Which Elise would be best for me?
Discussion
I've just moved back to the UK after many years abroad. I share a M 135i with my wife but I'm looking for a second, special car for myself. I am looking to use the car most of the year (not every day but if I need to drive somewhere and my wife has taken the BMW then it has to stand in as transport). I plan to do quite a few car trips this year (potentially down to Wales with friends in May, Classic Le Mans in July and a tour of Scotland in the autumn). It should be good for Sunday morning blasts on the back roads around Cambridge but also not too harsh for touring. I might fit in a track day or two as well.
Preferably the car should be quick without being too fast, have fully analogue controls (manual, no power steering, etc) and be light.
I have been considering early 911s (I actually had a PPI done on one yesterday - results were not as expected, which has left me unsure how to go forward).
I have also been thinking of a Caterham. I would love a Caterham but worried that they are just a bit too extreme.
Ideally the car should hold its value (so not looking at something too new).
An Elise seems like a good compromise between the 911 and the Caterham. But which model? Seems to be such an array of different ones. I will be trying a few (hoping to look at a 111 and a 190 on Monday) but any guidance from old hands based on what I want to do with it would be helpful.
Preferably the car should be quick without being too fast, have fully analogue controls (manual, no power steering, etc) and be light.
I have been considering early 911s (I actually had a PPI done on one yesterday - results were not as expected, which has left me unsure how to go forward).
I have also been thinking of a Caterham. I would love a Caterham but worried that they are just a bit too extreme.
Ideally the car should hold its value (so not looking at something too new).
An Elise seems like a good compromise between the 911 and the Caterham. But which model? Seems to be such an array of different ones. I will be trying a few (hoping to look at a 111 and a 190 on Monday) but any guidance from old hands based on what I want to do with it would be helpful.
Don't you lose some of the linearity of throttle response with a supercharged car?
I appreciate Elise not great for touring but assume ok in comparison with an old 911 or Caterham.
I have a nice problem in that there are very many cars that I could buy. All have different advantages and disadvantages/compromises. Making the choice very difficult.
I appreciate Elise not great for touring but assume ok in comparison with an old 911 or Caterham.
I have a nice problem in that there are very many cars that I could buy. All have different advantages and disadvantages/compromises. Making the choice very difficult.
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.
.....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.
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