Buying my first Elise and I'm terrified!

[Tyrant]

Having just sold my current car I'm looking to buy an early S1 Elise, reading around various forums and buyers guides I know what to look out for but I'm scared I'll buy the wrong car and end up spending a fortune putting it right.

I was very interested in these cars;

www.pistonheads.com/sales/84582.htm

www.pistonheads.com/sales/83958.htm

Both have sold before I could raise the money. I would prefer a grey one, and I'm having trouble choosing the right car. Could someone point me in the direction of some good buys currently on the market?

Thanks for any help and advice you can offer!

[ChriX]

I'm in the same boat as you I reckon, have been looking for a while now. You need to find someone who is an enthusiast to feel good about the car in my experience, so looking on PH is a good start.

I found this site really helpful too, if you've not seen it already. www.lotus-elise.nl/Buyers_Guide/buyers_guide.html

Edited by ChriX on Monday 26th June 19:07

[gooby]

Hi Tyrant, From what you are looking at I think you have a good idea of what to buy. My 2p worth, buy from a specialist or take someone who is knowledgable about the cars or buy from an enthiuast who has loved the car.

Good luck.

[Ireland]

When I had one the things I found to be problems / potential problems were as follows


the front wheel bearings, but these are relatively easy to repair with basic mechanical knowledge and a toolkit

the head gasket, check for water in oil and oil in water

roof fit and window alignment, both should be easily sorted though

oil leak, look and see both in the engine bay and under the engine

the clutch, listen at idle when it's pressed and released to see if it sounds ok or not (you'll know)

bonnet and boot catches and cables, obvious checks.


The only other things to really look out for are accident damage and general wear and tear.


Get a good one you're happy with and you'll enjoy it no end.


I sold mine because of not being able to bring the kids in it but I reckon I'll end up back in one again in the future.


Go for it, you'll be glad you did.

[poptosis]

If it has a full history, and particuarly if the cam belt has been done, you probably have the same chance of getting stung as any other car. Just make sure it hasnt been in a prang and fudged the tub. Look at and try as many as you can and all things being equal go for the one which sounds least like a box of spanners bouncing down the road and has the best tyres.

Best of luck.

[Davey S2]

Just get it checked out by a good Lotus specialist and you should be fine. They are not difficult cars.

[david@mediacopy]

Hi,

I wouldn't worry too much. Just do the usual checks.

I had a S1 Elise from new doing around 45k in it. In that time I did Trackdays, Hill climbed it, Had it on the Dragstrip and offroaded it more than most 4x4's (I like my fishing).

Very few problems, only stupid design stuff that will be fixed by now. Sold it to a dealer who then flogged it on after new paint and a retrim.

Just in case - R356 XJW !

My Bro just piacked up a S1 and it really does drive lovely. Go for it !

Best

David

[bobo]

JUST DO IT!

[Tyrant]

Thanks very much for all the input, it's been very helpful and reassuring. I guess I'm just going to sit tight and wait for the right car in the right colour now.

[stsly]

You will know when you've found the right one

Keep looking and have fun.

Edited by stsly on Tuesday 27th June 16:06

[S Works]

Tyrant said:

Thanks very much for all the input, it's been very helpful and reassuring. I guess I'm just going to sit tight and wait for the right car in the right colour now.

Don't be scared, be excited mate - it's a great thing when you get the right car and you'll be so happy.

As noted above, buy an enthusiasts car, don't be put off by one's which have been on track (they are generally the best maintained cars around), try not to restrict yourself to one colour, the right car maybe out there in a different one, and if you're not sure pay the £150 it'll cost you to have a good, reputable Lotus specialist give it a full check over for peace of mind. It seems a little pricey, but it's worth every penny.

[V8NRG]

I bought the top one you hilighted !

JUST DO IT !

[cej]

Don't get to focused on specific colours.
I did that in the beginning,but the car I wanted had a completely different colour,and I absolutely love it

[lamb jiblets]

Hi
Dont be put off by cars that are used regualarly on the track they tend to be looked after better. Make sure it has a full s/h and check undrneath for rippling on the ally diffuser and floor, this could indicate crash damage. In the book "Elise birth of a legand" thers a good buyers guied. Happy hunting !