£10k elise, problems?

[HotJambalaya]

I've basically wanted an elise since they came out. I was put off it for a while when my friend wrapped his around a tree, but it may be time to scratch the itch.

It seems that £10k gets me the bottom of the barrel S2 examples, mostly with high mileage, so I'm wondering how these engines handle high mileages, and what to look out for, and just general reliability. I've seen mentions of mayonnaise on the inside of the oil cap, and details about cam belt changes, but beyond that not a huge amount else.

I'm considering selling my C63, and if I do that first I'll probably up the budget a little bit. Are the VVT engines worth pushing for?

This is probably just going to be a weekend toy, if I can swing it, so also wondering how they handle sitting idle for periods of time between usages.

[HotJambalaya]

Thanks, very handy stuff. I've driven the first of the first S1's, I guess I'll have to play with a couple of S2's. I always loved the looks of the S1 but the S2 just seems soooo much nicer. Being based the majority of the time in central london I'm not quite sure what the heck I'm going to do with it (especially since I also have a dog!).

Good you mentioned the hard top, I'd almost forgotten to stick that on the list, I do remember trying to put the roof on the S1, and giving up after 15 mins in a slight drizzle!

[HotJambalaya]

very interesting stuff, and very happy to hear that there's a general lack of issues!

I think I'd go S2, if this happens. Just been given the inside line on a 55 plate Boxter S, but very aware that it could be a money pit, so will see what sort of deal I can get!

Very torn right now, thinking of heading to a dealer and giving one a blast...