Elise MK1 or MK2? What is best and why?

[turboguru]

I am sure you have had these discussions before so sorry for a repeat if this is the case but I am keen to know your opinions on this?

I have had two MK1 cars and loved both but found them a bit hardcore day to day. Saying that in a way I think that is part of the charm- a race car for the road etc!

Depreciation worries me most with going for a MK2 at the moment - how are they fairing up?

Cheers for your help guys.

[kevin ritson]

They both depreciate. How much depends on how much you've spent but once you get to £16K it slows down a bit. In any case an Elise depreciates much less than most other cars at this price (unless you're in the market for classics or exotica)

This thread will no doubt degenerate into a row between S1 and S2 owners so better to set a budget, test drive a few and then decide.

[seetim]

turboguru said:

I have had two MK1 cars and loved both but found them a bit hardcore day to day. Saying that in a way I think that is part of the charm- a race car for the road etc!

Sounds like you have almost made your mind up.

[therossatron]

seetim said:

turboguru said: I have had two MK1 cars and loved both but found them a bit hardcore day to day. Saying that in a way I think that is part of the charm- a race car for the road etc! Sounds like you have almost made your mind up.

Exactly, S2 for you my friend.

edit: In all seriousness, I find the S2 has more comfortable seats, easier access due to the lower sills, slightly less noisy, a MUCH better roof design, slightly better built and more "car" like. Don't get me wrong the S1 rocks I'd probably have a Sport 160 if my car wasn't a daily driver.

>> Edited by therossatron on Thursday 24th November 08:55

[lawrence5]

Depr on both is good. 97 S1's still going for £9k when they were c. £20k new. Mine is 2 1/2 years old (S2 135R) and lost £10k. 30% of it's value - a lot but still less than a big Ford or Vauxhall. People say bimmers et al don't depreciate but they do - just a bigger dealer mark-up on resale after a trade in rip off.

S1 vs S2 debate done a million times....

In summary S2's more practicality, more understeer (easily dialed out). Looks are subjective - otherwise it's the same car.....

Also consider the VX - better VFM softer and more practical. VXT is a fab car......

[gooby]

Depreciation? Next you will be worrying about practicality! Buying an Elise will never be about sensible attributes you use with normal cars. The Elise is simply about Passion. Dont get me wrong, to swing the wife, I used every positive arguement in the book. In the end it came down to passion.

To me there is not a debate. There are many specifications in the S1/S2 range that you can always find one to suit your taste and needs. If you cant find one, the liz is not a car for you. If you want a bit more "raw" then get in a S1, if you want a little more civilized the get in a S2. If you want jeckyl and Hyde then strap on a smile and get in the R.

As I said it is about passion, wether you love your S1 or you are mad about the S2, they are the best cars in the world!

Personal taste comes down to a 111R or a S1 S160. 2 very different cars but with a similar purpose.

[turboguru]

Cheers Guys, I have decided it has to be the Mk1 160S but going to wait for the summer before making the move and may hang onto my car longer as I love it too much to part with her. Although she costs a fortune to run etc its so much fun and does everything well.

Still my soul is with the Elise MK1 so come the summer I am sure I will be posting on here asking who is selling a black one in mint condition.

Thanks again for all your help, have a good weekend

[gooby]

turboguru said:

Still my soul is with the Elise MK1 so come the summer I am sure I will be posting on here asking who is selling a black one in mint condition.

S Works is selling his black s160. Tis a beauty, dont hang around!

[shangani]

Ditto that last comment - there won't be many like el-beast to be had. Give Sworks a mail. Also bear in mind that prices are at their lowest at the moment and will firm up in the spring.

[S Works]

Thanks guys, it is a lovely car indeed. Was out in it today for a short drive and it's just so much fun. Maybe I won't sell it after all....

[beachbum]

S Works said:

Thanks guys, it is a lovely car indeed. Was out in it today for a short drive and it's just so much fun. Maybe I won't sell it after all....

You know it makes sense

[S Works]

We'll see, the Honda lump is SO, SO tempting. Test drives will be sorted at some point soon, then decisions will be made.

This is practically heresy to say this on here also, but I fell in love with a Skyline GT-R34 the other day (always wanted one) and that's an option too. All depends on work/bonus situation over the coming months.

[shnozz]

I paid £13k for my 98 S1 (albeit B&C 160 conversion) from Adrian Blyths back in March/April so would say depreciation is not particularly fierce. The S2s have had their slide and I think will now steady.

I preferred the S1 as a weekend toy. However, if it was my only car, I think the S2 may win me over. Having said that, I'd probably buy an S2000 or a Boxster if I was restricted to 1 car.

[garydvo]

Luckily the Wife has the family transport and I have had the S1 from new (only mod was a ported head in Feb this year). For every day you have to forgive it but the grin per mile is great.

The S2 has better features that the S1 but some say that the S2 is not as raw as the S1.

Don't forget the VX it may be worth a look.

I love my S1 and prefer its looks (even though some say S1's look Noddy) than the sharper lines of the S2. I also like the clean lines of the inside of the S1.

The real reason for an Elise is its driving pleasure. The best thing to do would be to test drive some and see what you prefer. For every day the base S1/S2 118bhp is good choice. The 160 lumpy side can be sorted, Roger (Kiwirog - on SELOC.org) can help with this so 160 every day maybe on option. The 160 guys can best advise here.

If you are tempted with an Exige these have the VHPD engine which is a 170 or 190 BHP beast which does not follow the usual service schedule (take advice from a specailist).

Good Luck in what ever you choose.

[garydvo]

S Works said:

Thanks guys, it is a lovely car indeed. Was out in it today for a short drive and it's just so much fun. Maybe I won't sell it after all....

I had to read this twice, Tim can't believe you thought that.

You have seen something nice havn't you, what is it?

>> Edited by garydvo on Saturday 26th November 18:41