I fear I will be hooked...
Discussion
Hi
I think ive been far too sensible. I dont need 4 seats, really, and, truth be told, why does anyone need bags of torque...???
While my ST is a great all rounder, im really missing RWD, and quite fancy the idea of really getting a proper drivers tool- a "must own" kinda car...
Ive been doing lots of reading on here about the different variants, and I think ive finally got my head around which is which. The S2 seems to be the pick of the bunch for my needs, and the potential for 40mpg and low tax are both plus points.
Im planning on getting behind the wheel of an S2 with a touring pack this weekend (at a garage near me) and have a sneaky feeling that I will be well and truly hooked. By the look of the ad its got the standard 120bhp engine, so this will at least provide me with an idea of whether thats "enough", or whether I should go for a 111s.
I was taken out in an n/a VX220 last week and was impressed- I imagine with its slightly lower weight, performance of the 120bhp elise will be similar.
Looking forward to experiencing the elise for the first time, and maybe i'll be posting on here a bit more in the future...
One final note is that if anyone is looking to move the other way, and get something with more seats, my ST is for sale in the classifieds.
Matt
I think ive been far too sensible. I dont need 4 seats, really, and, truth be told, why does anyone need bags of torque...???
While my ST is a great all rounder, im really missing RWD, and quite fancy the idea of really getting a proper drivers tool- a "must own" kinda car...
Ive been doing lots of reading on here about the different variants, and I think ive finally got my head around which is which. The S2 seems to be the pick of the bunch for my needs, and the potential for 40mpg and low tax are both plus points.
Im planning on getting behind the wheel of an S2 with a touring pack this weekend (at a garage near me) and have a sneaky feeling that I will be well and truly hooked. By the look of the ad its got the standard 120bhp engine, so this will at least provide me with an idea of whether thats "enough", or whether I should go for a 111s.
I was taken out in an n/a VX220 last week and was impressed- I imagine with its slightly lower weight, performance of the 120bhp elise will be similar.
Looking forward to experiencing the elise for the first time, and maybe i'll be posting on here a bit more in the future...
One final note is that if anyone is looking to move the other way, and get something with more seats, my ST is for sale in the classifieds.
Matt
You won't look back. Look for a pampered car with lots of receipts, go on those and not mileage. I would also say to avoid particularly low mileage cars. A nice S2 would be fine as a daily driver. Try to keep a little bit of £££ to one side to sort out any niggles. i really do think the same is going to happen to me too!
dont get me wrong, the ST is great at doing what I need it to. In fact, it does it with ease. Thing is though, i want to make the most of being young and free enough to experience what an elise is all about!
I realise owning one will be a pain at times, and im sure there will be days when the last thing i want to do is do my daily hack to work in the cold and wet in a focussed sports car. But for me, driving has to be about more than getting from a to b, and while im sure i will be making a lot of compromises going to an elise, the pay off is worth it.
Yes i'll miss the comfort and the quality CD player. The sat nav and the aircon. But it dawned on me that in the last few weeks, when the weather has been good, ive driven more often with the windows down than the aircon on (i do like to listen to that baaaaaarrrrp when the engine is given the beans...)
Im sure also that I will miss having shed loads of torque, but for me, the blat upto NSL gives me the biggest buzz- the feeling of adjustability when going round a roundabout, the feedback you get when attacking a great road- all these things, for me, are what i miss. what i enjoy.
even the thought of increased economy, reduced tax, and cheaper consumables makes me want one even more. im sure an elise will happily give me 40mpg when im cruising home of an evening on the M56. Yes, the insurance is going to be a PITA for me (26, 3 points, 1 claim and 1 years NCB) but what the heck.
As you can probably tell, ive convinced myself that this would be a good decision to make and im looking forward to finding out the magic of an elise at the weekend. The only pain is knowing that selling my car at the moment is going to be very difficult, and summer is rapidly coming and going!
dont get me wrong, the ST is great at doing what I need it to. In fact, it does it with ease. Thing is though, i want to make the most of being young and free enough to experience what an elise is all about!
I realise owning one will be a pain at times, and im sure there will be days when the last thing i want to do is do my daily hack to work in the cold and wet in a focussed sports car. But for me, driving has to be about more than getting from a to b, and while im sure i will be making a lot of compromises going to an elise, the pay off is worth it.
Yes i'll miss the comfort and the quality CD player. The sat nav and the aircon. But it dawned on me that in the last few weeks, when the weather has been good, ive driven more often with the windows down than the aircon on (i do like to listen to that baaaaaarrrrp when the engine is given the beans...)
Im sure also that I will miss having shed loads of torque, but for me, the blat upto NSL gives me the biggest buzz- the feeling of adjustability when going round a roundabout, the feedback you get when attacking a great road- all these things, for me, are what i miss. what i enjoy.
even the thought of increased economy, reduced tax, and cheaper consumables makes me want one even more. im sure an elise will happily give me 40mpg when im cruising home of an evening on the M56. Yes, the insurance is going to be a PITA for me (26, 3 points, 1 claim and 1 years NCB) but what the heck.
As you can probably tell, ive convinced myself that this would be a good decision to make and im looking forward to finding out the magic of an elise at the weekend. The only pain is knowing that selling my car at the moment is going to be very difficult, and summer is rapidly coming and going!
red_zed said:
even the thought of increased economy, reduced tax, and cheaper consumables makes me want one even more. im sure an elise will happily give me 40mpg when im cruising home of an evening on the M56. Yes, the insurance is going to be a PITA for me (26, 3 points, 1 claim and 1 years NCB) but what the heck.
I was in a very similar position when I bought my 111s. 26, 1 accident, 1 year NCB, car garaged. Insurance for me was 900 through a specialist after lots of phoning around and playing them off against each other. FWIW the VX220 N/A is much cheaper to insure.I would drive a 120bhp before deciding thats what you want. The S2 makes the better all rounder if its your only car but its also more lardy than the S1 and as a consequence, the 120bhp has a bit more weight to pull around. I have driven a mate's ST and it wasnt slow, I'd wonder whether or not the 120bhp in an S2 would be enough for you. Try it, you'll soon know.
yeah, im reserving my judgement for the time being as to whether the 120 will be "enough" but the reality is, while it may not be as rapid as what I drive at the moment, it will still be quicker than 90% of everything else, and more than quick enough to get oneself into trouble!
I dont think I know what the difference in weight is between an S1 and an S2- can you enlighten me, or give details of the power to weight difference between an S1 and S2 with the 120bhp engine? I think to really get into similar/better performance terms to my ST, id need to go for the 111R, but im not looking to pay that much for one so its out of the question.
I think maybe a 111s might come closer in terms of outright pace but, again, depends what comes up within my budget. Im prepared to be open minded about the pace of the 120bhp motor, but I am sure it wont be a let down at all. One of the problems I will inevitably have to face at some point is a drop in outright pace, as I have been used to my ST, with 290bhp, and my last car, a 350z with 280bhp. For me though, if I can get 90% of the performance but a 50% increase in economy, that will be more than acceptible.
In any case, i was at a track day at oulton in feb and a chap on here, Nick J, was in his S1 elise (standard, apparently...) and that was massively rapid. An extra 100kgs for an S2 would only have dulled its performance sufficiently enough to bring it on par with my ST, IMO.
im looking forward to finding out, though!
I dont think I know what the difference in weight is between an S1 and an S2- can you enlighten me, or give details of the power to weight difference between an S1 and S2 with the 120bhp engine? I think to really get into similar/better performance terms to my ST, id need to go for the 111R, but im not looking to pay that much for one so its out of the question.
I think maybe a 111s might come closer in terms of outright pace but, again, depends what comes up within my budget. Im prepared to be open minded about the pace of the 120bhp motor, but I am sure it wont be a let down at all. One of the problems I will inevitably have to face at some point is a drop in outright pace, as I have been used to my ST, with 290bhp, and my last car, a 350z with 280bhp. For me though, if I can get 90% of the performance but a 50% increase in economy, that will be more than acceptible.
In any case, i was at a track day at oulton in feb and a chap on here, Nick J, was in his S1 elise (standard, apparently...) and that was massively rapid. An extra 100kgs for an S2 would only have dulled its performance sufficiently enough to bring it on par with my ST, IMO.
im looking forward to finding out, though!
Honestly fella dont compare the performance with that of your ST. Straight line and off-the-mark speed they might be similar, but the handling characteristics of the Elise is what its about, chucking it around corners and twisties at such a speed other cars wouldn't be able to.
Thats where the Elise comes to life, and thats why I'd recommend a decent test drive on decent roads, and thats when you'll be hooked, regardless of bhp.
Thats where the Elise comes to life, and thats why I'd recommend a decent test drive on decent roads, and thats when you'll be hooked, regardless of bhp.
dont get me wrong sean, im not in any way expecting it to compare to my ST, or indeed any other car ive owned and I must stress that im not for one second going to go on about straight line performance as i realise that is far from what the elise is about.
its ironic really that you start out thinking that 40bhp here and there is going to make a big difference. In reality, it doesnt, and I have to admit that in the current climate, its a lot easier to get your kicks out of lower speeds and fun in the twisties than anywhere else.
I guess what im saying is that as rapid as my ST is, I very rarely use its full potential- partly because it would empty its tank quicker than max mosely empties his pockets in a brothel, and partly because it is very easy to get upto speeds where id get into lots of trouble!
Im after an elise for all the reasons you mention, and the fact that i'll be able to get a damn sight more than 10mpg if i boot it!
thanks for the advice though- much appreciated and totally agreed with
its ironic really that you start out thinking that 40bhp here and there is going to make a big difference. In reality, it doesnt, and I have to admit that in the current climate, its a lot easier to get your kicks out of lower speeds and fun in the twisties than anywhere else.
I guess what im saying is that as rapid as my ST is, I very rarely use its full potential- partly because it would empty its tank quicker than max mosely empties his pockets in a brothel, and partly because it is very easy to get upto speeds where id get into lots of trouble!
Im after an elise for all the reasons you mention, and the fact that i'll be able to get a damn sight more than 10mpg if i boot it!
thanks for the advice though- much appreciated and totally agreed with
Edited by red_zed on Thursday 5th June 15:00
red_zed said:
ive set it at £12k which from what ive seen should get me into a decent S2. Its the lower end of the budget, i know, but it is possible...
plenty enough to get yourself in a nice S2, although not seen 111S at that price as yet, even an early one. As has been said though, the Elise is all about the handling. The performance off the line in any variant is rapid, its only really 50/60+ that you might miss some of the grunt of the ST, particularly in the event you go for a standard K series. That said, find yourself a twisty country lane and you wont miss anything from your ST for very long. Edited by red_zed on Thursday 5th June 14:41
Shnozz said:
red_zed said:
ive set it at £12k which from what ive seen should get me into a decent S2. Its the lower end of the budget, i know, but it is possible...
plenty enough to get yourself in a nice S2, although not seen 111S at that price as yet, even an early one. As has been said though, the Elise is all about the handling. The performance off the line in any variant is rapid, its only really 50/60+ that you might miss some of the grunt of the ST, particularly in the event you go for a standard K series. That said, find yourself a twisty country lane and you wont miss anything from your ST for very long. Edited by red_zed on Thursday 5th June 14:41
i could go down the S1 route but having done some reading i think it may be a little too raw for what i need it for. Would be spot on if i were doing less miles i think. Im a little more drawn to the looks of the S2 too so I think im going to stick with going down that route.
I love them in black with black wheels, although I do remember a mate's dad having a type 72 JPS. I never went out in it but boy did it look the part.
Hint - check where the servicing cycle is up to, it runs AABAAC AABAAC etc etc.
C service could cost a grand or so, so bare this in mind so theres no suprises.
Red_zed, sounds like you're on the right wavelength and buying an Elise for all the right reasons, expect to get 20-25mpg ish if you boot it, 35 ish if you drive normal.
Pity you're not in the NE otherwise I'd give you a blast in a 120bhp.
C service could cost a grand or so, so bare this in mind so theres no suprises.
Red_zed, sounds like you're on the right wavelength and buying an Elise for all the right reasons, expect to get 20-25mpg ish if you boot it, 35 ish if you drive normal.
Pity you're not in the NE otherwise I'd give you a blast in a 120bhp.
thanks mate. the one im going to see has just had the cambelt done, but not sure about which service was last.
its got a touring pack, sports exhaust & filter, 44k miles and its up for £12k
thanks for the offer of a blast- alas the NE is a bit far but if i do take the plunge, im looking forward to meeting up with some fellow enthusiasts at some point- the roads here in north wales are lovely by the way!
its got a touring pack, sports exhaust & filter, 44k miles and its up for £12k
thanks for the offer of a blast- alas the NE is a bit far but if i do take the plunge, im looking forward to meeting up with some fellow enthusiasts at some point- the roads here in north wales are lovely by the way!
If you can afford it, go for a 111S. It's a better car as a daily driver, not so much because it's faster (although it is, 0-100 in 14 seconds rather than 17) but because it's considerably more civilised to drive to drive long distances.
Does anyone else think this one: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/541782.htm looks rather underpriced?
Does anyone else think this one: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/541782.htm looks rather underpriced?
Edited by kambites on Thursday 5th June 16:25
I got an S2 Sports Tourer for about what you are looking to pay.
I was really after a 111s and had the budget for it, but this one came up in the village next to mine and had all the service stamps and was a very good price. 120BHP, is a bit paltry, but Ive added a ported head, Bell and Colville Exhaust, induction kit, piper cams, all ali rad, new brakes and the car feels very nicely sorted. Ive just got some vernier pulleys to time the cams properly and after that, who knows.
If youre into your cars, then it will cost you a fortune. Never enough power, and the more you do, the more you want to do more to get that extra bit. I was sure I would be happy with 120 bhp, but bought an induction kit and it all went from there.
Get an AA Parts and Labour warrenty, and it wont cost you much should the worst happen. Well, if you stack it, thats down to you, but the mechanicals are cheap enough. You can buy a 2nd hand 120bhp engine for about 200-300 so gives you some indication of what it will cost if it majorly gos wrong!
I was really after a 111s and had the budget for it, but this one came up in the village next to mine and had all the service stamps and was a very good price. 120BHP, is a bit paltry, but Ive added a ported head, Bell and Colville Exhaust, induction kit, piper cams, all ali rad, new brakes and the car feels very nicely sorted. Ive just got some vernier pulleys to time the cams properly and after that, who knows.
If youre into your cars, then it will cost you a fortune. Never enough power, and the more you do, the more you want to do more to get that extra bit. I was sure I would be happy with 120 bhp, but bought an induction kit and it all went from there.
Get an AA Parts and Labour warrenty, and it wont cost you much should the worst happen. Well, if you stack it, thats down to you, but the mechanicals are cheap enough. You can buy a 2nd hand 120bhp engine for about 200-300 so gives you some indication of what it will cost if it majorly gos wrong!
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff