Elise S1 Millennium Edition, 1 owner from new...
Discussion
Cheers Wevster. I don't know how it was for you, but my time owning a Smart Roadster has kind of inoculated me against car niggles, they're just something I expect now.
Anyway, the good news is I have the Lotus back home now, one week before I head to Le Mans!
By all accounts it was as straightforward a job as these ever are, although Darren at M&G had a few words to say about the quality of the (expensive) rebuild done 20k miles ago for the previous owner. For instance it had previously been rebuilt with plastic dowels which Rover had binned as a bad idea way back in 2001.
Happily it's sailed through an MoT test and it starts and idles much more cleanly and smoothly than it ever did before. I wonder if there had been a bit of a problem all along?
I've said it before when I had my ZT but I can heartily recommend M&G in Bradford. It's a proper mucky little old-school indy garage, but they know their stuff, they're keenly priced and they go the extra mile. He's worked on plenty of Elise's and had just started on his 2nd K-series gasket of the week in an MG TF when I picked mine up.
My car just needs a few gentle drives, then a deep breath before I aim it south for 500 miles. Wish me luck...
Anyway, the good news is I have the Lotus back home now, one week before I head to Le Mans!
By all accounts it was as straightforward a job as these ever are, although Darren at M&G had a few words to say about the quality of the (expensive) rebuild done 20k miles ago for the previous owner. For instance it had previously been rebuilt with plastic dowels which Rover had binned as a bad idea way back in 2001.
Happily it's sailed through an MoT test and it starts and idles much more cleanly and smoothly than it ever did before. I wonder if there had been a bit of a problem all along?
I've said it before when I had my ZT but I can heartily recommend M&G in Bradford. It's a proper mucky little old-school indy garage, but they know their stuff, they're keenly priced and they go the extra mile. He's worked on plenty of Elise's and had just started on his 2nd K-series gasket of the week in an MG TF when I picked mine up.
My car just needs a few gentle drives, then a deep breath before I aim it south for 500 miles. Wish me luck...
Edited by moribund on Thursday 4th June 00:10
Thought I'd report back after Le Mans. Just under 1,200 miles in the long weekend, didn't miss a beat 
Had the roof off for around 600 miles and it sounded great in the tunnels.
Unfortunately got beer sprayed over the interior on Mad Friday but it all just wiped off at the campsite so no long term harm done.
Now needs a proper clean and a coolant flush, then I need to get on and start driving it more. Have done 12,000 miles since I bought it but far too much of that has been on motorways.
Le Mans 24, June 2015 by giveitfish, on Flickr
Le Mans 24, June 2015 by giveitfish, on Flickr
Le Mans 24, June 2015 by giveitfish, on Flickr
Had the roof off for around 600 miles and it sounded great in the tunnels.Unfortunately got beer sprayed over the interior on Mad Friday but it all just wiped off at the campsite so no long term harm done.
Now needs a proper clean and a coolant flush, then I need to get on and start driving it more. Have done 12,000 miles since I bought it but far too much of that has been on motorways.
Le Mans 24, June 2015 by giveitfish, on FlickrLe Mans 24, June 2015 by giveitfish, on FlickrLe Mans 24, June 2015 by giveitfish, on FlickrThe luggage space IS tiny, and it's very noisy. Worth thinking about if you have designs on going touring - unfortunately touring in mine just isn't an option as far as my OH is concerned 
My car is continuing to run beautifully. After a coolant flush all has remained good and the header tank has stayed clean.
Got up a 5am to enjoy a fantastic few hours in the Yorkshire Dales today.
My car is continuing to run beautifully. After a coolant flush all has remained good and the header tank has stayed clean.
Got up a 5am to enjoy a fantastic few hours in the Yorkshire Dales today.
Grrrrr, first sunny day for weeks so thought I'd take the Elise to work - but it thought otherwise!
It turned over fine, but didn't fire at all, not even a cough.
So, checked it over this evening and it turned out to be the fuel pump fuse. In typical Lotus fashion this was most the most awkwardly sited fuse ever, needing the removal of carpet and 2 bungs, then me practically lying on the car with my head in the boot and a head-torch on to find it.
It was obviously knackered and now it's swapped all is good again
It turned over fine, but didn't fire at all, not even a cough.
So, checked it over this evening and it turned out to be the fuel pump fuse. In typical Lotus fashion this was most the most awkwardly sited fuse ever, needing the removal of carpet and 2 bungs, then me practically lying on the car with my head in the boot and a head-torch on to find it.
It was obviously knackered and now it's swapped all is good again
Earlier in the thread I mentioned adding a "cabin air filter" in the form of the foot off a pair of tights....well, today was time to change the filter...
I'd noticed the airflow with the fan on wasn't what it used to be. There's an awful lot of crap in there which would normally be all over me and the rest of the interior, so I think it was a worthwhile mod!
I'd noticed the airflow with the fan on wasn't what it used to be. There's an awful lot of crap in there which would normally be all over me and the rest of the interior, so I think it was a worthwhile mod!
Just had my best ever weekend with the Elise, 1170 miles lapping the far north of Scotland. Typically just before it goes up for sale, but that's why I went.
On some of the more intense single-track roads I was totally lost in concentration for 30 mins at a time. Utterly absorbing. If anyone questions why a car with only 120bhp and no driver aids is worth driving I have the answer burnt into my memory now.
Scotland April 2016 by giveitfish, on Flickr
Scotland April 2016 by giveitfish, on Flickr
More here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskyYrTkT
On some of the more intense single-track roads I was totally lost in concentration for 30 mins at a time. Utterly absorbing. If anyone questions why a car with only 120bhp and no driver aids is worth driving I have the answer burnt into my memory now.
Scotland April 2016 by giveitfish, on FlickrScotland April 2016 by giveitfish, on FlickrMore here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskyYrTkT
Good question. That's what I'm going to find out in the next couple of months!
I'm finding it hard to know where to pitch it. In my opinion I think mine is mechanically perfect for road driving without losing its original essence. The Geo in particular feels spot on in terms of balance.
However although the mechanics and interior are great the bodywork isn't perfect.
Elise's in general seem to have jumped 20% - 25% since I bought mine, but mine is a car for drivers not investors.
Be interested to hear your thoughts.
I'm finding it hard to know where to pitch it. In my opinion I think mine is mechanically perfect for road driving without losing its original essence. The Geo in particular feels spot on in terms of balance.
However although the mechanics and interior are great the bodywork isn't perfect.
Elise's in general seem to have jumped 20% - 25% since I bought mine, but mine is a car for drivers not investors.
Be interested to hear your thoughts.
Edited by giveitfish on Friday 6th May 00:26
Some things in life are important than cars, so very reluctantly I'm going to have to sell the Elise. I'm sure I'm going to have a lot of regrets about this decision in the future!
So, to this end I stuck it in for an early MoT...and it turns out the car is as reluctant to leave as I am to sell.
This time it failed on localised brake pipe corrosion. The earliest I can get it fixed is in 2 weeks, just before I go on hols. So by that time I might as well wait until after Le Mans before selling. Every cloud has a silver lining!
So, to this end I stuck it in for an early MoT...and it turns out the car is as reluctant to leave as I am to sell.
This time it failed on localised brake pipe corrosion. The earliest I can get it fixed is in 2 weeks, just before I go on hols. So by that time I might as well wait until after Le Mans before selling. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Well, it's a while since I updated this! Stuff has gone on, had to give Le Mans a miss this year, and the car is not (yet) for sale. I hope I can keep it for a while yet.
The service/MoT spiralled a bit as is always the way. The corroded pipe was replaced and the flexible pipes were upgraded to braided items.
The car has run perfectly since. It's not been used as much as I'd like but I did squeeze in a dawn raid on the Yorkshire Dales.
Then this weekend I attended the Sunday Service at Donington. I got to look at loads and loads of very nice Elises on show which made me feel a bit sad about the state of my paintwork, but then the day ended with 40 minutes of (free!) track time and it was just fantastic. The Craner Curves really suited it in particular. Who needs a garage queen?
Then to cap it off I see my car sneaking into the background of two photos on the Pistonheads front page
The service/MoT spiralled a bit as is always the way. The corroded pipe was replaced and the flexible pipes were upgraded to braided items.
The car has run perfectly since. It's not been used as much as I'd like but I did squeeze in a dawn raid on the Yorkshire Dales.
Then this weekend I attended the Sunday Service at Donington. I got to look at loads and loads of very nice Elises on show which made me feel a bit sad about the state of my paintwork, but then the day ended with 40 minutes of (free!) track time and it was just fantastic. The Craner Curves really suited it in particular. Who needs a garage queen?
Then to cap it off I see my car sneaking into the background of two photos on the Pistonheads front page
dave_s13 said:
Took my car for an mot yesterday and there was a supercharged vx220 being done, it was like new and so special in the flesh.
I got chatting to him which progressed to me asking if I could have a sit in the drivers seat. I couldn't physically get in the f
king thing! Gutted. I'm 6'4", 110kg and now a little upset.
Gutted for you Dave. The offer still stands if you want to try out mine for size, you might be surprised - PM me. I'm actually home all day tomorrow.I got chatting to him which progressed to me asking if I could have a sit in the drivers seat. I couldn't physically get in the f
king thing! Gutted. I'm 6'4", 110kg and now a little upset. Another big run out for the Elise this weekend, been a good year all told 
This time almost 700 miles to the best roads in Wales, in perfect weather with the roof down all weekend.
Covered the big names like the Evo Triangle, Elan Valley and A4069 Black Mountain road, but also lots of other gems too such as the Epynt ranges and Ffestiniog to Bala.
Went with an M3, VX220, Clio R27 and a Focus ST. Great mix of cars and good company.
Car didn't miss a beat all weekend. It's made my mind up about the exhaust though. I love the pops and burbles but it really is too loud for sustained driving and got in the way of my enjoyment. So I'm now hunting for a replacement back box.
What's the consensus? I love the look of the Larini stuff, but too loud? What else sounds nice but not painful?
This time almost 700 miles to the best roads in Wales, in perfect weather with the roof down all weekend.
Covered the big names like the Evo Triangle, Elan Valley and A4069 Black Mountain road, but also lots of other gems too such as the Epynt ranges and Ffestiniog to Bala.
Went with an M3, VX220, Clio R27 and a Focus ST. Great mix of cars and good company.
Car didn't miss a beat all weekend. It's made my mind up about the exhaust though. I love the pops and burbles but it really is too loud for sustained driving and got in the way of my enjoyment. So I'm now hunting for a replacement back box.
What's the consensus? I love the look of the Larini stuff, but too loud? What else sounds nice but not painful?
Must be spring, I've just ordered a new bulk bag of earplugs.
Did a 160 miles dawn solo run York-Helmsley-Stokelsey-Blakey Ridge this morning. Was excellent except for far too much wildlife this time of year - had to brake for a fox, a deer, pigeons, rabbits, sheep and numerous pea-brained pheasants!
Lots of nice kit out, aero-screened Caterham, a supercar run in progress over the moor, Ford club on the A64 etc
Did a 160 miles dawn solo run York-Helmsley-Stokelsey-Blakey Ridge this morning. Was excellent except for far too much wildlife this time of year - had to brake for a fox, a deer, pigeons, rabbits, sheep and numerous pea-brained pheasants!
Lots of nice kit out, aero-screened Caterham, a supercar run in progress over the moor, Ford club on the A64 etc
Plenty to mention since April.
Took my nephew to the Cold War Jets open day at Bruntingthorpe. Roof down all day in the sun, he loved the experience. Having our eardrums rattled by a Lightning, Buccaneers, Victor etc as well made a very memorable day.
Sailed through its MoT which made a nice change
Last Sunday was spent at the Curborough Sprint Circuit with Sporting Bears, in the company of some lovely cars including a V8 Vantage and Boxster Spider. Learnt a lot about the car on the tight circuit, including the difference changes in tyre pressures make and what it feels like to spin (there was mud on the track, honest!). Top day with some really nice people.
Next stop Le Mans!
Took my nephew to the Cold War Jets open day at Bruntingthorpe. Roof down all day in the sun, he loved the experience. Having our eardrums rattled by a Lightning, Buccaneers, Victor etc as well made a very memorable day.
Sailed through its MoT which made a nice change
Last Sunday was spent at the Curborough Sprint Circuit with Sporting Bears, in the company of some lovely cars including a V8 Vantage and Boxster Spider. Learnt a lot about the car on the tight circuit, including the difference changes in tyre pressures make and what it feels like to spin (there was mud on the track, honest!). Top day with some really nice people.
Next stop Le Mans!
Edited by giveitfish on Saturday 10th June 21:53
Well Le Mans was an awesome weekend!
Camped in relative (shaded!) luxury with AREA-24 again. Fantastic spot to stay especially as it was a hot one.
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on Flickr
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on Flickr
Went to the Classic British Welcome and parked in great company on Friday morning, before leaving to visit the Hotel de France and the Pitwalk.
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on Flickr
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on Flickr
On Friday night I had a nice steak at the Buffalo Grill, but when I was leaving my waitress came out to the car park and stopped me. The manager had taken a shine to my car and wanted a pic of it with his staff for publicity or something.
I was a bit bemused (not to mention hot and tired) by this point but couldn't say no! I can only assume it was a slow night for supercars.
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on Flickr
As I was finally about the leave the manager gestured that he'd like me to take a pic with him in. What I didn't realise is he wanted to be in the car. He helped himself into the drivers seat and I took a pic, then had to laugh as he struggled to get back out again.
The race was great. Gutted Toyota let it slip through their fingers but Aston Martin winning GTE Pro was a great result after an epic battle.
Car ran perfectly over the 1250 miles save for an annoying rattle. The journey back was stupidly hot though, and the car needs a thorough clean inside and out before it goes anywhere else.
Camped in relative (shaded!) luxury with AREA-24 again. Fantastic spot to stay especially as it was a hot one.
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on FlickrLe Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on FlickrWent to the Classic British Welcome and parked in great company on Friday morning, before leaving to visit the Hotel de France and the Pitwalk.
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on FlickrLe Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on FlickrOn Friday night I had a nice steak at the Buffalo Grill, but when I was leaving my waitress came out to the car park and stopped me. The manager had taken a shine to my car and wanted a pic of it with his staff for publicity or something.
I was a bit bemused (not to mention hot and tired) by this point but couldn't say no! I can only assume it was a slow night for supercars.
Le Mans 24 June 2017 by giveitfish, on FlickrAs I was finally about the leave the manager gestured that he'd like me to take a pic with him in. What I didn't realise is he wanted to be in the car. He helped himself into the drivers seat and I took a pic, then had to laugh as he struggled to get back out again.
The race was great. Gutted Toyota let it slip through their fingers but Aston Martin winning GTE Pro was a great result after an epic battle.
Car ran perfectly over the 1250 miles save for an annoying rattle. The journey back was stupidly hot though, and the car needs a thorough clean inside and out before it goes anywhere else.
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