S2 Elise questions - ownership

[angrys3owner]

Hi all,

been looking around PH for a while, I am trying to decide which new car to get in the next few months. I have had loads of ideas but like the Elise a lot, I would be after an early S2.

It will be my only car but doesn't need to be too practical, enough room for luggage for a week away for two?

Does anyone do any ABS conversion kit (or can you just swap over the bits from a vx220) as all the cars I've owned have had ABS and saved very expensive / painful repair a few times?

Lastly how many people on here use them every day and what is ownership like? all experiences would good to hear about.

cheers,

Ben.

[D4V KC]

angrys3owner said:

Hi all, been looking around PH for a while, I am trying to decide which new car to get in the next few months. I have had loads of ideas but like the Elise a lot, I would be after an early S2.

Good idea!

angrys3owner said:

It will be my only car but doesn't need to be too practical, enough room for luggage for a week away for two?

It's a squeeze and they'll be no suitcases involved, small squishy bags only!

angrys3owner said:

Does anyone do any ABS conversion kit (or can you just swap over the bits from a vx220) as all the cars I've owned have had ABS and saved very expensive / painful repair a few times?

You'll have to take off the lead boots and drive more sensibly. As this 'conversion' would cost a packet and it's not very common. The new 111R's come with ABS but i'd say converting a standard S2 would be costly. The 111R has different hubs, disks, calipers and wheels as i understand it.

angrys3owner said:

Lastly how many people on here use them every day and what is ownership like? all experiences would good to hear about.

I've used my Elise's as my only everyday car, I ran an S1 111s for 3 years and then went for the S2 111s. Running costs comparable with a family hatchback. Can even get 32/34 mpg. I'd recomend a 111s for a little more poke if your budget will stretch to it.
But be warned, once you've had one all other sports cars will seem lacking on a twisty road IMHO

[morpheus-95]

D4V KC said:

But be warned, once you've had one all other sports cars will seem lacking on a twisty road IMHO"

that's why my ST170 is going, so it can make way for my S2 111S.

after David (D4V KC) giving me a quick ride in his my mind was made up and now i have one, i just have to wait till the end of the month to pick it up.

Tony


>> Edited by morpheus-95 on Tuesday 10th May 21:16

>> Edited by morpheus-95 on Tuesday 10th May 21:16

[angrys3owner]

thanks for the advise chaps, seems like a great little car, and I know I really want a 111R just being realistic can't afford one yet, so I guess if I want an elise it's going to have to be some more advanced car control tuition so I don't need abs to stear around idiots that don't see me coming!

any ownership issues with S2s? how much and how often are services due, and anything to look out for on a second hand one?

[jig]

You don't really need ABS, just get yourself along to an Andy Walsh training day and ask him to teach you to brake. It's amazing how much more bite you can get when you do it right... I hardly ever lock up now, but the girlfriend is not too keen when I practice my braking technique at speed!!!

[D4V KC]

angrys3owner said:

thanks for the advise chaps, seems like a great little car, and I know I really want a 111R just being realistic can't afford one yet, so I guess if I want an elise it's going to have to be some more advanced car control tuition so I don't need abs to stear around idiots that don't see me coming! any ownership issues with S2s? how much and how often are services due, and anything to look out for on a second hand one?

Hi angrys3owner
I see from your profile you live in Crowthorne. The bloke who bought my S1 111s lives there too and I live in Bracknell. The next time i organise a PH run, you should come along and we can discuss at length what you should be looking for.

But really it's like buying any car. Try and get full main agent/specialist history. Examine the bills and reciepts to see exactly what has been done. Get an HPI check as well. The S2 has been around for almost 5 years now. So there's a big choice available 2nd hand. Depending on when you want to buy. Could get yourself along to Castle Combe on the 28th May. There's a Lotus only track day on, with lots of guys who are into the Marque so you could check that out. They'll be loads of Elise's to compare colours, spec, models etc. And we're a freindly bunch.

You can e-mail me through my profile too if you like. I met up with Morpheous (mentioned earlier in the thread) and he went out and got himself a car a couple of weeks later!
Best of luck. D4V KC

[angrys3owner]

Hi D4V KC,

Yep that would be great, I'm in no real hurry to buy one, just trying to decide what I want, could be anything from an M5 to an Atom at this rate, but to meet up with owners etc would be great.

Yep it would appear driver training is the way to go.

cheers for the replies guys.