Come on then...

[Plotloss]

c£20K

S2 Elise

Which one?

Quite like the specials, especially the Type 25 and the Type 72.

Thoughts please chaps. I've not even been in an Elise but its looking like the best replacement for the Cooper S.

Over to the experts...

(Or maybe a VXT if its a better car, er indoors does prefer the Elise though...)

[Bonce]

Good choice!

Get a 111S if you can get it! The colour scheme, is largely irrelevant in my opinion so not worth paying 000s extra for a special edition.

Hopefully a local enthusiast will be able to take you for a spin ( anyone?), and you should definitely go and test drive a standard S2, a 111S and a VXT before deciding which model you like the best and going on to trawling the classifieds for the one that suits both you and the missus.

[dragstar]

Depends on what you want it for.

"Racetech", "sportstourer" just denote packs/trims with the standard engine. IIRC

If its for the missus/easy cruising then get one of these.

If its for track days get an S1 Exige.

If its a mixture of the 2, get an S2 111s

[tja]

dragstar said:

Depends on what you want it for.

If it's to annoy dragstar, get the VX

[Plotloss]

Thanks chaps,

Its only got two uses.

Schlep me in and out of London on a daily basis being entertaining into the bargain.

High day and dry day balls out hoonery.

Family wagon will do everything else.

Whats service costs etc?

Chances are, and depending on warranty that all servicing will be done by Steve Williams in Eton Wick. He did some work on my classic Mini which was great and the recommendations seem good elsewhere on the board. Is this generally echoed on these hallowed pages?

[dragstar]

Get the S2 111s

Dont get a VXT. They're just wrong

Servicing depends on where you go (have a search- been a few recent topics on this )

[tortoise]

The specials aren't any more expensive. The type 25 is the same price as the 111S new and has pretty much the same spec. (although not the sun visors for some reason) and you get the Lotus embroidered seats, metalic paint and limited edition plaque (oooooo!).

Ok I admit it, I just bought one.

[sydneyse]

The S2 is a much easier machine to live with- better roof (very quick on/off) slightly easier entry and generally more reliable- and my wife is happy to drive it over the s1- she is one of the ones that understeer is a welcome handling trait (yes this is safer than ending up backwards in a ditch..)

[skinner]

Plotloss, I would suggest the 111s (no surprise there then!!) A bit more grunt to help with the daily commute... As for servicing, have a look around the threads here, but I would suggest Sinclairs in Romford. Great blokes and seem to be the cheapest.

VX is an option tho' if you fancy a Vauxhzzzzzzzzz

[DanH]

Try the 111S versus a standard car as due to inferior gearing the 111S isnt discernably faster below 70mph (I did a drag race against Walshy and he made maybe a foot on me). I'd go for a 111S probably if I had the choice just because you know you've got more but in real terms its a tad pointless Depends on cost I difference whether its worth it.

If you want real pace you need a turbo technics converted car, or something with a VTEC engine transplant. Both are relatively expensive and harder to maintain though.

[pley]

Well if residuals are a factor then it has to be the 111s.

On the other hand Standard models can be had for a song £15-17k for a 2-3 year old...!

[DanH]

Er not seen a single S2 for 15k

[pley]

You can get one if you shop around.

Ive had a couple of offers to me in that region and I bet it would have been nearer the 15 than the 16 if I had taken it up!

Higer mileage Y plate car is 15-16k a month ago.

No dounbt summer will bump it up a little.

[DanH]

Hmm thats cheaper than S1 111S/160s then. Who made the offer a private buyer? Sounds like a chancer as that really doesn't tie up with what I've seen of the market unless said S2s are complete dogs.

Also theres a world of difference between someone offering 15k and someone else accepting it!

>> Edited by DanH on Wednesday 10th March 16:56

[NJS25]

If I found an S2 for 15K, I simply wouldn't buy it, metaphorically and literally

I've seen S1's for under 10k, I wouldn't touch one of those either.

Bottom price for a decent S2 is around £17k for an early car, £12k for an S1. Beware of the bargain basement, once in a lifetime, this week only, buy one get one free offers

Regards, Neil

PS. It's easy to wish prices down when you're looking to buy. Be patient, good things come to those who wait, prices will continue to fall as part of natural evolution of the market. Owning an elise should be a not a

[wendyg]

tortoise said:

The specials aren't any more expensive. The type 25 is the same price as the 111S new and has pretty much the same spec. (although not the sun visors for some reason) and you get the Lotus embroidered seats, metalic paint and limited edition plaque (oooooo!). Ok I admit it, I just bought one.

Also there are none left new. There are some second hand 120bhp versions on the market, but I haven't seen a 111s 160 one.

[pley]

No no I'm not looking now. I was over christmas (when I bought my 340r) and contacted a few sellers but 2 owners who advertised at 16,500 contacted me last month who were struggling to sell with a new price.

There's alot of S2's around.
The 111R is the better engine to have.
This in turn has hit residuals.

S160 are few and far between hence the better retained value. ???

My 2p