Which Elise to buy ?

[Dirty Sanchez]

Hola,

I'm new to these pages, having come over from the dark side ( I just sold my TVR Griff) and could do with some advice from you knowledgable chaps.


I'm looking to get an Elise for around the £20k mark but don't know what to go for. Unfortunately I can't stretch to a 111R but was thinking either 111S or 135R. I fancy doing a few trackdays with it, apart from that Its weekends and the odd outing, but no more than 3-4k miles pa.

I like the styling of the 135R but my local dealer says it would be uncomfortable off the track and has more grip than power , and that I should go for a 111S.

Has anybody any suggestions? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Also, is there a regular meet near to me ? I live near Watford, Herts or do you guys have a meet at the Ace Cafe Still ?

Regards,



Matt Dutton

ps - I dont have internet access during the week so please don't be offended if I don't reply too quickly.

[bogie]

S2111S then it is ...unless you are a real track day addict then Id stick with the 111S - you can always upgrade to the sports suspension/wheels (same as 135r) at a later date if you wish.

[maca]

while we're at it...what are the significant (non-cosmetic) differences between S1 111s ad S2 111s? or can anyone point me to a knowledgeable thread or site?
thanks

[bogie]

lots of differences - gearbox, interior, ECU mapping (143 vs 156bhp) etc see www.elises.co.uk for a full model line up

[D4V KC]

maca said:

while we're at it...what are the significant (non-cosmetic) differences between S1 111s ad S2 111s? or can anyone point me to a knowledgeable thread or site? thanks

I've had one of each, the Series 2 111s has carpet, 4 speakers, better looking rims (IMHO), electric windows, Central locking and about another 12 bhp over the series 1 111s to try and cancel out the extra weight of all the extras! The Series 2 car, also has slightly narrower and lower sills making access to the car easier over the Series 1.

The Series 2 is not as 'hard core' to drive as the series 1. But i have to say, you can make either car dance for you, once you're used to it. They are just slightly different to drive and again INHO the S2 is by no means a 'soft' option.

I got the S2 111s, as it's my only car and the S1 111s was starting to ware me down after 2.5 years. The S2 is easier to live with i reckon.

I had thought about getting a Series 2 135R, but again, as it's my only car the ride was a little too hard core for me on a daily basis. Also the 111s on the public road was a quicker car 90% of the time.

If i wanted a part time weekend plaything for doing lots of trackdys, i may have got the 135R (Suspension and rubber more suited to tracks i think).

Happy motoring!

[rich111sm3]

Hi

It has to be a 111s, but I'd recommend a pre 2003 S2 as these have manual windows and no central locking... IMHO I think that the elise should not have 'extras' like these as it goes against the performance through lightweight ethos. I also think the chrome window winders look the business! I'd also avoid air-con, as my first 111s had it and it never worked properly, despite being 'repaired' on several occasions!

The 135 has the yoko semi-slick rubber so would be less forgiving in the wet but great in the dry. You could always get some for the 111s if you wanted - one of my mates did and he's made up with it!

There are a few 111s on the market at the mo - stick to a dealer for piece of mind & warranty - the Louts home page has a 'used car locator' that I found mine with. It would be worth travelling to get the right car - I live in Nottingham and bought in Bristol, but the Lotus warranty is valid at any UK dealer

Good luck mate - let us know what you decide to do

Cheers
Rich

[Lotusnick S2]

I have a Non electric everytthing S2 111s.
I love it.

My AC is working perfectly but was replaced under warranty.

You could always buy 2nd hand from private and get it checked at a specialist.
This way you will save at least a couple of thou.

Good luck
Nikos