how rare is this

[dcw@pr]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=42058&s=12

looks like a lovely car to me, but I'm not in a position to buy at the moment :(, hopefully in about 10 months time... I really like the colour - I don't want a black one since my daily car is black and it's always dirty, silver is a bit boring for a car like this IMHO, what other decent interesting colours are there? The price seems good to me as well, is it pretty cheap for a 111S?

I've never actually driven an S1, only an S2 exige. I fit really well into the S2 (6'4" tall with big feet) will I also fit OK into an S1?

[scuffham]

on the face of it, that's a good price for a nice looking car.

fit wise, S1 and S2 are almost identical, if you fit the S2, the S1 will be no problem.

[niki265]

Always fancied an orange Elise with black alloys as I think they look the crazy frog's dangly bits.... However, lost my bottle and opted for a blue one in the end.

[Podie]

PH ad - £11,500

Owners site (linked from ad) - £11,000

[dcw@pr]

Podie said:

PH ad - £11,500 Owners site (linked from ad) - £11,000

yeah i saw that.

but it's all theoretical for me unfortunately...

[Podie]

I was once told there were only 20-odd S1's in that colour... not sure if it's true though... but I was told by the owner of one such colout car..

[S Works]

Not rare at all really, just a 111S in a colour that's not all that common. Personally I like it but the interior's not to my taste.

It won't be around for long...

[maca]

looks nice, but what mileage is considered a bit long in the tooth for these engines and mechanicals?

[Callet]

I'm 6'2" and fit in my S1 with room to spare.
Getting in and out's another matter. Just check no one's looking in case you end up on the floor. . .

[steff]

maca said:

looks nice, but what mileage is considered a bit long in the tooth for these engines and mechanicals?

at least 120,000 miles as its a standard rover engine and gearbox.

[dss123]

I agree Niki,

C Orange and black wheels, great colour combo!

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=363620504&photoID=363620758&security=WZdrBu

Dave, 6'4" is no probs but big feet can be!

I find heel and toe down shifts a bit tricky, need to make sure I've got the right sort of shoes on!

Dunc

[dcw@pr]

I'm sure this has been covered 1000 times before so feel free to shout at me to use the search funtion...

if i drove a car like this for 4000 miles a year, what would I be looking at for running costs? I would guess that I could get a set of tyres to last for two years, so would £1000 a year for servicing + parts + half a set of tyres be too optimistic? would it be more like £1500? or maybe more?

[dcw@pr]

dss123 said:

I agree Niki, C Orange and black wheels, great colour combo! http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=363620504&photoID=363620758&security=WZdrBu Dave, 6'4" is no probs but big feet can be! I find heel and toe down shifts a bit tricky, need to make sure I've got the right sort of shoes on! Dunc

that link doesn't work for me, says that I'm not the owner. Sounds like a good colour combination though, I would love to see a pic.

big feet are always a problem, but I was OK in the exige. I will invest in some thin shoes as well!

[dss123]

Sorry mate, I'm crap at uploading pictures.

Much easier on MLOC!

Check my profile for a few piccys, while I try and sort the upload out!


Dunc

[dcw@pr]

dss123 said:

Sorry mate, I'm crap at uploading pictures. Much easier on MLOC! Check my profile for a few piccys, while I try and sort the upload out! Dunc

sorry I was too lazy to look at your profile!

that is one seriosuly sexy car!

how many of them are around? yours is a 111S isn't it?

[S Works]

dcw@pr said:

I'm sure this has been covered 1000 times before so feel free to shout at me to use the search funtion... if i drove a car like this for 4000 miles a year, what would I be looking at for running costs? I would guess that I could get a set of tyres to last for two years, so would £1000 a year for servicing + parts + half a set of tyres be too optimistic? would it be more like £1500? or maybe more?

How long is a piece of string?

Depends on many variables, generally the condition of the bits which will cost you bigger bucks to replace when the time comes and what service you're likely to encounter each year.

Condition of:
- Exhaust system
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Clutch
- VVC
- Belts (when last changed?)
- Major parts of suspension and wheel/susp interface (track rod ends, UV joints, bearings etc.)
...will all dictate how much it'll cost you for those consumables.

Service costs for A/B/C services are approx (at a specialist):
A = £150
B = £300
C = £500
Some higher, some lower but that's a rough guesstimate.

As for unknowns, it's crystal ball time isn't it? Also depends on what you're prepared to do yourself which can save you money.

Over approx 15 months of ownership I spent about 2.5k on mine (see profile for details), largest bills were on replacing Tyres and Exhaust, and a C service.

[dcw@pr]

thanks for that. So you were spending £2000/yr, would other people say this is a sensible amount?

I know it's a how long is a bit of string thing, but I need to get an idea so I can budget for it, I don't want to buy then find out I can't afford to run it. However it will only be a toy, unfortunately I can't use one everyday so that will keep the cost down a bit I hope

[NJS25]

Depends on what you're using it for.

I've had mine 3 years and taken it from 8k to 28k, in that time its had Lotus Service History, new tyres and new pads.

I expect the discs to need replacing next, and its due another service.

I would say I'm currently averaging £650pa, but would budget a little higher to cover extroadinary outlays.

If you want to upgrade parts, do it when the old part is knackered, that way it comes out of your original budget and isn't an additional cost.

Also track days will significantly reduce the life expectancy of certain consumables (tyres, brakes, clutch, oil etc.) Even if you use a full set of each every year, you're probably only looking at £1500pa.

Obviously, the condition of the car purchased will have a dramatic effect on your budget. As I've said many times before the best way to ensure you get a good 'un is to drive as many as possible.

Just because you don't have the readies now, doesn't mean you can't start looking

Regards, Neil

[garydvo]

I have used my S1 from new over the past 5 and a half years.

Mainly Service costs + Tyres, exhaust and brakes. HGF went at 87,000 that was £1000.

Problems worth noting are:
1) 1000 miles - Throttle Body & Rivet for the accelerator spring at 1000 miles (fixed under warranty)
2) Feb 2004 – After visiting www.lotuscars.co.uk Floor well rot (to be fixed under Warranty Oct 25)
3) Nov 2004 84,000 miles Gear selection is as if the gearbox is possessed reverse put into first let out the clutch, still in reverse! (Trying to find out if it is linkage, Clutch or the gearbox)
4) Feb 2005 87,246 HGF - Fixed with the help of AA parts & Labour insurance.

Hope this helps

Gary

[dcw@pr]

NJS25 said:

Obviously, the condition of the car purchased will have a dramatic effect on your budget. As I've said many times before the best way to ensure you get a good 'un is to drive as many as possible. Just because you don't have the readies now, doesn't mean you can't start looking Regards, Neil

yes driving some would be good, I guess I will have to go round the dealers to be able to do that? I never feel very comfortable pushing the car with a salesperson sitting next to me though, do you think it's possible to get a good feel for the condition of the car driving at 6 or 7/10ths?