Newbie here - S2 Elise 135R - Any advice?
Discussion
Hi guys, first time poster here. I've just been to have a look at a silver S2 Elise 135R and must admit to have fallen in love with it at first sight which I'm hoping does not cloud my vision. My current car is a bog standard 1.1i saxo (don't laugh!!!) and when I got the chance to take it for a spin it fealt brilliant to drive and in a totally different world.
I've looked at several other variants of s2 elise, but have really taken to this one more than any of the others and love the interior styling and blue alcantara colour. Its an 03 model and up for sale at £18k but with a bit of persuasion reckon they'll accept £17k. Is this about right for this model?
Without trying to sound too vague, the cars done near 17,000 miles and will be serviced by the garage before sale, so hopefully that should be nothing to worry about. There's still 6 months left on the MOT and it also is being offered with a 6 month warranty parts & labour so should anything crop up which I didn't notice on the test drive should be covered. Condition looked very sound although there was one small stone chip on the front clam, but nowt to shout about and certainly nothing a touch up pen woundn't solve i'm sure. I'm going back again tomorrow morning to get another look. Is there anything in particular I should be asking or looking for? I really have got the urge to buy this car tomorrow and join the lotus gang but don't want my desire to cloud my judgement.
I will be using the car as a day to day car (hell, it'll be my only car!). Is the practicality of the 135r very much different to that of a sports tourer? Having only ever driven a bog standard saxo for the last 5 years, I'm not really used to comfort and luxury anyhow. If anyone has one of these and/or uses it on a day to day basis please let me know your experiences good or bad.
You're help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
I've looked at several other variants of s2 elise, but have really taken to this one more than any of the others and love the interior styling and blue alcantara colour. Its an 03 model and up for sale at £18k but with a bit of persuasion reckon they'll accept £17k. Is this about right for this model?
Without trying to sound too vague, the cars done near 17,000 miles and will be serviced by the garage before sale, so hopefully that should be nothing to worry about. There's still 6 months left on the MOT and it also is being offered with a 6 month warranty parts & labour so should anything crop up which I didn't notice on the test drive should be covered. Condition looked very sound although there was one small stone chip on the front clam, but nowt to shout about and certainly nothing a touch up pen woundn't solve i'm sure. I'm going back again tomorrow morning to get another look. Is there anything in particular I should be asking or looking for? I really have got the urge to buy this car tomorrow and join the lotus gang but don't want my desire to cloud my judgement.
I will be using the car as a day to day car (hell, it'll be my only car!). Is the practicality of the 135r very much different to that of a sports tourer? Having only ever driven a bog standard saxo for the last 5 years, I'm not really used to comfort and luxury anyhow. If anyone has one of these and/or uses it on a day to day basis please let me know your experiences good or bad.
You're help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
the 135R is a more track orientated variant - basically a mild upgrade to 135bhp, stiffer suspension and different wheels/tyres.
have a look on www.elises.co.uk for detail spec and www.seloc.org for another community/owners club with lots of events
The tyre and suspension set up is geared towards track use - the tyres are Yoko A048s, last about 5K miles on the rear with soft road use and are pretty lethal in heavy rain/standing water...I certainly wouldnt recommend this set-up to an Elise novice...on the road you wont get the benefit out of it in my opinion, unless your middle name is Schumacher and you have a death wish
If its your only car then Id go more for something like an S2111S with aircon for a daily drive - should be able to get a real nice one at that price.
have a look on www.elises.co.uk for detail spec and www.seloc.org for another community/owners club with lots of events
The tyre and suspension set up is geared towards track use - the tyres are Yoko A048s, last about 5K miles on the rear with soft road use and are pretty lethal in heavy rain/standing water...I certainly wouldnt recommend this set-up to an Elise novice...on the road you wont get the benefit out of it in my opinion, unless your middle name is Schumacher and you have a death wish
If its your only car then Id go more for something like an S2111S with aircon for a daily drive - should be able to get a real nice one at that price.
Hi there and welcome 
I have a 135r and I know exactly what you are going through. I bought mine in October by accident - I just fell in love with it.
Some say that the 135r is the best Elise variant. You need to be tracking it though to get the most out of it as this is where it separates from the 111s and standard cars. Basically combination of the linear power delivery and Exige handling make it a very capable track car that can be used as an everyday driver. It should be as reliable as any other Elise too. Many of the first 100 had HGF but they were all sorted under warranty.
Some say LSS is uncomfortable for daily use but I have no issue with it at all. The AO48s get a bit fruity when its slippery but I havnt really had any death-on-a-stick momnets, and you shouldnt either if you drive to the conditions.
In any of the colours the car is very pretty indeed and its also nice owning something a bit rarer than the average too.
In short though this is a track biased variant of a track biased car so bear in mind what you are paying the extra money for; namely presicion and hardcore handling. If thats what you are after then go for it. 17-18k sounds ok.
Otherwise if you are new to the Elise a 111s may be more appropriate. I reccomend you try both before you spend your hard earned.
Good luck
pop
I have a 135r and I know exactly what you are going through. I bought mine in October by accident - I just fell in love with it.
Some say that the 135r is the best Elise variant. You need to be tracking it though to get the most out of it as this is where it separates from the 111s and standard cars. Basically combination of the linear power delivery and Exige handling make it a very capable track car that can be used as an everyday driver. It should be as reliable as any other Elise too. Many of the first 100 had HGF but they were all sorted under warranty.
Some say LSS is uncomfortable for daily use but I have no issue with it at all. The AO48s get a bit fruity when its slippery but I havnt really had any death-on-a-stick momnets, and you shouldnt either if you drive to the conditions.
In any of the colours the car is very pretty indeed and its also nice owning something a bit rarer than the average too.
In short though this is a track biased variant of a track biased car so bear in mind what you are paying the extra money for; namely presicion and hardcore handling. If thats what you are after then go for it. 17-18k sounds ok.
Otherwise if you are new to the Elise a 111s may be more appropriate. I reccomend you try both before you spend your hard earned.
Good luck
pop
Thanks for the responses guys. Just one quick point regarding the tyres. I'm positive that the ones fitted on this elise were continetal tyres and not yoko. Will this have a major bearing on average road handling (could this have been done by the previous owner to tame the beast so to speak?) or should this car only ever be fitted with the AO48s?
There are a few leftfield choices as the rim size is different to the standard S2 Elise with Bridgestones. Looks like the original owner got fed up of standing water/tyre wear/tyre price (A048's are not cheap!). Probably worth trying to haggle a new set of '48s, you'll need 'em if you go tracking it.
But do have a serious think about buying it as a daily hack. There are times (most of them this month), when sitting in a freezing cold car with the windows open to aid demisting can be a bit of a pain or 100 miles down a dull motorway can grate and that's with a 111s (- air con)
But do have a serious think about buying it as a daily hack. There are times (most of them this month), when sitting in a freezing cold car with the windows open to aid demisting can be a bit of a pain or 100 miles down a dull motorway can grate and that's with a 111s (- air con)
The 48s are a really really good tyre but you will only realise their potential on the track and when they are nice and hot. They are a good tyre on the road too though and despite looking terrifying they are supprisingly capable in the wet. However they are not cheap and because of the relativly soft compound dont last long. Safe to say there are alternative tyres that fit the wheel that some will say have very similar performance. Many go for the Yokohama AO39s or A539s as an alternative to the 48s. To be honest I have not heard of a 135r with Continental tyres fitted but Im no tyre expert so ill let someone else comment on those.
If it had Continentals on it then its not worth buying a 135R ! ....its like buying a Ferrari and fitting some remoulds
as above - A048s are great on a fine day, ok if its just wet, but dont clear water well and dont like being cold.
Id ask why it has them on - if the owner wanted them for winter use then fine...if they couldnt afford A048s at £650 a set then Id be dubious about the rest of the car and its maintenance..you want to be buying a fully sorted car from an enthusiast, thats been maintained regardless of cost ideally.
as above - A048s are great on a fine day, ok if its just wet, but dont clear water well and dont like being cold.
Id ask why it has them on - if the owner wanted them for winter use then fine...if they couldnt afford A048s at £650 a set then Id be dubious about the rest of the car and its maintenance..you want to be buying a fully sorted car from an enthusiast, thats been maintained regardless of cost ideally.
I have a 135R - great car but only the best variant if you track it. For the road it is a bit compromised......
No understeer at all and two weeks after getting mine I clipped the verge and span the car nearly writing it off. If you do go for it get some driver training !!
Also it is a group 20 and fairly pricey to insure...
Most other things covered above
Conti's are rubbish - two mates have had 3 blow-outs between them on their tyres
No understeer at all and two weeks after getting mine I clipped the verge and span the car nearly writing it off. If you do go for it get some driver training !!
Also it is a group 20 and fairly pricey to insure...
Most other things covered above
Conti's are rubbish - two mates have had 3 blow-outs between them on their tyres
As above, try a 111S as well and you'll have a better idea of what suits you more.
For a little over a grand you can get the Oz wheels for a 111S if you really like the look, plus you'll have more practicality.
The 135R is a great car, but like the Sport 160 not sure it's the best everyday prospect.
For a little over a grand you can get the Oz wheels for a 111S if you really like the look, plus you'll have more practicality.
The 135R is a great car, but like the Sport 160 not sure it's the best everyday prospect.
i have owned both a 135r and a 111s.
In the summer - the 135r would go round corners faster than you could imagine. It just does not lose grip in the 48's. In the winter - it needs to be left in the garage IMHO. Full stop. The driving experience in the wet is appauling with zero reward.
I had no problem with the HG, but i did have paint blistering around the rear wheel arches, and had the ECU replaced twice. Check this. The wheels and tyres look the business, as does the paint job.
The 111s (MY05) is fine for both summer and winter. It is not as much balls out fun in the summer as the 135r, but still better than pretty much every other car on the road for handling as it is. And you can use it in the winter with no problems.
hope this helps your decision.
In the summer - the 135r would go round corners faster than you could imagine. It just does not lose grip in the 48's. In the winter - it needs to be left in the garage IMHO. Full stop. The driving experience in the wet is appauling with zero reward.
I had no problem with the HG, but i did have paint blistering around the rear wheel arches, and had the ECU replaced twice. Check this. The wheels and tyres look the business, as does the paint job.
The 111s (MY05) is fine for both summer and winter. It is not as much balls out fun in the summer as the 135r, but still better than pretty much every other car on the road for handling as it is. And you can use it in the winter with no problems.
hope this helps your decision.
I have a 135R, silver mica like you are looking at. It's a great car.
As above, the AO48s are not great in the wet, but are OK so long as you are aware of this fact.
The suspension is a bit rough - a normal 111S may go down a bumpy B road faster - but the 135R is fabulous on a track.
My only complaint is that I would've liked to have A/C.
As above, the AO48s are not great in the wet, but are OK so long as you are aware of this fact.
The suspension is a bit rough - a normal 111S may go down a bumpy B road faster - but the 135R is fabulous on a track.
My only complaint is that I would've liked to have A/C.
Well, I'd just like to thank everyone for taking the time to give me your experiences and/or opinions. After much thought and consideration, and considering my previous experience, I decided to get something a little more sedate.
I've just signed up for a standard elise S model (not the 111) on an 04 plate. Got a good deal on it in the end as the garage agreed to fit a tracker (requirement for my insurance) saving me £300 - £400. They also gave me a good trade in deal for the saxo (£2k) which surprised me a little.
The car does seem more practical as an everday car with electric windows, central locking etc. and was available for similar money. Also the car was mint inside and out, 1 owner with full service history and seemed well loved. The colour is red (calypso I think he said) with full black leather interior. Can't wait to get hold of it now!!!
Thanks again for your help guys in helping me make the most sensible decision to suit a complete novice
.
I've just signed up for a standard elise S model (not the 111) on an 04 plate. Got a good deal on it in the end as the garage agreed to fit a tracker (requirement for my insurance) saving me £300 - £400. They also gave me a good trade in deal for the saxo (£2k) which surprised me a little.
The car does seem more practical as an everday car with electric windows, central locking etc. and was available for similar money. Also the car was mint inside and out, 1 owner with full service history and seemed well loved. The colour is red (calypso I think he said) with full black leather interior. Can't wait to get hold of it now!!!
Thanks again for your help guys in helping me make the most sensible decision to suit a complete novice
. congrats - sure you will enjoy it ..get yourself on a driver training day with www.carlimits.com in the 1st few months and it will really help you get the most out of car and be aware of its handling traits etc
..get yourself on a driver training day with www.carlimits.com in the 1st few months and it will really help you get the most out of car and be aware of its handling traits etcWise choice made here I reckon. Well done mate and congratualtions on the new purchase
Please bear in mind though it is really slippery out there at the moment. This goes for any rear wheel drive, mid-engined sports car, running on any sort of tyres. You're coming from a Saxo so be carefull with that noisy pedal until you get a feel for it. Im not being patronising I promise, its just a sketchy time of year to start learning about the various attributes of Elise handling.
Pictures of new car purchases are mandatory too I'm afraid
Please bear in mind though it is really slippery out there at the moment. This goes for any rear wheel drive, mid-engined sports car, running on any sort of tyres. You're coming from a Saxo so be carefull with that noisy pedal until you get a feel for it. Im not being patronising I promise, its just a sketchy time of year to start learning about the various attributes of Elise handling.
Pictures of new car purchases are mandatory too I'm afraid
poptosis said:
Wise choice made here I reckon. Well done mate and congratualtions on the new purchase
Please bear in mind though it is really slippery out there at the moment. This goes for any rear wheel drive, mid-engined sports car, running on any sort of tyres. You're coming from a Saxo so be carefull with that noisy pedal until you get a feel for it. Im not being patronising I promise, its just a sketchy time of year to start learning about the various attributes of Elise handling.
Pictures of new car purchases are mandatory too I'm afraid
Agreed. Sounds like you've got an Elise S - those little extras make day-to-day driving just that bit more agreeable without losing the 'racing car on the road' feel. Now save a bit of cash up for the obligatory Walshy day/Induction/Zorst combo
poptosis said:
Wise choice made here I reckon. Well done mate and congratualtions on the new purchase
Please bear in mind though it is really slippery out there at the moment. This goes for any rear wheel drive, mid-engined sports car, running on any sort of tyres. You're coming from a Saxo so be carefull with that noisy pedal until you get a feel for it. Im not being patronising I promise, its just a sketchy time of year to start learning about the various attributes of Elise handling.
Pictures of new car purchases are mandatory too I'm afraid
Thanks for the advice bud, very much appreciated. Think I'll be taking it nice and steady to begin with just to get a feel for it. Be prepared for some rather dumb sounding questions though in the next month or so as I try to get myself up to speed with the whole elise thing
. I take delivery a week on friday and will take some pics as soon as I have it in my greasy mitts.
Once again thanks guys.
beachbum said:
You wont be disappointed.
At a recent 20 car Walshy day the consistantly fastest car was a standard 120bhp Elise, only beaten once by a 111R by 0.2secs. It really is down to driver ability in these things, so get yourself on a Car Limits day soonest.
Who was driving the standard car? That's pretty good going...
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