Discussion
51 years old-living in France. Looking to buy an Elise 'toyota engined' for everyday use-around 60 miles per day on country roads-little 'urban use'. Owned an Excel, Esprit Turbo 83 C reg, and 89 F reg, in my younger days. Road tested an Elise last year an now simply cant think of anything else. Driving me mad. Spend hours just looking at adverts, articles on cars and watching Videos on You Tube. Appointment with the bank in ten days time. Is it realistic. Have I lost my marbles. In addition I'm not one of those fortunate guys loaded with dosh. Considering a 2006 111S or R. Touring pack I think seems obligatory, air con not sure, probably with HTop because I dont have a garage (Budget around £15K) It might be optimistic but the summers coming to an end and already seeing more adverts popping up. Would I have lower running costs with Rover engined model, more or less reliability. No idea. Your views welcome but please dont tell me to buy a BM, Mazda etc etc. I just want a Lotus Elise. Are there any genuine high mileage users out there, with maybe high mileage cars.
15K is maximum unless I win the lottery. Likely to be a private sale as dealers 'margins' make them less competitive I've got an eye on nearly all the adds, so finding the car is not really the problem, its more about lots of mileage, everyday use, seriously using it as my only car and viewpoints on Toyota V Rover. Have to say in France, 2 'dealers' told me they no longer wish to trade with Rover engined models so this has a bearing, as it gives the impression that the Toy model is streets ahead. However, a Uk dealer told me he preferred the Rover models for out and out performance and economy. Drives me nuts because I like 'clear cut decisions'
15K is maximum unless I win the lottery. Likely to be a private sale as dealers 'margins' make them less competitive I've got an eye on nearly all the adds, so finding the car is not really the problem, its more about lots of mileage, everyday use, seriously using it as my only car and viewpoints on Toyota V Rover. Have to say in France, 2 'dealers' told me they no longer wish to trade with Rover engined models so this has a bearing, as it gives the impression that the Toy model is streets ahead. However, a Uk dealer told me he preferred the Rover models for out and out performance and economy. Drives me nuts because I like 'clear cut decisions'
Edited by simpo555 on Tuesday 31st August 19:00
Good choice - your love it !
Register at Seloc - they have lots of info. I have a 2006 111R if you have any questions!
By the way - would not worry about air con tho.
Your get a high KM/Miles 06 111R for 15K but not low or average milage... There are some good cars around so sure your be fine.
But us owners dont like being knocked down to Silly prices / most of us would rather keep them than settle for a raw deal. I only say that as there are a lot of dreamers out there that try there luck only to anoy owners
Feel free to ask any specfic questions about the R and I would be happy to help.
Register at Seloc - they have lots of info. I have a 2006 111R if you have any questions!
By the way - would not worry about air con tho.
Your get a high KM/Miles 06 111R for 15K but not low or average milage... There are some good cars around so sure your be fine.
But us owners dont like being knocked down to Silly prices / most of us would rather keep them than settle for a raw deal. I only say that as there are a lot of dreamers out there that try there luck only to anoy owners
Feel free to ask any specfic questions about the R and I would be happy to help.
Edited by Stu_00 on Tuesday 31st August 17:21
Edited by Stu_00 on Tuesday 31st August 17:21
Genuine high-mileage user here.
Mine is 12 years old, has a Rover K-series engine and has done 187,300 miles. I used it as my daily commuter (130 mile round-trip) for about 10 years. I changed the engine at 135,000 miles (for a second-hand 36,000 miler) simply because I had the opportunity to do so cheaply - there was nothing wrong with the 135,000 miler and I still have it in the garage in case I need it. I also changed the gearbox at 180,000 miles (for a second-hand 32,000 miler) because I had the opportunity to do so cheaply....
Apart from minor niggles (such as unreliable temperature sender) the only real unreliability I could complain about is the head gasket, which is a known problem with the 1.8 k-series. I've had 3. Other than that, nothing more than the usual consumables.
Recommend you visit SELOC but just go buy your Elise - you won't regret it!
Mine is 12 years old, has a Rover K-series engine and has done 187,300 miles. I used it as my daily commuter (130 mile round-trip) for about 10 years. I changed the engine at 135,000 miles (for a second-hand 36,000 miler) simply because I had the opportunity to do so cheaply - there was nothing wrong with the 135,000 miler and I still have it in the garage in case I need it. I also changed the gearbox at 180,000 miles (for a second-hand 32,000 miler) because I had the opportunity to do so cheaply....
Apart from minor niggles (such as unreliable temperature sender) the only real unreliability I could complain about is the head gasket, which is a known problem with the 1.8 k-series. I've had 3. Other than that, nothing more than the usual consumables.
Recommend you visit SELOC but just go buy your Elise - you won't regret it!
Cheap to service and run,most fun you can have with your trousers on.
There isn't really a wrong choice,merely whatever suits you the most.
This looks good value
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1988817.htm
There isn't really a wrong choice,merely whatever suits you the most.
This looks good value
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1988817.htm
Hi, I have a 2005 111r with touring pack, aircon, and a few other goodies that you can have for less than £15k. Needs nothing other than a new home. I've had a rover 111s for 2 odd years and now the 111r and without wising to open that particular can of worms, I prefer the 111r and I'll leave it at that.
For living in France I'd say it would be worth having aircon and also the 'R' engine. I'm very envious of your smooth, wide, snaking country roads. The Elise will not disappoint you once off the autoroute plus it's not too bad between the tolls either, provided you stick with the standard or stage 1 exhaust. Stage 2 or worse (I have worse, it's called a Quicksilver titanium system and it's strictly earplugs for motorway work) will be at times inspirational and at other times annoying.
Enjoy the Elise. You're not mad at all.
Enjoy the Elise. You're not mad at all.
I am 40 something and I currently have a 111R having previously owned a Rover engined S2 and an S2 Exige. All cars are / were my only car and used everyday including commuting.
Bought my current Elise with 9k on the clock 2 years ago and now has 39k. Use her everyday for my 70km each way commute in all weathers including the heavy winter early this year that we had in NL. Wife and I did a road trip last September to Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Poland with no complaints from the car or the Mrs.
Main problem with a right hand drive car are car parks particularly when your visiting a supplier or customer and you have to press an intercom to open the carpark. But you can either reverse in or keep a simple "litter picker" grabber device in the car.
The Elise is cheap to service, cheap to run (road tax in NL is based on weight) and fun.
Do it - you only live once and you won't regret it
Bought my current Elise with 9k on the clock 2 years ago and now has 39k. Use her everyday for my 70km each way commute in all weathers including the heavy winter early this year that we had in NL. Wife and I did a road trip last September to Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Poland with no complaints from the car or the Mrs.
Main problem with a right hand drive car are car parks particularly when your visiting a supplier or customer and you have to press an intercom to open the carpark. But you can either reverse in or keep a simple "litter picker" grabber device in the car.
The Elise is cheap to service, cheap to run (road tax in NL is based on weight) and fun.
Do it - you only live once and you won't regret it
The Pits said:
For living in France I'd say it would be worth having aircon and also the 'R' engine. I'm very envious of your smooth, wide, snaking country roads. The Elise will not disappoint you once off the autoroute plus it's not too bad between the tolls either, provided you stick with the standard or stage 1 exhaust. Stage 2 or worse (I have worse, it's called a Quicksilver titanium system and it's strictly earplugs for motorway work) will be at times inspirational and at other times annoying.
Enjoy the Elise. You're not mad at all.
Interesting point on the exhaust as most sources I've read talk up the replacement systems for the extra performance and nicer sound-few talk about 'living with the car'. Other viewpoints appreciatedEnjoy the Elise. You're not mad at all.
As for motorway driving, I avoid it at all costs, even now. OK if youre on holiday but works out expensive. In addition, dont see the point in buying a Lotus to drive on motorways, but thats my own feeling.
This having been said, Ive loved all the comments and videos I've seen on various forums showing how to use the paybooths in a Lotus, going from the extremely practical to the downright hilarious. Love the idea of just slipping under the barrier or reversing through for instance, even if you couldnt do it in reality. Some people have just got such great sense of 'fun' in this respect. Its a British thing because the French wouldnt find it quite so funny.
As for the R v S, difficult to judge. Running costs are obviously higher for the R and I'm not sure that I'm really going to benefit from the extra performance in a 'real life' situation. Over here insurance is +25% for an R and I can oly imagine that all 'consumables' wear out a little faster with the extra performance Despite aspiring to a Lotus, my budget is not open ended. As suggested, its probably my mid life crisis dictating my desires. I think its more 'laddish hormones resurfacing' but perhaps thats what a mid life crisis is So then it comes down to the pshycological side of the argument where one buys for the 'badge' rather than the use.
Strangely enough I've noticed that there are more R's up for sale at the moment and the prices are more than reasonable so is it false economy to go for an S.
Thanks to everyone for the replies and interest. I'll keep you posted and when my dream comes to fruition, I'll put the pics on.
On a separate note, has anyone seen the 'thread' from the guy whos rebuilding his exige in New Zealand. Personally I find it hugely interesting from a technical point of view, but at the same time, as a non technical person it almost puts me off, thinking what could be wrong with my future purchase. So much attention to detail. Congrats for the work done nevertheless
there are plenty of R vs S discussions on here. Both groups of owners seem happy with what they've got. I haven't driven an 'S' but I think it broadly boils down to whether or not you like to rev your car or not. Many people prefer 'bottom end grunt' and 'midrange' power versus screaming power at the top end of the rev range. Personally I love the R's top end rush but then again I ride motorcycles so have no problem with high revs and I prefer engines that work hard versus the 'lazy' variety. I also think a high revving engine suits the elise and works well in a light car. Heavy cars need torquey engines, less so light ones. However from my point of view the R engine feels sufficiently torquey and tractable below the cam change point.
The S however certainly attracted widespread praise from the motoring press. I would expect it to be a very complete car with 'adequate' power. In many ways true to the concept of the original, 118bhp S1. The stand out features would be the steering, grip and handling and in comparison, the engine would be unremarkable. With the R the engine becomes another stand out feature. The cam switch makes it great fun and exciting, even in a straight line. Besides you really have the roads and lack of police to be able to use the extra power.
The S however certainly attracted widespread praise from the motoring press. I would expect it to be a very complete car with 'adequate' power. In many ways true to the concept of the original, 118bhp S1. The stand out features would be the steering, grip and handling and in comparison, the engine would be unremarkable. With the R the engine becomes another stand out feature. The cam switch makes it great fun and exciting, even in a straight line. Besides you really have the roads and lack of police to be able to use the extra power.
It's a matter of personal preference really between the R and the 111S. I bought my Elise as a daily driver and ran it as such for three years (it's now a second car), and I found the R slightly more refined than 111S, although it felt slightly heavier, but obviously they're still both light cars so no problems there. Ultimately the choice for me came down to the brakes (111R is servo and ABS, 111S has neither); as much as I wanted ABS I couldn't get used to the 111R's brake pedal (lack of initial bite, and it sunk too low to heel and toe), which is why I went for the 111S. I've now driven every major incarnation of the Elise and don't regret my decision at all, but it does remain personal.
The Bandit said:
Rob i think the OP was talking about a Yota engined S but as with everything in life he should try em all,111S,S and R and make up his own mind
Thanks for the clarification of the issue. Very few people seem to be sticking up for the Rover versions in all walks of life, not just on the forums so despite my patriotic streak its much more likely to be 'Yota' and considering most of the replies, it seems an 'R' is the preferred option. Larini seems to be well considered. Please enlighten me as to what is an OP. Not certain wether its 'Old Plonker' or 'Open minded and Passionate'. I'll plump for the second one while awaiting your reply. Just to remind all of you that forums should be used to glean as much information and knowledge of a product as possible to enable the recipient of the information to make an informed judgement.Lovely to see so many people saying 'go for it'. It will happen. Its my destiny to be seen one day driving an Elise
Yet another question-will my 7 year old son love it because of what it is, or hate it beause its not so comfortable as a 'people carrier'. He gets a 700 mile round trip once a month.
Thanks again to all those taking the time and effort to reply
simpo555 said:
The Bandit said:
Rob i think the OP was talking about a Yota engined S but as with everything in life he should try em all,111S,S and R and make up his own mind
Thanks for the clarification of the issue. Very few people seem to be sticking up for the Rover versions in all walks of life, not just on the forums so despite my patriotic streak its much more likely to be 'Yota' and considering most of the replies, it seems an 'R' is the preferred option. Larini seems to be well considered. Please enlighten me as to what is an OP. Not certain wether its 'Old Plonker' or 'Open minded and Passionate'. I'll plump for the second one while awaiting your reply. Just to remind all of you that forums should be used to glean as much information and knowledge of a product as possible to enable the recipient of the information to make an informed judgement.Lovely to see so many people saying 'go for it'. It will happen. Its my destiny to be seen one day driving an Elise
Yet another question-will my 7 year old son love it because of what it is, or hate it beause its not so comfortable as a 'people carrier'. He gets a 700 mile round trip once a month.
Thanks again to all those taking the time and effort to reply
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