Few Questions on the S2
Discussion
Morning all,
I am new to this particular forum and I currently drive a Clio 182 Cup.
I am looking to move to an Elise S2 (120bhp version – probably Sports Tourer spec).
I have my first test drive booked for later in the week at Christopher Neil. Does anyone have any experience of this dealer? I have spoken to them and they seem knowledgeable and helpful.
I also have a few questions. I have done a search but the results seem a bit vague so if anyone can help it’d be much appreciated:
1. I keep hearing reference to ‘short roof’ versions which apparently make it easier to remove/refit the roof. Although it seems obvious, what exactly is this and how will I know which models have this feature? Did it only feature on certain model years?
2. What is the situation with regards to servicing intervals/costs? Am I right to assume they work on a Service A/B/C basis?
3. Is it worth spending a bit more to afford the 111s over the base model?
4. What do the Sports Tourer/Racetech packs contain?
5. Is an extended warranty likely to be available?
On a general note, is there anything specific to this car which I need to look out for?
Any recalls? Common problems which should have been resolved?
Finally(!), are there any sites out there where I can just read up generally on the S2, as much info as possible will probably aid my decision!
Many Thanks
Phil
I am new to this particular forum and I currently drive a Clio 182 Cup.
I am looking to move to an Elise S2 (120bhp version – probably Sports Tourer spec).
I have my first test drive booked for later in the week at Christopher Neil. Does anyone have any experience of this dealer? I have spoken to them and they seem knowledgeable and helpful.
I also have a few questions. I have done a search but the results seem a bit vague so if anyone can help it’d be much appreciated:
1. I keep hearing reference to ‘short roof’ versions which apparently make it easier to remove/refit the roof. Although it seems obvious, what exactly is this and how will I know which models have this feature? Did it only feature on certain model years?
2. What is the situation with regards to servicing intervals/costs? Am I right to assume they work on a Service A/B/C basis?
3. Is it worth spending a bit more to afford the 111s over the base model?
4. What do the Sports Tourer/Racetech packs contain?
5. Is an extended warranty likely to be available?
On a general note, is there anything specific to this car which I need to look out for?
Any recalls? Common problems which should have been resolved?
Finally(!), are there any sites out there where I can just read up generally on the S2, as much info as possible will probably aid my decision!
Many Thanks
Phil
PhillF said:
Morning all,
I am new to this particular forum and I currently drive a Clio 182 Cup.
I am looking to move to an Elise S2 (120bhp version – probably Sports Tourer spec).
I have my first test drive booked for later in the week at Christopher Neil. Does anyone have any experience of this dealer? I have spoken to them and they seem knowledgeable and helpful.
I went to CN when I was looking to buy and they were very helpful, no problem with test drives, unfortunately they couldn't supply me with the right car at the right price, but I felt there customer service was good.
I also have a few questions. I have done a search but the results seem a bit vague so if anyone can help it’d be much appreciated:
1. I keep hearing reference to ‘short roof’ versions which apparently make it easier to remove/refit the roof. Although it seems obvious, what exactly is this and how will I know which models have this feature? Did it only feature on certain model years?
I believe these were available on 2003 (?) onward models. Mine is 2002 and its got the long tail roof. However both are significantly easier than S1 versions.... Putting on / taking off my roof takes about 2 minutes top.
2. What is the situation with regards to servicing intervals/costs? Am I right to assume they work on a Service A/B/C basis?
Servicing is every 9K miles and is A/B/C, although It doesn't run ABCABC it runs AABAAC something like that.
3. Is it worth spending a bit more to afford the 111s over the base model?
The 11s has the VVC engine and 156 bhp opposed to 120 in the standard K. You pays your money you takes your choice.
4. What do the Sports Tourer/Racetech packs contain?
Not that much really. The ST has carpets, medflaps, 4 speaker stereo I think, the RT has 2 speakers and no carpets. I don't think there are any other significant differences, certainly not performance wise. basically ST and RT are just trim levels, AFAIK.
5. Is an extended warranty likely to be available?
Some people take the AA extended warranty out after the dealers warranty runs out. Should get a year from CN I would think?
On a general note, is there anything specific to this car which I need to look out for?
Definitely get a good service history. HGF whilst not common still occurs but if you buy from a dealer you should have no problem. Popular upgrades include sports exhausts and induction. I haven't heard of any major recalls but I believe you can enter your VIN on the lotus site and see what if any apply.
Any recalls? Common problems which should have been resolved?
Finally(!), are there any sites out there where I can just read up generally on the S2, as much info as possible will probably aid my decision!
Many Thanks
Phil
1. Short roof version is the same as the Vx220, ie. there's just cloth between the top of the windscreen and the rollbar. The long roof extends the roof down over the shoulders towards the engine cover. No massive difference in the fitting times, although I personally think the short-roof looks a bit tidier.
3. 111s is faster to 60 - 5.1 i think compared to 5.7 for the 120bhp bog standard elise. The normal Elise is helped by having a close-ration gear box so you still get plenty of 'go' in the lower gears. Top end speed, I'd think that the 111s would start to pull away above 70/80mph
5. The AA do a ~£60 Parts and Labour warrenty for cars less than 10yrs, less than 100k miles and full service history. Well worth getting if you're an existing AA member as they'll pay the first £500 of any breakdown fault (except £25 excess) up to 3 times a year. Worth it for peace of mind.
General stuff: Liz's seem to be fine if allowed to warm up and warm down. Giving them 5/10 mins to get up to temp before booting it above 3000rpm is prudent to ward off nasty stuff like HGF.
The standard exhaust and engine note is pretty weedy - akin to a sewing machine. It's worth investing in a sports exhaust (~£350) and Induction kit (~£70-£160 depending on make) to improve the occasion! A Larini exhuast is going to be my next upgrade
>> Edited by Trixster on Wednesday 24th May 12:26
3. 111s is faster to 60 - 5.1 i think compared to 5.7 for the 120bhp bog standard elise. The normal Elise is helped by having a close-ration gear box so you still get plenty of 'go' in the lower gears. Top end speed, I'd think that the 111s would start to pull away above 70/80mph
5. The AA do a ~£60 Parts and Labour warrenty for cars less than 10yrs, less than 100k miles and full service history. Well worth getting if you're an existing AA member as they'll pay the first £500 of any breakdown fault (except £25 excess) up to 3 times a year. Worth it for peace of mind.
General stuff: Liz's seem to be fine if allowed to warm up and warm down. Giving them 5/10 mins to get up to temp before booting it above 3000rpm is prudent to ward off nasty stuff like HGF.
The standard exhaust and engine note is pretty weedy - akin to a sewing machine. It's worth investing in a sports exhaust (~£350) and Induction kit (~£70-£160 depending on make) to improve the occasion! A Larini exhuast is going to be my next upgrade
>> Edited by Trixster on Wednesday 24th May 12:26
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