want to change it for the next toy & the more retained value the better the next toy.
My thoughts are an S2 will keep its value better.
If you are doing 10k a year your really need to have a go in both cars as they are an acquired taste.
(I tried both and came to the conclusion that there was not a lot of difference in day to day use - stands back waiting for the brick to start flying).
Different engine mods - well OK if you like, but they all go like stink so getting a well looked after clean model is more important.
seriously G, i accept that investment and sports cars must mix as we have to sell someday (unless your names Bogie
). i just dont think, buying a sports car for investment purposes is a good idea (not that Mr Marc is
) neither is having it high up on the criteria for buying. nobody can say to me, that when test-driving a sports car, you think of MPG, servicing and Residuals...not at the moment your on the road. no way
thats what its all about! thats what makes it special!
i think your detracting from the experience, by worrying about such things.
Mr Marc..go out, test drive a few and you'll know what i mean.
the S2 will hold its value better, up until a point as the S1 will attain the "classic" status. i dont think the S2 will.
the S2 is more refined, but i like the "rawness" of my S1.
also dont rule out the VX..actually do. its shite. and it doesnt hold its value
ok Marcy, re-read your post and realised you actually needed some advice..so here's my gun i mean why i choose the S1:
*i dont do many miles, maybe 7000p.a.
*i just use it for blasting
*it visually appealed to me
*the balance of performance with handling was the best out of the elise range
*111s seats are more comfy
*they retain their value better IMHO (than other S1s)
*scope for modifications without going mad
*nice spoiler
*system installed
*alloy interior/better interior
at the end of the day, my budget meant i could get a late top of the range S1 (almost) or a glorified base model S2.
horses for courses and all that.
find a decent S1 111s to drive and then an S2 and IM SURE you'll go for the S1.
i mean why i choose the S1: *i dont do many miles, maybe 7000p.a.
*i just use it for blasting
*it visually appealed to me
*the balance of performance with handling was the best out of the elise range
*111s seats are more comfy
*they retain their value better IMHO (than other S1s)
*scope for modifications without going mad
*nice spoiler
*system installed
*alloy interior/better interior
at the end of the day, my budget meant i could get a late top of the range S1 (almost
) or a glorified base model S2. horses for courses and all that.
find a decent S1 111s to drive and then an S2 and IM SURE you'll go for the S1.
Macfair - well dont think you got lots of reasoned argument, but .....
I dont think you will ever get any one to say that the other one is better if you have an S1 then the S2 is a nasty plastic upstart.
If you have an S2 then then mentioning 'kit car looks' will raise the heat of the argument in a jiffy.
But equal numbers of S1 & S2 drivers wave at each other and say hello when you drive past.
They are both good cars - you need to try out and see what it feels like.
Drive them, look at them, get in an out with top on and off, put the top on and off yourself, and go over it in detail before saying yes Be warned its very difficult to keep you heart from buying it before your head.
There are lots of good tips on the links pages which I can recomend.
I dont think you will ever get any one to say that the other one is better if you have an S1 then the S2 is a nasty plastic upstart.
If you have an S2 then then mentioning 'kit car looks' will raise the heat of the argument in a jiffy.
But equal numbers of S1 & S2 drivers wave at each other and say hello when you drive past.
They are both good cars - you need to try out and see what it feels like.
Drive them, look at them, get in an out with top on and off, put the top on and off yourself, and go over it in detail before saying yes Be warned its very difficult to keep you heart from buying it before your head.
There are lots of good tips on the links pages which I can recomend.
I recently had the same choice!!!
I went for the S2!! It was actually my brother who mad a valid point!! You can always add things to an S2!! But and S1 is still the older model!!
In other words you cant turn an S1 into an S2!!! but you can but mods on the S2 to make it the same spec as the S1 you are thinking of buying!!!
Have a look at his website www.lotusespritworld.com!!!
I know its for those 80s cars but still pretty smart!!! His thinking of doing www.lotuseliseworld.com!!!
I went for the S2!! It was actually my brother who mad a valid point!! You can always add things to an S2!! But and S1 is still the older model!!
In other words you cant turn an S1 into an S2!!! but you can but mods on the S2 to make it the same spec as the S1 you are thinking of buying!!!
Have a look at his website www.lotusespritworld.com!!!
I know its for those 80s cars but still pretty smart!!! His thinking of doing www.lotuseliseworld.com!!!
I have a 111s - definately a better proposition than a base model S2 IMHO.
Mine is still for sale somewhere here on pistonheads and i've had loads of interest (but mainly from people who want to px or swop)
mail me if you want the best example S1 on the road. Just had it back from a local midlands lotus specialist and he reckons its the best riding one hes been in. i won't argue.
if i dont sell it - well - no problem - ill keep it !!
Mine is still for sale somewhere here on pistonheads and i've had loads of interest (but mainly from people who want to px or swop)
mail me if you want the best example S1 on the road. Just had it back from a local midlands lotus specialist and he reckons its the best riding one hes been in. i won't argue.
if i dont sell it - well - no problem - ill keep it !!
I'm playing with an S2 ('04 S 118bhp) this weekend, IMHO if its to be your only car as raw and fun as the S1 is I would have to have the S2 as it will be far less wearing for when your not 'in the mood'and those extra creature comforts do make a difference.
So my advice is go and haggle the best deal you can on an early S2,there are plenty around and the showrooms are quite! which means there is some serious dealing to be done as everyone tries to balance the books before the end of the year... trust me i know
So my advice is go and haggle the best deal you can on an early S2,there are plenty around and the showrooms are quite! which means there is some serious dealing to be done as everyone tries to balance the books before the end of the year... trust me i know
yep - you can get loads of stuff for the S2...try www.race-speed.com
Buy whichever you like best after driving them. The S2 is slightly more comfy and a little more practical due to boot, roof, seats etc...but theres not much in it to be honest. From a financial perspective youre gonna lose a few grand on either of them, so dont worry about that....just buy it and drive it
Buy whichever you like best after driving them. The S2 is slightly more comfy and a little more practical due to boot, roof, seats etc...but theres not much in it to be honest. From a financial perspective youre gonna lose a few grand on either of them, so dont worry about that....just buy it and drive it
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