Which Elise would be best for me?

[Schnellmann]

I am going to view a Sport 190 on Wednesday. May see if I can fit in some other variants this week too to make a comparison.

[kambites]

Schnellmann said:

Don't you lose some of the linearity of throttle response with a supercharged car?

Not really - it's a supercharger not a turbocharger.

[kambites]

Schnellmann said:

I am going to view a Sport 190 on Wednesday. May see if I can fit in some other variants this week too to make a comparison.

Do you really mean a sport 190? The VHPD K-series in that state of tune is a very different kettle of fish to the lesser K-series power plants or the Toyota engines.

[Leggy]

kambites said:

Schnellmann said:

Don't you lose some of the linearity of throttle response with a supercharged car?

Not really - it's a supercharger not a turbocharger.

Believe me throttle response is brilliant in an SC. Very drivable it can be driven sedately or full beans when the coast is clear.
I had a K series S1 and it was nippy but run out of top end on motorways. Not a problem now.

[Schnellmann]

kambites said:

Do you really mean a sport 190? The VHPD K-series in that state of tune is a very different kettle of fish to the lesser K-series power plants or the Toyota engines.

Yes it is a sport 190.

[gjf764]

Get an S2 S/C by an absolute mile, fantastic car and will fit what you're looking for

[Thorburn]

kambites said:

From what I've seen, they've all had very similar residuals - moderate depreciation for the first three years or so, then a stabilisation at roughly half their new value. I wouldn't touch an Elise much less than three years old, personally. My car lost £10k in the first three years and about 2k in the next seven.

2010 Elise 1.6's still go for over £20k and would have been ~£30k new. Cup 260's and RGB edition cars are in the £35-40k region...

In the last couple years prices have if anything risen slightly - the lack or any new Elise or Exiges other than the 1.6 from 2011 through to mid/late 2012 certainly helped.

[Schnellmann]

I've seen Elises for sale with an aftermarket Katana supercharger. Any good or should I only consider the factory SC cars?

[kambites]

Schnellmann said:

kambites said:

Do you really mean a sport 190? The VHPD K-series in that state of tune is a very different kettle of fish to the lesser K-series power plants or the Toyota engines.

Yes it is a sport 190.

Fair enough. That engine is lovely when you're in the mood, but frankly a bit of an arse when you're not; they stripped out a fair bit of what sound deadening there was, too, so whilst it's light it's certainly not quiet. I wouldn't want to do many long trips in one.

It's also an exceptionally rare car, and often reckoned to be the pinnacle of the "enthusiast's Elise" so residuals should be strong.

Edited by kambites on Monday 14th April 08:10

[walm]

Schnellmann said:

I've seen Elises for sale with an aftermarket Katana supercharger. Any good or should I only consider the factory SC cars?

IMHO they are often very good value as they tend to be cheaper than the factory SC while offering almost the exact same performance (or better).

The only issue is that, obviously, you will probably get less for your money when you come to sell.

So if you find a Katana-ed car for the same price as a factory SC equipped I would rather go factory but just for the resale reason - not for any performance anxiety(!).

[Captain Muppet]

Just to flip this problem on it's head: there isn't a bad choice of Elise.

I've got an S1 160, but I'd still be very happy with any of the other options. Fortunately my budget made choosing a bit easier.

[The Bandit]

bencollins said:

otolith said:

For that budget, I'd go for a supercharged Elise.

+1

+2

[CTE]

I had a 111R touring which I later ocnverted via Sinclairs to S/C spec. It was a great car, and we toured for two weeks in it. Only downside was on long distance motorways where it became tiring when making progress, but all other roads...brilliant.

Someone mantioned a Cayman...yes great car, but you are very insulated and it will be comparitively dull.

[assadahmed]

How about a Elise CR. I too have been looking at a Caterham but I intend to drive all seasons so fear a Caterham in the wet will be a bit too extreme?

Would people say the CR would be a good option? You can pick one up circa 21k-23k.

[otolith]

The 1.6 CR is a bit slow, and the supercharged one is a lot more money.

[simonrockman]

Don't forget the VX220 and Europa

[Mister K]

The Bandit said:

+2

+3
Elise SC or Exige SC

[Schnellmann]

Thanks for the advice....

.....but I ended up buying another Porsche!!!

I was very tempted by a very nice 111S that was for sale at my local Aston Martin dealer. However, in the end I decided to go for an early 911. A little bit heavier than the Elise (still under 1000 kg) but also similar in that no power steering, ABS, no servo on the brakes, no electronic assistance - doesn't even have a radio! With over 200 bhp it should be fun without being too fast.

Not given up on having an Elise. Just deferred the purchase for a while.

[simpo555]

Schnellmann said:

Thanks for the advice....

.....but I ended up buying another Porsche!!!

Should have bought a Lotus

[tail slide]

If you'd like to swap to a supercharged S2 on your trip to Wales, we've just added one to our sports car hire fleet in Shrewsbury, near mid-Wales

Website on my profile.