The usual question....what to look out for when buying...
Discussion
So, I have gone through loads of posts on PH, SELOC, and various other forums to try and learn as much info as possible but had a few follow up q's:
Scenario: Looking to spend up to £10k (absolute max but would prefer less obviously!) on a Lotus Elise
Use: Track days primarily
Hopes and dreams: love track days so much, in 2011 enter into the Lotus race series...
So with this type of budget, I was looking at either a late S1 or early S2. Now, the plan is that if I like it, then I would be prepared to spend a little more money upgrading, etc.
1. Is one better than the other to upgrade in terms of performance if I want to?
2. Should I really push the boat out in terms of initial spend or will I be more than satisfied with a boggo standard S1 (difficult q that I can only really answer but helpful opinions gratefully received!)
3. Should I aim for one that has already been upgraded but older or newer and less upgraded?
4. When speaking to sellers, what are the questions I should be asking / thinking about? ie. service C seems to be very expensive - c£1k - is that right?
4. I am not mechanically minded - should I stick to dealers then or how to I mitigate the risks buying from a private seller. (ask Mr_Noble for proof - who is a PH member and who owns an Elise and the guy I bought my current car from - he opened the bonnet to show me the engine...I looked at it and agreed that is was indeed an engine!! I had no idea what to look for - LOL. Thankfully the car has been a gem)
So I was looking at for example:
eg.
http://web4.pistonheads.com/sales/2391491.htm
or
http://web4.pistonheads.com/sales/2368208.htm
Thoughts, links etc. all gratefully received. (I read the buyers guide at the top which is very handy indeed)
Scenario: Looking to spend up to £10k (absolute max but would prefer less obviously!) on a Lotus Elise
Use: Track days primarily
Hopes and dreams: love track days so much, in 2011 enter into the Lotus race series...
So with this type of budget, I was looking at either a late S1 or early S2. Now, the plan is that if I like it, then I would be prepared to spend a little more money upgrading, etc.
1. Is one better than the other to upgrade in terms of performance if I want to?
2. Should I really push the boat out in terms of initial spend or will I be more than satisfied with a boggo standard S1 (difficult q that I can only really answer but helpful opinions gratefully received!)
3. Should I aim for one that has already been upgraded but older or newer and less upgraded?
4. When speaking to sellers, what are the questions I should be asking / thinking about? ie. service C seems to be very expensive - c£1k - is that right?
4. I am not mechanically minded - should I stick to dealers then or how to I mitigate the risks buying from a private seller. (ask Mr_Noble for proof - who is a PH member and who owns an Elise and the guy I bought my current car from - he opened the bonnet to show me the engine...I looked at it and agreed that is was indeed an engine!! I had no idea what to look for - LOL. Thankfully the car has been a gem)
So I was looking at for example:
eg.
http://web4.pistonheads.com/sales/2391491.htm
or
http://web4.pistonheads.com/sales/2368208.htm
Thoughts, links etc. all gratefully received. (I read the buyers guide at the top which is very handy indeed)
Buy this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2444768.htm
All the work done for you.
For your use I'd stick to an S1.
Things you'll need to do.
Uprate brake discs and pads.
Refresh suspension - bushes/balljoints/TREs/steering rack/uprate toelinks.
Fit Decent dampers and uprated springs (Nitron/Quantum single way adjustables).
Fit grippier drivers seat.
Fit harness bar and harnesses.
Possibly fit close ratio box.
After doing that then think about some more power.
Not cheap to do (especially if you pay labour).
That gives you a decent track car and something you could do Sprints and Hillclimbs with. Racing will require more prep and expense!
All the work done for you.
For your use I'd stick to an S1.
Things you'll need to do.
Uprate brake discs and pads.
Refresh suspension - bushes/balljoints/TREs/steering rack/uprate toelinks.
Fit Decent dampers and uprated springs (Nitron/Quantum single way adjustables).
Fit grippier drivers seat.
Fit harness bar and harnesses.
Possibly fit close ratio box.
After doing that then think about some more power.
Not cheap to do (especially if you pay labour).
That gives you a decent track car and something you could do Sprints and Hillclimbs with. Racing will require more prep and expense!
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