Discussion
I stupidly tried to follow a new elise in my 15 year old eunos automatic the otherday, on my way to work on a nice twisty a road. I was just admiring the way it handled the camber changes & curves wheb the pilot decided to lose me. I tried as hard as I could but only managed to catch up when he got caught in traffic. Its got me thinking and I am now considering a purchase, for 10 - 12 k brief research indicates I could get an original shape one. But I am likely to be covering 20k miles a year in all weathers, is this a realistic proposition, unfortunately I have got used to a watertight roof and air con over the last year or so, but are there any other drawbacks, in particular traction on icy roads is a possible concern due to lightness etc
any advice
s
any advice
s
It is a buyers market at the moment and you will either be able to get a mint standard S1 or maybe a reasonable condition 111s. If you expect to be doing that sort of milage then you will want to have some money in reserve for the servicing (not that it is that expensive, just that you are doing a lot of miles)
It is unlikely to be water tight, however they usually only leak when left standing in the rain, generally there are not problems moving.
Ice ? Yes, show the car a little respect when the road gets wet or icey otherwise you will be in a hedge facing the wrong way quickly. If you behanve yourself and drive normally then really not a problem
Get one, you will love it
It is unlikely to be water tight, however they usually only leak when left standing in the rain, generally there are not problems moving.
Ice ? Yes, show the car a little respect when the road gets wet or icey otherwise you will be in a hedge facing the wrong way quickly. If you behanve yourself and drive normally then really not a problem
Get one, you will love it
You'll get an S2 for another 500 quid (£12,500).
Far superior build quality, less leaks, easier entry / exit, more forgiving handling (though not necessarily better or worse than the S1), roof far more simple, more cars available with air con (only an option on S1's in later life), everthing works with one key so you don't look like the local Jailer, close ratio gearbox as standard on base models.
Of course looks etc are a matter of opinion but I think all of the above can be considered as fact.
I di a similar mileage to you in my car and it's no hassle at all.
Go for it, you only live once and you wont regret it. It'll cost slightly more to maintain than a Mazda, but this will be offset by low depreciation. I would expect fuel economy to be much better than your Mazda auto too. I get between 39 and 41mpg on the motorwaty at 80mph. About 30 - 32mpg urban.
Far superior build quality, less leaks, easier entry / exit, more forgiving handling (though not necessarily better or worse than the S1), roof far more simple, more cars available with air con (only an option on S1's in later life), everthing works with one key so you don't look like the local Jailer, close ratio gearbox as standard on base models.
Of course looks etc are a matter of opinion but I think all of the above can be considered as fact.
I di a similar mileage to you in my car and it's no hassle at all.
Go for it, you only live once and you wont regret it. It'll cost slightly more to maintain than a Mazda, but this will be offset by low depreciation. I would expect fuel economy to be much better than your Mazda auto too. I get between 39 and 41mpg on the motorwaty at 80mph. About 30 - 32mpg urban.
I went from a fully loaded Volvo C70 to my S1 elise. I use it everyday and do about 15K a year. The series 1 is a very difficult car to live with everyday. You will crave a normal car occasionally, when its wet, they steam up, no central locking, that drives me nuts. but then you take it for a spin and instantly fall in love with it again.
If I was you, spend a bit more and get the series 2 with central locking, and air con and you will have no regrets.
If I was you, spend a bit more and get the series 2 with central locking, and air con and you will have no regrets.
Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff