Is the post 02 S2 worth the extra
Discussion
Much more to it than just the length of the roof of course - some would only have an S2, others nothing but an S1. It's all down to which one you personally like / want the most
I wouldn't have thought that an older S2 that needs some tlc for £11k necessarily represents good value though
I wouldn't have thought that an older S2 that needs some tlc for £11k necessarily represents good value though
Flipatron said:
I'm looking for my first Elise and was wondering if the later, short roof car is worth the extra cash. I've been offered an 2002 111s with 69,000 for 11k, needs some paint to the front and sides (stonechipping), good value?
11k with paint I would say.If it's an S2 your after I would go for the latest built car your budget will stretch to. I've had a few and IMO the build quality is always improving.
HTH
Rpm
I bought a 2004 spec 111's with all the trimmings for 14k with 28k on the clock. It has a/c, full leather seats,carpets, full custom cover and needs nothing only 4 weeks ago. I would still have a look for a car that doesn't need painting etc as thats expensive. My car had the nose recently done and had only one or two minor stone chips.
for that mileage I'd have thought 10k is more reasonable, certainly you could try and knock him down a fair bit but I wouldn't be jumping at the opportunity myself.
The plus points of the older S2's is they are a little lighter as they don't have the additional sound proofing and leccy windows that were added a year or two later (along with a few other bits) which makes for a slightly more raw experience. Realistically though you're unlikely to notice much difference.
The downside of the older cars is they're more likely to have been neglected and financially it makes more sense to spend a little more one something that is well cared for as the repairs can quickly add up. Mine as an example: 2002 111s, five days after purchase I had the engine rebuilt (honestly no signs of HGF when inspected), I've also had the cambelt done and an ali radiator put in.
The rebuild should have been circa £500 but ended up costing me far more thanks to a VERY crooked dealer trying to sell me a new engine. By the time I'd taken it somewhere else various components were rusting and I ended up with new gasket, pistons, piston rings, prrt, etc. etc.
The plus points of the older S2's is they are a little lighter as they don't have the additional sound proofing and leccy windows that were added a year or two later (along with a few other bits) which makes for a slightly more raw experience. Realistically though you're unlikely to notice much difference.
The downside of the older cars is they're more likely to have been neglected and financially it makes more sense to spend a little more one something that is well cared for as the repairs can quickly add up. Mine as an example: 2002 111s, five days after purchase I had the engine rebuilt (honestly no signs of HGF when inspected), I've also had the cambelt done and an ali radiator put in.
The rebuild should have been circa £500 but ended up costing me far more thanks to a VERY crooked dealer trying to sell me a new engine. By the time I'd taken it somewhere else various components were rusting and I ended up with new gasket, pistons, piston rings, prrt, etc. etc.
Milks said:
The plus points of the older S2's is they are a little lighter as they don't have the additional sound proofing and leccy windows that were added a year or two later
leccy windows are actualy lighter. However in all honnesty a few extra KG here or there will make bugger all difference to most drivers .. .. I have a lardy elise (Elise S -Yota + Touring) and its fantastic. 
Id go with a short roof 111S personally. cracking car easy to drive very popular variant so good on the resale wheels are nicer 
and buy one thats had the expensive consumables done alerady ... Rad, shocks, steering etc etc.All in my opinion of course and based on very little
I had no personal knowledge of what to buy. I only knew that I couldn't afford the 'yota engined car and the road tax is a lot more. I did decide on an S2 as a newer car would hopefully have less things falling off it as these parts that are specific can be expensive to remedy.I had a choice and am happy with it so far.
Milks said:
The rebuild should have been circa £500 but ended up costing me far more thanks to a VERY crooked dealer trying to sell me a new engine. By the time I'd taken it somewhere else various components were rusting and I ended up with new gasket, pistons, piston rings, prrt, etc. etc.
£500 for a rebuilt is silly low. It can't have been much wrong.HGF is normally £500, and that's just replacing a gasket and skimming a head!
A proper rebuild would probably be around 1.5K with pistons/liners etc....
Flipatron,
My 2002 111s @ 73.5K is driving much much much better now than when I bought it a year ago. It is ALL to do with the condition, milage is irrelevant IMO - price it in, but don't forget to think about the mechanical condition (recent alt/rack/HGF/C-service/ body/interior cond. are all things to consider IMO).
Edited by stuthemong on Wednesday 1st October 18:07
Price seems a tad high. My 02 Sport tourer was £10500 back in April. It had 58k on the clock and was in great condition. It also had new pads, discs and tyres which could set you back £800 on simple consumables.
All advice on this thread seems very sound. Don't worry about mileage. In the best buyers market you are ever in your lifetime likely to see, £10k is the most you should offer before walking away.
I bet you won't have to wait 2 weeks for the dealer to call you, I'd say more like 48hrs!
Happy hunting.
All advice on this thread seems very sound. Don't worry about mileage. In the best buyers market you are ever in your lifetime likely to see, £10k is the most you should offer before walking away.
I bet you won't have to wait 2 weeks for the dealer to call you, I'd say more like 48hrs!
Happy hunting.
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