Discussion
Hi, Looking at getting an Elise. Have around 12k to play with so will be an early S1. The question is which variation do i go for? I'm coming from an Nissan 200sx and an Impreza so prob won't immediatley notice a percentile difference in handling between them so i'm thinking about going for a boggo model. Lots i've been looking at have 50-60k on the clock, anything to watch for that could be costly like head gasket? All help is welcomed! And if anyone wants to buy my scoobie have a look on www.skysurfing.co.uk, the price is now £7450.
Nick.
Nick.
Mustards hit the nail on the head, but don't rush in and I'm sure you'll find a good one.
Even a boggo standard one you will find enormous fun... mine only has a Sports Exhaust and its plenty of fun especially when you're just mucking about on twisty B-roads in 3rd and 4th.
At that price and age you just want to make sure it's been well looked after, service history is clean with main dealers or preferably well recommended specialists (e.g. Lakeside, Sinclaires etc.).
There are 3 service levels - A, B and C, C being the most expensive because the cambelt is changed. Run a search in the forums here for more info on prices etc., it's a common theme.
Also it's worth having it checked out by a Lotus specialist before you buy, forget the AA and RAC. Someone who knows will be able to give you a good report on the condition of all the expensive-to-replace bits, and a general all-over report.
Go on, you know you want to
Even a boggo standard one you will find enormous fun... mine only has a Sports Exhaust and its plenty of fun especially when you're just mucking about on twisty B-roads in 3rd and 4th.
At that price and age you just want to make sure it's been well looked after, service history is clean with main dealers or preferably well recommended specialists (e.g. Lakeside, Sinclaires etc.).
There are 3 service levels - A, B and C, C being the most expensive because the cambelt is changed. Run a search in the forums here for more info on prices etc., it's a common theme.
Also it's worth having it checked out by a Lotus specialist before you buy, forget the AA and RAC. Someone who knows will be able to give you a good report on the condition of all the expensive-to-replace bits, and a general all-over report.
Go on, you know you want to
I'm no expert on all things technical - however what I would say is just be patient and be prepared to look around for a couple of months. I was in the same position as you a short while ago and was swept off my feet by the first one I tested and was close to buying it - in the end I didn't and am soooo glad because I found my little baby for less dosh with a much better history and overall condition.
I picked up a 205 1.9 GTI for £400 to thoroughly abuse in the interim period and it made the wait much more tolerable!!!
Good luck and keep us posted
I picked up a 205 1.9 GTI for £400 to thoroughly abuse in the interim period and it made the wait much more tolerable!!!
Good luck and keep us posted
Also not a technical chap, done 83,000 miles so far in my Standard S1 Elise, but here are a few points:
Corrosion in the foot well, I have some of this. Check under the rubber mats in the foot wells. Go to the Lotus-cars website www.lotuscars.co.uk and read the bit for Elise Owners. Lotus says they will fix it. As ever nothing to date. Will post you a pick of my foot wells when I get home.
Cooling systems (I hate - never cured the Dolomite Sprint overheating). As for the Elise the only problem here is that the car started to run at 64 to 79 instead of 84 to 95 new Thermostat cured it.
Some people talk about the Elise and cooling being a problem. The theory is, and it is just a theory and could be a load of hog wash, that in the cold months when going for a spin the car gets up to working temp. The water in the pipes from the thermostat to the rad is freezing cold (Thermostst not open yet as the temp is 84). The foot goes on the accelerator and the engine warms thus opening the thermostat and bang the freezing cold water hits the alloy head warping it with the CHG giving up. My tip here when driving the car is to let her warm up and watch the temp to see the thermostat open warm up again and now you can have your fun.
Good tip when checking a car, start from cold and leave the car standing and allow it to warm up ensuring the fan cuts in. Let this cycle happen at least three times. If it cannot warm up and cool down tread carefully.
Check when the last C service was - CAM belt - this one is the biggy.
Check the Brakes the last set of disks and pads all round on a C service hit me for £998.
Agree with the other guy’s take you time. When you get your hands on it Just keep is serviced at Lotus or a specialist and smile when you drive.
Gary.
Corrosion in the foot well, I have some of this. Check under the rubber mats in the foot wells. Go to the Lotus-cars website www.lotuscars.co.uk and read the bit for Elise Owners. Lotus says they will fix it. As ever nothing to date. Will post you a pick of my foot wells when I get home.
Cooling systems (I hate - never cured the Dolomite Sprint overheating). As for the Elise the only problem here is that the car started to run at 64 to 79 instead of 84 to 95 new Thermostat cured it.
Some people talk about the Elise and cooling being a problem. The theory is, and it is just a theory and could be a load of hog wash, that in the cold months when going for a spin the car gets up to working temp. The water in the pipes from the thermostat to the rad is freezing cold (Thermostst not open yet as the temp is 84). The foot goes on the accelerator and the engine warms thus opening the thermostat and bang the freezing cold water hits the alloy head warping it with the CHG giving up. My tip here when driving the car is to let her warm up and watch the temp to see the thermostat open warm up again and now you can have your fun.
Good tip when checking a car, start from cold and leave the car standing and allow it to warm up ensuring the fan cuts in. Let this cycle happen at least three times. If it cannot warm up and cool down tread carefully.
Check when the last C service was - CAM belt - this one is the biggy.
Check the Brakes the last set of disks and pads all round on a C service hit me for £998.
Agree with the other guy’s take you time. When you get your hands on it Just keep is serviced at Lotus or a specialist and smile when you drive.
Gary.
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