Buying an Elise?
Discussion
I've a 99 S1 with the 135 engine.
Look for:
suspension bushes,
noisy dampers (the original red Konis are noisy and have low life expectancy but there are numerous replacement options)
gearshift linkage (should be tight but if not it's a cheap fix)
MMC brakes (pads are dear to replace on them and they need careful cleaning but they are good and last a long time. If steel brakes fitted, fine - lots of pad choice)
Tyres: uneven wear can point to poor geometry - possibly sign of a neglected car?
Generally, they are reliable but they are NOT the same as a normal car - they need a bit of attention to keep them 100 per cent. However, that's not a big deal - the most complex thing on the car is the suspension and even that's not too bad.
I get about 55mpg when tootling around, it does drop when driving as an Elise should be driven but the lightweight means it's always pretty good.
Be careful in fast corners and don't lift off. Remember it's a very light car when you're in the wet. The roof can leak (top edge of windows) but it's only water - carry a towel.
I use mine everyday - you need earplugs on long journeys but it's not too bad.
Buy an induction kit (cheap ones sound good but do little for power, dear ones 'might' help power)
Yokohamas seem to be the preferred tyres but I have no problem with P-Zeros as long as you're careful.
Be picky and inspect the car carefully.
Insurance from Elephant seems to be a good option.
Hope that's some help - anything else, just ask.
Look for:
suspension bushes,
noisy dampers (the original red Konis are noisy and have low life expectancy but there are numerous replacement options)
gearshift linkage (should be tight but if not it's a cheap fix)
MMC brakes (pads are dear to replace on them and they need careful cleaning but they are good and last a long time. If steel brakes fitted, fine - lots of pad choice)
Tyres: uneven wear can point to poor geometry - possibly sign of a neglected car?
Generally, they are reliable but they are NOT the same as a normal car - they need a bit of attention to keep them 100 per cent. However, that's not a big deal - the most complex thing on the car is the suspension and even that's not too bad.
I get about 55mpg when tootling around, it does drop when driving as an Elise should be driven but the lightweight means it's always pretty good.
Be careful in fast corners and don't lift off. Remember it's a very light car when you're in the wet. The roof can leak (top edge of windows) but it's only water - carry a towel.
I use mine everyday - you need earplugs on long journeys but it's not too bad.
Buy an induction kit (cheap ones sound good but do little for power, dear ones 'might' help power)
Yokohamas seem to be the preferred tyres but I have no problem with P-Zeros as long as you're careful.
Be picky and inspect the car carefully.
Insurance from Elephant seems to be a good option.
Hope that's some help - anything else, just ask.
If you haven't seen them already the usual suspects are worth a read:
www.lotus-elise.nl/Buyers_Guide/buyers_guide.html
www.elise-faq.info/content/buying/index.php
www.elises.co.uk/
www.lotus-elise.nl/Buyers_Guide/buyers_guide.html
www.elise-faq.info/content/buying/index.php
www.elises.co.uk/
Worth considering purchasing privately from an enthusiast to avoid the dealer's margin and make your cash go further.
If you do this take along someone who knows Elises or get a professional inspection.
Pistonheads classifieds are a good source - I purchased my 3rd Elise (an early '98 S1) in May through these classifieds.
Also decide whether you are going to want to modify or not, as it is much much cheaper to buy a car with the mods already done rather than fork out yourself.
Nice mods to have include SS exhaust, cat pipe, braided hoses, quickshift & gearlinkage, induction mods, ported head, cams etc (& Nitron suspension if you can find one).
The main thing to look out for is dodgy crash repairs as it is easy to write off the chassis if hit hard enough around the suspension - check the suspension mounting points, bulkhead / kick panel inside the cockpit at the corners behind the pedals etc.
Register on www.british-cars.co.uk as this will give access to the archive and an invaluable source for everything Elise.
Good luck with the search - you won't regret it!
If you do this take along someone who knows Elises or get a professional inspection.
Pistonheads classifieds are a good source - I purchased my 3rd Elise (an early '98 S1) in May through these classifieds.
Also decide whether you are going to want to modify or not, as it is much much cheaper to buy a car with the mods already done rather than fork out yourself.
Nice mods to have include SS exhaust, cat pipe, braided hoses, quickshift & gearlinkage, induction mods, ported head, cams etc (& Nitron suspension if you can find one).
The main thing to look out for is dodgy crash repairs as it is easy to write off the chassis if hit hard enough around the suspension - check the suspension mounting points, bulkhead / kick panel inside the cockpit at the corners behind the pedals etc.
Register on www.british-cars.co.uk as this will give access to the archive and an invaluable source for everything Elise.
Good luck with the search - you won't regret it!
tuscan_thunder said:
Yokohamas seem to be the preferred tyres but I have no problem with P-Zeros as long as you're careful.
Yep the Pzero were ok but the main problem is that the tyres are old and the rubber has gone hard. This means the fronts will last forever but you will get sod all grip. For the sake of £400 it's better to get some new tyres than spend £200+ excess.
Zonda said:
Thanks for the advice guys, most helpful! I will be modifying it if I manage to get one, I always say I'll leave my cars standard but then the twinge happens! Take my Golf for example, bought for £800, spent £8k on mods 
Do you think I have a problem?
Then you're in big trouble with a modable car like the Elise!!!
Check out www.eliseparts.com for lots of parts (or don't if you value the integrity of your wallet
)Zonda said:
Hi all.
I'd be grateful if those of you who've owned/own them could post up opinions
Gav
Opinions:
1. Your going to be popular.
2. Ladies will love you more
3. All men will want you as their best mate (even when their not pi**ed)
4. Going to get a paper will take you 2 hours (and thats not because its slow).
5. Having a permanent smile.
6. Kids giving you the thumbs up as you drive past.
7. The only regret will be "why didn't i get one before"
Tanman
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