High mileage 111Rs

[NDT]

Is there anything in particular to worry about?
I'm assuming not given Toyota's reliability reputation.

[STEVEY_SC]

Not really, full service history and general condition of the car should be enough. If the owner looks after the wheels, paintwork and keeps it in good condition then chances are it will be fine. A good maintained car should be reliable.

My Toyota Exige has done 75,000 miles and has been driven everyday & on track lots and it never missed a beat at Silverstone yesterday. It's been well looked after, most folk who own a Lotus tend to look after them. If the car's condition looks bad then chances are the owner won't have maintained it properly.

[NDT]

Thanks for that.
I'd really like an S1 Honda but I think that's a bit impractical - my OH wouldn't drive it.
Hence looking at the more comfortable option - but it would have to be a high miler. There's one I may go and look at with 80k on a 04 plate.

[21TonyK]

Things like suspension etc tend to wear out more quickly than a regular car or at least you notice the wear more in a car like an Elise. Worth checking to see if it has been replaced and if not whether you should budget for a new set of shocks, springs and bushes. Also if driven stupidly the clutch can be a weak point so check for any slipping.

Other than that, as already said, buy on condition and service history. Don't be put off if the owner pulls out a fist full of receipts for parts etc they've fitted themselves or lots of invoices from independent specialists rather than having a main dealer stamp every 9000 miles. Most owners are enthusiasts and spend a lot of time in the garage themselves.

[400SE Dave]

Friend of mine has a 111R on an 04 plate with 117k miles. Uses it everyday (and a couple of track days) with no real issues but he has it serviced on the button every time.