S2 Elise - but which one?

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I realise that this is going to be a almost impossible question to answer, but as I'm considering returning to the Elsie fold this summer, I'd welcome some advice on which model might best suit...

A bit of history first. I owned an Elise S (134bhp) from new in 2007 for three years. I loved the car but hated the engine. It wasn't just the lack of power - though that was frustrating – but more the 'industrial' nature of the lump that never felt like the sort of engine a car like this should have.

So as I'm thinking about another Elise as a weekend car this summer, I don't want to make the same 'mistake' again.

My budget is up to around £15k (but could be pushed to 16). This does open up the option of a 111R, which I think is my preferred option. But am I missing out by ignoring the K-series cars?

I think that the standard 118bhp model wouldn't have enough go for me, but I'm wondering what the 135 is like, as well as the 111S (156bhp) and even the 160.

Any thoughts gratefully received!

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otolith said:

I'll just paraphrase the rest of the thread before it happens, and say you should buy the one I bought

I was aware that this might be a 'difficult' thread

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kambites said:

You really need to drive both the 111S and 111R. Anyone who says either is "better" than the other is simply wrong, the differences are pretty much all matters of personal preference...

Power delivery - the 111S is very linear, the 111R has that obvious "kick" as the high-lift cams engage.
Brakes - the 111S is non-servo, non-ABS; the 111R has both (this was probably the biggest reason I got a 111S not a 111R).
Weight - the 111S is about 60-80kg lighter.
Performance - there's not much in it at lower speeds where the 111R's weight almost counters its extra power, but it feels significantly punchier at 100+.

Generally speaking, the later the car is the better the build quality, regardless of what engine is fitted.

Cheers - I've done a lot of research on the 111S v 111R debate, but as prices for both seem similar, I'd probably go 'R' if I was spending that much.

Would you not bother with the 135?

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kambites said:

Assuming you mean the K-series "Sport 135" I don't know because I've never driven one. I'd forgotten the S2 version even existed.

Yes indeed, the Sport 135. I seem to remember some received wisdom that this was the 'sweet spot' for fast road use.

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kambites said:

Can you actually get a Sport 135R in budget? The only real one in the PH classifieds is £24k!

I was looking at this one - it's a 135 upgrade, so possibly not a Sport 135r

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

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walm said:

111R is the answer.
It's an NA Exige for 111S money!
Without a roof!

I had a 111S and a supercharged Exige and I very much want to get back to Elise ownership again one day.
It will be the 111R.

Toyota reliability.
Better gearbox (IMHO).
No HGF panic.
Newer.

Cheers. I think I probably know this, and I've driven an 'R' at Hethel and loved it. I was just checking to see if there was a model that I was cruelly overlooking.

There's a 111R for sale in Glamorgan that's a little leggier than most (70k) but quite a bit cheaper at £14k from a dealer. Only issue is it's in silver - though a set of 'Martini' stripes would liven its look up!

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kambites said:

I think the "Factory 135 upgrade" is usually just the engine mods on a standard car. I can see little reason to pay 111S money for one.

Thanks - I see your point.

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kambites said:

70k miles is fine as long as it's had a suspension rebuild recently. If it hasn't budget for one (at least this way you get to choose your own components).

The steering rack might be reaching the end of its life, too, they seem to start failing between about 80k and 100k miles.

Duly noted - cheers. It's currently a toss-up between getting back in an Elise or scratching a long-standing 911 itch with an early 996 C2/4 manual.