s2 elise v VX220

[sp60]

I can just about muster 14k to spend on a new car.
As my 30th is imminent I decided I've had enough of sensible euroboxes and need a real car. I do a lot of miles, so economy is important, hence my decision to look at the elise and VX220. Insurance is also important due to the area I live in (and my driving history!), so I've been looking into the standard, early 120bhp versions of the s2 or the standard vx220, both of which have examples around my price range. Hopefully someone will have driven both and will be able to give a good comparison
I love the looks of the s2 elise, so would much prefer one of these, but for the money you seem to get more from the vx220. I'm realistic about the costs of servicing and generally spend about £1k per year (20k miles ish) and expect servicing to be maybe slightly more than this. I am happy to put up with a drop in comfort for the much improved driving experience, but is the vx easier to live with than the elise? Realistically do I need more money for the s2? What is dealer support like for lotus compared to the multitude of vauxhall dealers?

Sorry for the barrage of questions, I have had a good trawl around the forum so far which has answered the many other questions I have had, but any further info would be great. Got loan confirmed yesterday so starting to get excited!

james.

p.s.
Anyone want to buy an Alfa 147?

[bogie]

Not much in it between the 2 to be honest - if you prefer the looks of the Lotus then Id go that way.

[Esprit]

Yeah I'd agree.... if you prefer the S2 looks, then if you get a VX you'll always be looking longingly at every S2 yo pass thinking "what if"

There's almost nothing to choose between them reallt… the VX might be SLIGHTLY easier to live with, but it won't be by much… maybe a bit more flexible on the motorway commute, but an S2 isn't exactly slumming it either…. It's a big step up in this regard from the S1

For my money I'd go with the Lotus all the way

[bogie]

no - its an S2 chassis with different rear subframe to accomdate the GM 2.0L engine.......

[GTRene]

Hi James, I drove both the hotter versions, the Opel Speedster Turbo(200hp)(I own) and I've driven(testdrives) a S1 120hp a S1 160hp a S1 215hp supercharger and this year I drove a 111R 192hp

I sold my Speedter Turbo in 1 month, I did'nt like the very big turning circle and when you let your gaspedal go it takes the computer a while to act(slow for emissions) so that car is not linked to your legs! I hate that...
My best experience is with the S2 111R it drives better then the Turbo(vauxhal) a shorter turning circle and much better gas response! and a nicer interior to life with on a daily base! it feels more like just what you need, not to les and not that much extra's, you could life with that very well.
When I sold my Z3 M coupe S54 then I try to buy a ex Exige Cup with compressor where I got an option on, or I will buy a Elise 111R with compressor around 265hp or just a fast S2 with Honda type R and compressor(300hp) or audi(320hp) engine what first will come on my way and fits me well (I like a black one with hardtop and HID)

have fun, René

[Jimbo S2]

Have looked at both very closely recently as a mate of mine had a set price and was trying to decide. In the end for a fixed pric you will get a newer or lower milage VX than an eqivilent elise. Not much to chose between the two cars from a driving point of view. VX motor is bullet proof, for your budget you will get a k series which is weaker motor and can cause some problems. On looks I think the S2 is better Bottom line is griffen badge or lotus? and residuals down ther line, your call, either way a great car.

Jimbo

[theRossatron]

The VX is a stunning car for the money but I definately wouldn't call the motor bullet proof! I'm always hearing of lots of niggly faults that vauxhall seem incapable of fixing with 4 or 5 trips to the dealer. The k series isn't bad at all on reliablity I have found on a few K cars I've owned. I've also heard of quite a few rear suspension failures on the VX which oddly I haven't heard of happening on an Elise.

Vauxhall customer service seems to be somewhat worse than Lotus (not that all Lotus dealers are good mind) Elise will be more expensive to service than the VX however, but *some* parts on the VX are very expensive and hard to get hold of - e.g. £400 a headlight in 4 months time.

VX has more power and torque but weighs more, they also have things like abs, servo assisted brakes and an airbag so may be easier to live with than the Elise.

It's hard to get an unbiased opinion - if you want a laugh ask the same question on www.vx220.org.uk

[beachbum]

As People have already said there is very little in them.

Test drive them both and then decide. The VX220T was an option for me, but for looks alone the Elise won and I got the 111R.
For me, it was that simple. And I have always wanted a Lotus and the Esprits were out of my reach.

[gooby]

Oh everyone is being so polite.
The VX is ugly (in comparison). It has a GM engine and a thug of a turbo.

And for no other reason than that badge, one badge says James Bond the other says shopping cart.

It also goes back to what Jeremy said about the Coxter - you would pull up next to a 911 and think you had made a huge mistake.

[S Works]

For 14k you should be looking at a sorted 111S. The difference in insurance is minimal if you shop around, sometimes there's nothing in it. If you really want a sportscar you want a Sport 160 though

[gooby]

S Works said:

For 14k you should be looking at a sorted 111S. The difference in insurance is minimal if you shop around, sometimes there's nothing in it. If you really want a sportscar you want a Sport 160 though

It would also make the VX owners look like they had brought their Arsetra to the race!

[sp60]

Smashin, thanks for the replies all, didn't expect such a good responce as I'm sure this has been covered over and over. Am going to get in touch with the insurance co. today to see what the cost is going to be for the various models. Originally got a quote for an S1 which was about a grand, so if it's not much over this I'll be happy. I know it sounds a bit sad, but the fuel economy is actually very important for me, hence looking at the 120bhp model, due to the mileage I do, but I will look into the 111s a bit closer now if purchase and insurance are in range.

Thanks again for the replies

[cuzza]

sp60 said:

I know it sounds a bit sad, but the fuel economy is actually very important for me, hence looking at the 120bhp model, due to the mileage I do, but I will look into the 111s a bit closer now if purchase and insurance are in range.

The S2 111S gets better mpg than the non VVC car (41 vs. 39) but you'd have to go into an S1 to match your budget (much better looking )

[DanL]

This has been done to death.

Drive both, and see which you prefer. VX engine is bullet proof, any niggles with the car tend to be fixed on first attempt. Vauxhall dealers almost universally rubbish. Some parts very expensive (headlight unit is an example), but you'll never have to buy one. NA VX should be significantly cheaper to insure and service than an S2.

Dan