Help for a newbie

[Steve H]

Hi all, just sold my car and now have 1 car between me and the Mrs. As it is a family car I am now free to get a 2nd car for a bit of fun and I am considering an Elise in the new year. I know nothing about these cars and have a budget of £6500/£7000. I am not looking to track teh car and also have VERY limited mechanical experience. I will probably do around 3/4000 miles Pa. Not sure of the model range. Could any experts point me in the right direction please?
Thanks
Steve

[Matt172]

there is a buyers guide two posts up from yours, might be worth having a look in there

http://www.track-days.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Steve H]

Matt

Thanks for that, cant beleive I didnt see it first.

[Matt172]

Steve H said:

Matt

Thanks for that, cant beleive I didnt see it first.

no probs, would be worth having a look on Seloc too

[NWTony]

At 6.5 to 7K you are looking at early S1 cars which I wouldn't combine with a lack of mechanical apptitude. Elise aren't expensive cars to run but the labour charges can add up, especially on older vehicles. I'd be very cautious buying cars in this price bracket if I didn't know someone handy with a spanner in your situation.

[TIPPER]

I'm afraid I've got to agree with Tony.
Unless you know someone who can do the work for you or are prepared to have a go at jobs yourself then you could find an older Elise a bit of a money pit. Even DIYing parts costs can mount up so go in with your eyes open. Despite what many would have you believe the K is a good little engine. It is prone to HGF but that's not too expensive a fix (£500-£800 seems to be the consesus). Have a browse through the Seloc techwiki and the TADTS website: both are excellent sources of DIY information.