MagicalTrevor's Lotus S2 Elise 111S
Discussion
FlashBastd said:
Struggling to convince myself not to buy one of these until the autumn. Looks glorious, nice spec too!
How long have you had it?
About 3 weeks now! Still getting used to it. It has way more ability than my skill level. I plan on doing a CarLimits day at some point to teach me the finer points.How long have you had it?
Regards spec. I specifically sought the 111S because it has, for the virgin Lotus owner, a decent amount of performance plus full leather interior which is as comfortable as you're going to get on an Elise (Probax seats would be nice though!). This particular car has a hard top plus airconditioning (which needs regassing) but who needs that when the roof is off.
Fuel economy was a factor when picking this car, my second choice was a BMW Z4MC but the fuel economy and high tax put me off.
One thing I've noticed is the positive reactions from people. I get let out of junctions quicker, people either pull over and let me overtake or don't react negatively (the usual flashing lights!) when being overtaken. Kids smiles and get excited when they see it and people randomly talk to you about the car. I doubt any of that would happen in a Z4MC
FlashBastd said:
Sounds like a pretty perfect spec! What did it replace?
Previously, we had a '09 BMW 120D plus a 2001 Clio 172. I'd previously argued with my Wife that it would be better to have a £2k run-around plus an Elise but she knew best 
So after suffering the depreciation of a nearly new 120D we eventually sold it and replaced it with the Elise plus a 2004 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec.
My garage now consists of:
- 2005 Elise 111S - weekend toy
- 2004 Focus 1.6 - My commuting car plus whenever we need to go somewhere
- 2001 Clio 172 - Was my toy originally but my Wife has claimed it as 'her' car and she uses it to get to work.
I personally don't like the shape of the VX220 and I'll admit than I'm too much of a snob for badge.
However, it's a great car. Faster and cheaper than the 111S but effectively an Elise S1.5.
I always wanted a Lotus, therefore the badge was important to me. The VX220 is a great car though!
However, it's a great car. Faster and cheaper than the 111S but effectively an Elise S1.5.
I always wanted a Lotus, therefore the badge was important to me. The VX220 is a great car though!
grenpayne said:
Lovely car and a wonderful colour too! Forgive me (I'm sure google knows but I'm feeling lazy!) but does this have the Honda engine in? And what power does it run?
Early Elises (of which, this is the last) had a 1.8l Rover K series engine. Newer variants have a Toyota engine.Originally they started with 120bhp and mine has 160bhp. 190bhp is the highest.
You can fit a Honda or Audi engine in these but it's not standard.
MagicalTrevor said:
Early Elises (of which, this is the last) had a 1.8l Rover K series engine. Newer variants have a Toyota engine.
Originally they started with 120bhp and mine has 160bhp. 190bhp is the highest.
You can fit a Honda or Audi engine in these but it's not standard.
Ah right thanks, I thought all S2 Elises had the Honda VTEC engine in! You have same engine (1.8k series) and similar power as I have in my Seven Originally they started with 120bhp and mine has 160bhp. 190bhp is the highest.
You can fit a Honda or Audi engine in these but it's not standard.
MagicalTrevor said:
I personally don't like the shape of the VX220 and I'll admit than I'm too much of a snob for badge.
However, it's a great car. Faster and cheaper than the 111S but effectively an Elise S1.5.
I always wanted a Lotus, therefore the badge was important to me. The VX220 is a great car though!
I think that's important. I agonised over whether to get a VXT but the truth was I'd aspired a Lotus since I first saw Modsports Esprits racing at Oulton Park when I was 4 years old. I'd have loved the VX but not as much as if I'd bought the car I truly covetted. Sometimes you have to throw rationality out of the window.However, it's a great car. Faster and cheaper than the 111S but effectively an Elise S1.5.
I always wanted a Lotus, therefore the badge was important to me. The VX220 is a great car though!
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