Green light - Elise

[v8nrg]

Due to postponing the purchase of my first house (don’t ask), I have been given the green light to get a Lotus Elise or Vx220.

I have 9-10K to spend (10K max) is this enough to get me a nice example ?

is there a buyers guide on the net any where?

Is it worth getting any potential purchases inspected by a dealer ?

[Turnamere]

v8nrg said:

Due to postponing the purchase of my first house (don’t ask), I have been given the green light to get a Lotus Elise or Vx220.


I have 9-10K to spend (10K max) is this enough to get me a nice example ?

Should get you a tidy standard S1 (like mine), probably not enough for a 111S. General advice is buy on condition, a number of items wear out early on the S1; dampers, wheel bearings, steering racks. Finding an enthusiast owned car with these items replaced/upgraded is a sensible move.

It is a buyers market out there so try to drive a few and take your time before buying one.

v8nrg said:

is there a buyers guide on the net any where?

Useful info here:- www.elises.co.uk/
Also use the search on this forum and on SELOC, loads of similar threads.

v8nrg said:

Is it worth getting any potential purchases inspected by a dealer ?

The Elise is a simple car, if you have a mechanical aptitude and do your homework you should be able to spot any pitfalls. Having said which, most specialists or dealers will do an inspection for a fee.

Once bought running costs are very reasonable, good fuel consumption, servicing at a specialist is quite reasonable and due to its light weight it is fairly light on cosumables - until you start doing track days or catch upgradeitis.

[rfoster]

Agree with all the above - though you may just get into an early 111S for the money. Best advice is to try a few, see what suits you. Comfort varies enormously depending on the seats you go for (cloth ones have padding, leather ones don't really). You'll need to be a yoga expert to get in & out of them with any sense of grace.
Look for enthusiasts cars - a good source of these is pistonheads classifieds, and also try seloc.

Most of all, enjoy looking & driving them. Hope to see you in an Elise soon!
Cheers,
Richard.