S1 Residules and rough price guide?

[TB Rich]

Hi, should be able to finaly take the plunge and get myself an Elise very soon

Im def of the old school variety and ideally want an S1 for its extra rawness (and the fact my budget wont stretch to an S2 so this is what I am convincing myself with!!)
I want an immaculate example with low millage, something like 2000W with up to 15k on it. Must really be a 111s or a special ed like a type 72 or 49. Max budget really is 14k.
Do you lot think this is possible and also think this is wise?? Residules have always been good but do you think it'll remain that way? Especially as ive read on here some dealers are flogging off un-registered S2 111s models from as low as 18k!!

Also, what does one do to become a 'BOLOC' !!

Cheers

[MJK 24]

S2's are easily within your budget if you've got £14k...

[dss123]

Rich,

Yeh! go for an S1 111s "the best Elise out there" (flame suit on!)

Seriously though, with that kind of budget, you could get an absolute peach! Either an immaculate, low mileage example:

www.pistonheads.com/sales/62388.htm

Something a little hairy!

www.pistonheads.com/sales/64026.htm

Or even this beautifull Sport 160

www.pistonheads.com/sales/61862.htm


Loads of choice for that kinda money.

Have fun looking mate and drive as many as you can

Dunc

[S Works]

Sport 160 everytime mate - but then I'm pretty biased aren't I

The 111S's are nice but the Sport 160 is the real deal Residuals are very good on the limited edition late model cars of which the example above is (Sport 160S).

[cej]

If I had that kind of money to spend I'd get an S160 in good condition

[Gruffy]

I plumped for a 111s and then set about upgrading. You could easily pick up a corker for £11.5-£12.5 and then spend £1-£1.5 on a few choice upgrades (if it didn't already have them). Very easy to push a 111s beyond 160.

If you've been on PH a while you'll know that people will naturally suggest the cars they own (let's be fair, if they thought something else was better they'd have bought that!).

Best advice is to get out and drive a few different examples. They all have their own character and one of them will suit you best.

Gruffy

[TB Rich]

dss123 said:

Rich, Yeh! go for an S1 111s "the best Elise out there" (flame suit on!) Seriously though, with that kind of budget, you could get an absolute peach! Either an immaculate, low mileage example: www.pistonheads.com/sales/62388.htm Something a little hairy! www.pistonheads.com/sales/64026.htm Or even this beautifull Sport 160 www.pistonheads.com/sales/61862.htm Loads of choice for that kinda money. Have fun looking mate and drive as many as you can Dunc

Cheers, that blue 111s is only 8 miles from me so ill check that out. I do some how think id get severely busted on insurance with that s/charged version tho! But that sport 160, that fits the bill perfectly. On my list to see.

Ive only driven a few elise's, a 111R around Silverstone - about the performance id like to aim for. A basic S1 around thruxton and also a basic S1 on the roads last yr when i was looking last (but ended up buying a house instead!). I'm back looking on the market now and it doesnt look like prices have really dropped that much at all.

Ive found what appears to be an immaculate S1, its a type 49 and only 11,000 miles. Price tho is 14,495 which i think seems a little high, what do you think i should be 'offering'? Id have thought 12k really?? I like the idea of the T49 as its limited and just that little bit rarer. Currently drive a 106 Rallye S2 and like never seeing another on the road (or due to the fact its spent more time off road chewing up clutches from its throttle bodied 16v lump under the hood, doh!).
So i think a T49 with another round of Jenveys could fit the bill also!! I get really stumped over what to do as theres lots of models and differnt options and its an expensive mistake to pick a dud!

Cheers

[TB Rich]

Also I know a 160 has LSS but does the 111s have anything uprated over a basic s1 in the suspension dept.? Like ARB's etc?

Thanks

[DSS123]

Rich,

Just can't beat the feel of a well sorted S1 (particularly the 111s )

Type 49 is a nice example - just a flash paint job really, think they came in either red/gold/white or yellow/gold/white.

As for price, 14 and a half sounds a bit pricey, but then I don't know the history/spec. I think the 49 was available with either the stock 1.8k or the VVC (a la 111s) so you could be looking at a 111s spec car + a bit extra for the rarity.

Still seems a bit on the high side though.

As with all second hand motors check the service history. Many "well looked after" motors may be due a a very hefty service (C) which could cost a few quid.

Throw in some new boots, brakes, other wear items and you could be looking to spend the thick end of 2 grand very quickly.

As for the sus' on the 111s, it was no different to standard, LSS was available as a factory fit option (mine came with it). You'll probably find that some owners have upgraded to S2 sus' now anyway so you should be able to find something with either an S2 set up or nitrons

Hope it helps

Cheers


Dunc

[eyore]

S1 everytime for a real Lotus experience

[shnozz]

I had a similar budget about this time last year. Take a look at a few before committing. I had to wait for the right one to come up and was getting dissillusionned after weekends trawling the country and not finding the right car. It came up eventually, albeit from a dealer and so I paid a little more but I got the benefit of a warranty and the dealership were spot on and made life very easy for me.

I came from 4 years of TVRs and must say the Elise is still making me grin massively. I have been toying with the idea of a Noble/NSX/Exige recently but I can honestly say its purely because of itchy feet, the Elise is still making me a very happy chappy.

Best of luck.

[S Works]

I can only echo what Dunc and schnozz said above. Take your time. That T49 (if it's at the garage I think it's at - there aren't many of them around), has been up for sale for a while so haggle hard. It's well over book for a car/model of it's age.

The S1 special editions (which are basically a paint, wheel and trim job) are only worth a fraction more than 'standard' cars (£500 maybe), so don't pay over the odds. They are however worth it if you like them as you tend to get 111S wheels and seats (which are worth the extra spend!). T49, 79, Millenium edition, Anniversary etc. all have this.

The 49 and 79 were offered with 118bhp or the 143bhp 111S lump. If you're going to start whacking TB's on them and modifying the lump you're better off starting with a std car I believe. The VVC lump limits options beyond a point, however it's the better option for "light" mods (e.g. induction, exhaust system etc.).

S160 is a different prospect.

www.elises.co.uk will help you if you want more info as will Elise faq.

Whatever you choose you'll have a great car!

[TB Rich]

Thanks for the advice guys.

The T49 ive seen is on Barry Elys Sports Cars web site. 11,000 miles and to quote "pristine condition". Suppose i should ring to see if its still there!
I think some serious hagling will be in order tho!

I dont want to do many mods so maybe the 111s would be a better bet - but tyring to find either a T49 or T72 is very hard with vvc. I believe it to be straight forward to drop the full vvc 160 lump in and run with an emerald ecu to get around map/loom issues. That would do me nicley with an exhaust+manifold and induction

Cheers

>> Edited by TB Rich on Wednesday 8th February 11:58

[S Works]

You'd be better off just getting a Sport 160. The time, hassle and £ spend really isn't worth it. Plus your car, I'm afraid, will be worth less if you re-sell as you'll have a 'modded' engine. You'll probably get stiffed by the insurers too.

Oh, BTW, are we talking S1 or S2 here? I note you put T72 there, that's the S2 variant of the JPS or "Heritage" scheme. There was a nice looking T72 in the classifieds for 15k IIRC, hardtop and all included. Good deal.

[DSS123]

Rich,

S-Works is right, doesn't seem much point in swapping one K for another K (even a higher power derivative) In real world (road) terms the difference is very slight.

Go on mate, you know it makes sence, this car is a beaut!

www.pistonheads.com/sales/61862.htm


Now, swapping a K for Honda - now your talking!



Dunc

[emenel]

Can't recommend the 111S highly enough. I bought a 2000 (W) with 18k on the clock and a sports exhaust and it didn't miss a beat. I regularly came across a BMW E46 M3 that liked to have a little play on the journey home from work... he didn't stand a chance!

Happy hunting.

[colindl]

I remember the 111s you had emenel, not so sure that you were as succesful against the M3 as you seem to suggest here. Didn't you get quite a stonechipped bonnet from always being behind it?

Col

[cej]

DSS123 said:

Rich, S-Works is right, doesn't seem much point in swapping one K for another K (even a higher power derivative) In real world (road) terms the difference is very slight. Go on mate, you know it makes sence, this car is a beaut! www.pistonheads.com/sales/61862.htm Now, swapping a K for Honda - now your talking! Dunc

WOW. Very nice You should really consider that one. 13750 or sensible offer..He might sell for 13-13.5k if you're lucky.

[S Works]

For that car, if it's straight, it's worth every penny of what he's asking. It's a 160S so has all the right bits (lightweight sports seats, ARB, oil cooler, LSS etc.), nice colour scheme etc., low miles etc.

If I didn't have mine and I had 14k to spend, that would be at the top of my list.

[Adnic69]

I have a 111s and can't fault it. I have come from Mr2 turbo, Tvr etc and it is far more capable than any of them. If you want it faster take it to DVA and for 1000 he will get you 180 bhp.