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Platinum
2,090 posts
92 months
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Los Endos said: although the pedal arrangement gave me a bit if a scare when I went to brake, as did the lack of power from the stop pedal. The pedals are very close together - so much so I haven't tried driving in trainers - but you get used to it. Yes, the brakes are weird after coming from a servoed setup and it probably didn't help if they were cold. I can remember my first drive in an Elise and the feeling through the brake pedal was like metal on metal with no friction! Again now I'm used to them, they are so nice and progressive to use that I actually enjoy braking - i.e. it's not a chore to complete after accelerating and before going round a corner (If that makes sense!)
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kambites
32,864 posts
90 months
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The difference in handling was down to individual cars - tiny differences in suspension geometry can make a massive difference to how the Elise feels. The 111S should feel slightly more nimble (it's quite a lot lighter) but there isn't much in it really. Absolute stopping power should be similar; it's just a question of personal preference as to whether you want a servo or not. The unassisted brakes were one of the biggest draws to the K-series powered cars for me. I also, after driving several of both, decided that the K-series handled better, but there's not really much between them. By far the biggest difference should be the engines, which again is just personal preference. I didn't get on with the delivery of the Toyota power plant but I can see why it would appeal to someone else.  How much it rattles tends to just come down to the age of the car and luck. They did get gradually better screwed together (and heavier) as the years went by, but I've never noticed a difference between cars of the same age with the different engines.
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Los Endos
Original Poster
91 posts
8 months
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Platinum said: Los Endos said: although the pedal arrangement gave me a bit if a scare when I went to brake, as did the lack of power from the stop pedal. The pedals are very close together - so much so I haven't tried driving in trainers - but you get used to it. Yes, the brakes are weird after coming from a servoed setup and it probably didn't help if they were cold. I can remember my first drive in an Elise and the feeling through the brake pedal was like metal on metal with no friction! Again now I'm used to them, they are so nice and progressive to use that I actually enjoy braking - i.e. it's not a chore to complete after accelerating and before going round a corner (If that makes sense!) It does make sense... As I drove a little more, the pedal positioning made a lot more sense too, remember I'm used to driving a 5 Series Auto, therefore some adjustment is needed, also I was wearing running shoes, not great :-(
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Los Endos
Original Poster
91 posts
8 months
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kambites said: The difference in handling was down to individual cars - tiny differences in suspension geometry can make a massive difference to how the Elise feels. The 111S should feel slightly more nimble (it's quite a lot lighter) but there isn't much in it really. Absolute stopping power should be similar; it's just a question of personal preference as to whether you want a servo or not. The unassisted brakes were one of the biggest draws to the K-series powered cars for me. I also, after driving several of both, decided that the K-series handled better, but there's not really much between them. By far the biggest difference should be the engines, which again is just personal preference. I didn't get on with the delivery of the Toyota power plant but I can see why it would appeal to someone else. How much it rattles tends to just come down to the age of the car and luck. They did get gradually better screwed together (and heavier) as the years went by, but I've never noticed a difference between cars of the same age with the different engines. As I said think the difference I could feel and detect was more about Elise A versus Elise B, I have to say both felt great, just the 111r just appeared to be a lot taughter through my amatuer hands ;-) A few more test drives before I press I button. BTW Really appreciate this feedback and info from the people who know ! :-)
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kambites
32,864 posts
90 months
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I don't know what mileages these cars were on, but Elises seem to often need suspension refreshes at somewhere around the 50k mark.
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Los Endos
Original Poster
91 posts
8 months
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kambites said: I don't know what mileages these cars were on, but Elises seem to often need suspension refreshes at somewhere around the 50k mark. Funny you should mention that.... The 111r need a new shock at the back ( and therefore a pair ), have to say I didnt notice I was told by CN but I only felt it after I had it pointed out to me ! All part if my learning..... 
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un1eash
34 posts
9 months
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Going to see another 111S this weekend, looks like this could be the one if everything is as described.
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FlashBastd
251 posts
59 months
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I bought a Stage 2 VXT back in August, awesome car in terms of power, but takes some enthusiasm to use for mundane stuff on a regular basis.
The power delivery of the VXT is very different to the Elise's, might be worth trying one before you commit; I do concede that the Elise is a much prettier car however.
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kazste
1,742 posts
67 months
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Well as an Elise owner I prefer the looks of the vx strange hey! You wanna swop body panels 
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TIPPER
2,955 posts
88 months
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Los Endos said: Funny you should mention that.... The 111r need a new shock at the back ( and therefore a pair ), have to say I didnt notice I was told by CN but I only felt it after I had it pointed out to me ! All part if my learning..... A suspension refresh on an Elise if a bit more than new shocks: just search 'suspension refurb/refresh' on Seloc and you'll get the jist. Night and day difference though (I did mine at about £60k miles). Best of luck in your search - btw, try a Series 1 
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kambites
32,864 posts
90 months
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kazste said: Well as an Elise owner I prefer the looks of the vx strange hey! You wanna swop body panels Me too, actually. Can't stand the engine or the brakes in the VXT, though.
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GregMcN
7 posts
57 months
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Hi
Just thought would add my views to the debate though as a 111r owner it is clear where my preferences lie. If I am honest i did not drive a lot of cars before buying but key points for me were as follows:
- much preferred the brakes on the 111r and I think abs is important on a daily driver
- the gear change on my 111r was actually better than other I tried though that had quickshift fitted
- I love high revving peaky engines though previously I had a bike engined kit car so it is all relative
- mine has an induction kit fitted and I think sounds great when on cam but does not have a problem of a boomy exhaust when cruising
- mine also has the cam change over point lowered but not having driven a standard one not sure on how much benefit this brings but certainly I do not find the high revving nature a problem.
- for a daily driver I think air con is essential, I know the purists may disagree but they do get very warm with the roof on
having said all that they are all great cars and I am sure you will enjoy whichever model you buy.
Greg
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un1eash
34 posts
9 months
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A deals been done, will be taking delivery of a 2005 111S next saturday. 
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oodam
40 posts
120 months
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Wooooo hoooooo! Congrats.
You won't regret it. The only thing you'll have trouble with is letting go of it.
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Los Endos
Original Poster
91 posts
8 months
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un1eash said: A deals been done, will be taking delivery of a 2005 111S next saturday. Nice one :-) My search got a lot quieter as I just the got the bill for my next ski holiday :-( Seeing Racer on Wednesday, so let's see what happens ? Big money, but gorgeous !
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MagicalTrevor
4,810 posts
98 months
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un1eash said: A deals been done, will be taking delivery of a 2005 111S next saturday. Which one? Link to the advert?
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un1eash
34 posts
9 months
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It's this one.... http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...Isn't the cheapest 111S out there but the bodywork and interior is like new, there's hardly a mark on it. Only faults I could find were a small chip on one alloy and a little scratch under the front bumper which isn't visible.
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Los Endos
Original Poster
91 posts
8 months
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Phew that's big money for a 111s but it looks immaculate !
Assume you get a warranty with that too ? :-)
Let us all know when your 'up and running'
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un1eash
34 posts
9 months
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Yup warranty, hardtop and road tax included. It's getting a once over next week and a fresh mot and i should be getting the train next saturday to collect. I actually prefer the alcantara interior and it really is like new. Most the miles were done in the last year and its been serviced at well known lotus dealers.
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MagicalTrevor
4,810 posts
98 months
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un1eash said: It's this one.... http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...Isn't the cheapest 111S out there but the bodywork and interior is like new, there's hardly a mark on it. Only faults I could find were a small chip on one alloy and a little scratch under the front bumper which isn't visible. I thought you'd say that one it looks great and I agree with your comments about alcantara, it would have been my choice. Check that the aircon works properly, mine has gone and it's an expensive job. Also noticed that it doesn't include the hardtop at that price. This car will have come from the factory with the hardtop and they go for around £500 secondhand
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