Elise buying advice - I need your expertise!
Discussion
I currently run a Civic Type-R but have longed for an Elise for 12yrs. I'm finally in a position where it looks like insurance has become affordable (kind of...) at 25 so I'm looking at taking the plunge. The quotes I've got this week show a 111R, 111S and K-series cars as being identically priced to insure. That being so, I'm aiming for a 111R. Is this wise? I can't help but feel that a Toyota engine will be a better bet and the extra power appeals.
I would like a bit of guidance on what it will be like to live with for 15,000 miles a year. Will it break? Will it cost me significantly more than the Type-R to run? I expect expendables like fuel and tyres will be similar, but I could do without too many big, unexpected bills. Also, I'm looking at a £15-18k budget: will I get a well cared for example?
Many thanks.
I would like a bit of guidance on what it will be like to live with for 15,000 miles a year. Will it break? Will it cost me significantly more than the Type-R to run? I expect expendables like fuel and tyres will be similar, but I could do without too many big, unexpected bills. Also, I'm looking at a £15-18k budget: will I get a well cared for example?
Many thanks.
I wouldn't write off a late 111S as an option, £15k would get you a nice late one, its not much slower than the 111R and a bit more low-end grunt from what I've heard. That said coming from a Type-R you'll probably be used to the high-cam surge the Toyota offers 
111S should give you about 40mpg, servicing is around £200-250 from a specialist, more if the cambelt is due.
I use a S1 as my only car (albiet not commuting) and find it perfectly liveable, the S2's have a bit more in the way of creature comforts.
Can't comment on S2 reliability but they are relatively simple cars, the Seloc Techwiki is a great resource for finding out about and fixing common faults. Lotus specific parts aren't cheap though.
111S should give you about 40mpg, servicing is around £200-250 from a specialist, more if the cambelt is due.
I use a S1 as my only car (albiet not commuting) and find it perfectly liveable, the S2's have a bit more in the way of creature comforts.
Can't comment on S2 reliability but they are relatively simple cars, the Seloc Techwiki is a great resource for finding out about and fixing common faults. Lotus specific parts aren't cheap though.
I previously owned a Civic Type R.
The Toyota engined S2 111R has a very similar power delivery to the Civic. The Lotus is lighter, and coupled with having mid-engined traction, will be a bit quicker than the Civic to around 60. Beyond that, both cars will be very similar in terms of straight line performance.
The gearchange on the 111R is good but not quite a match for the Civic.
Steering feel on the Lotus (assuming the geo is correct) is marvellous compared to your current car.
I ended up getting shot of my Elise R though, and purchased an Elise S1 Sport 160. The roof is a PITA, but in almost every other area I prefer it to the newer car. More hardcore, lighter and overall a much more exciting driving experience.
There's loads of different Elise varients. My advice: don't dismiss the K-series engine out of hand. It is a light, fuel efficient and rather characterful 4-pot powerplant.
Justin
The Toyota engined S2 111R has a very similar power delivery to the Civic. The Lotus is lighter, and coupled with having mid-engined traction, will be a bit quicker than the Civic to around 60. Beyond that, both cars will be very similar in terms of straight line performance.
The gearchange on the 111R is good but not quite a match for the Civic.
Steering feel on the Lotus (assuming the geo is correct) is marvellous compared to your current car.
I ended up getting shot of my Elise R though, and purchased an Elise S1 Sport 160. The roof is a PITA, but in almost every other area I prefer it to the newer car. More hardcore, lighter and overall a much more exciting driving experience.
There's loads of different Elise varients. My advice: don't dismiss the K-series engine out of hand. It is a light, fuel efficient and rather characterful 4-pot powerplant.
Justin
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