Discussion
Hi there.
Looking to sell my S1 Elise Sport 160 in lieu of a Chimera. A few general answers to the following would be a real help:
Which model/age is the best to go for - budget circa £13k. As it's an every day car, will the 4.0 be much better on fuel consumption? Also, what's the general reliability like. Notice some cars don't have PAS - some have aircon. I'd quite like both but what's the general consensus on these when it comes round to resell?
Looking to sell my S1 Elise Sport 160 in lieu of a Chimera. A few general answers to the following would be a real help:
Which model/age is the best to go for - budget circa £13k. As it's an every day car, will the 4.0 be much better on fuel consumption? Also, what's the general reliability like. Notice some cars don't have PAS - some have aircon. I'd quite like both but what's the general consensus on these when it comes round to resell?
Which model/age is the best to go for - budget circa £13k.
Condition condition condition.
A PHer called Rob Ingleby does an oft praised evaluation of 2nd hand chims. Age or model aren't nessecarily the key purchase decisions. Has it been used regularly is more important than how shiny it is. High mileage doesn't mean cheaper or better - these cars benefit from regular use.
As it's an every day car, will the 4.0 be much better on fuel consumption?
You'll get roughly 22-25 out of it on 'combined' usage IF you drive it like an ordinary car most of the time (and if you drive it sensibly all the time then don't bother getting it)
Also, what's the general reliability like.
You'll get little niggles but other than that, statistically you should be ok. BUT remember these aren't called enthusiasts cars for nothing. Services every 6k with the odd trip in here and there
Notice some cars don't have PAS - some have aircon. I'd quite like both but what's the general consensus on these when it comes round to resell?
PAS is great for parking - 3 pointers etc - these can be heavy machines. However on the open road there's little difference. Some of the owners without PAS feel they get more feel thru the wheel.
A/C - never seen one with and IMO isn't a big concern - if it's hot outside then we can always take the roof off.
Best advice I can give is:
Don't buy the first one you see - drive lots before you choose - you will notice differences.
Have a small slush fund - typically a couple of grand.
Another PHer, ParrotOfDoom, uses his as his only car - have a chat with him about that side of things
>> Edited by dodgyviper on Sunday 24th April 16:49
Condition condition condition.
A PHer called Rob Ingleby does an oft praised evaluation of 2nd hand chims. Age or model aren't nessecarily the key purchase decisions. Has it been used regularly is more important than how shiny it is. High mileage doesn't mean cheaper or better - these cars benefit from regular use.
As it's an every day car, will the 4.0 be much better on fuel consumption?
You'll get roughly 22-25 out of it on 'combined' usage IF you drive it like an ordinary car most of the time (and if you drive it sensibly all the time then don't bother getting it)
Also, what's the general reliability like.
You'll get little niggles but other than that, statistically you should be ok. BUT remember these aren't called enthusiasts cars for nothing. Services every 6k with the odd trip in here and there
Notice some cars don't have PAS - some have aircon. I'd quite like both but what's the general consensus on these when it comes round to resell?
PAS is great for parking - 3 pointers etc - these can be heavy machines. However on the open road there's little difference. Some of the owners without PAS feel they get more feel thru the wheel.
A/C - never seen one with and IMO isn't a big concern - if it's hot outside then we can always take the roof off.
Best advice I can give is:
Don't buy the first one you see - drive lots before you choose - you will notice differences.
Have a small slush fund - typically a couple of grand.
Another PHer, ParrotOfDoom, uses his as his only car - have a chat with him about that side of things
>> Edited by dodgyviper on Sunday 24th April 16:49
Simon - buy on condition, not mileage or age. Keep a couple of grand in the bank as a reserve for repairs and maintanence - with luck you won't need to use it.
If you don't use Mr Ingleby, get someone from this place to accompany you before you buy one, or a very experienced mechanical friend. Take a good hard look at the chassis - any serious rust and you're looking at £££ to fix it.
Run it regularly and it will be fine. Let it sit there in a garage over winter and it won't, but IMO this is no different to any other car.
If you don't use Mr Ingleby, get someone from this place to accompany you before you buy one, or a very experienced mechanical friend. Take a good hard look at the chassis - any serious rust and you're looking at £££ to fix it.
Run it regularly and it will be fine. Let it sit there in a garage over winter and it won't, but IMO this is no different to any other car.
Hi,
I recently purchased a Chimaera with the slightly odd combination of Air-Con but No PAS..
At parking speeds the Steering is heavy but you get used to it. And the Air-Con, doubt id ever use it but will keep it maintained.
Other than that, i would suggest driving her as often as possible. Mine gets driven all days the weather isnt rubbish (as i have the benefit of a cheap run-around for that)..
Keep her well maintained at a garage you trust and apart from niggles i would expect things to go well. But i agree to buy on condition and how well the car has been maintained rather on mileage and spec.
I recently purchased a Chimaera with the slightly odd combination of Air-Con but No PAS..
At parking speeds the Steering is heavy but you get used to it. And the Air-Con, doubt id ever use it but will keep it maintained.
Other than that, i would suggest driving her as often as possible. Mine gets driven all days the weather isnt rubbish (as i have the benefit of a cheap run-around for that)..
Keep her well maintained at a garage you trust and apart from niggles i would expect things to go well. But i agree to buy on condition and how well the car has been maintained rather on mileage and spec.
dodgyviper said:
Which model/age is the best to go for - budget circa £13k.
As it's an every day car, will the 4.0 be much better on fuel consumption?
You'll get roughly 22-25 out of it on 'combined' usage IF you drive it like an ordinary car most of the time (and if you drive it sensibly all the time then don't bother getting it)
For comparison, I guess my 5.0 is around 17-20 mpg. Also, aircon might be good if the car is always kept outside cos it keeps the damp down, but not a resale issue IMHO. Otherwaise, agree with the others!
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