re: Elise 135r - Opinion needed please

[master_j]

Hi all,

I am in the market for a new car and have come across a seemingly pristine example of a 135R with low miles, 8800 miles according to autotrader and 9000 miles as advertised on here (both ads are for same car).

For a 2003 plate this mileage seems pretty low, or atleast to me it does, hence a little bit sceptical of being 'too good to be true'.

What are the chances of people knowing much of the history behind this car (link shown below).

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/389361.htm

Perhaps this is a long shot but in past forums I have been a member of, ie gtiroc, there was a close knit of owners who were able to share past history of cars that potentially were up for sale e.g car belonged to a mate of a mate etc.

I have just emailed seller and currently awaiting a response, to confirm if car was only ever 'used', paraphrasing for 'cained', on the track etc. I do know that there is an albeit short but full lotus FSH. Obv I wouldnt consider purchase if this was not supplied

Now I am putting my feelers out for any potentially useful info on this baby before I commit to a trip from Edinburgh to London resulting in a potential purchase.

Being my first Elise, although previously having driven both a 111r (out of my price range) and a 2.2 na VX220, I am keen to own a more precision tool both for road and track use (to get the most out of the 135r).

Not so relevant but regardless of car purchase I will be purchasing a 3 year warranty with local Lotus dealer for £660.00.

Any responses to this thread would be greatly appreciated.

many thanks

Jonny

ps. I do tend to waffle so perhaps my post could of been summarised into a much more condensed format, apologies

[mjoy]

Hi

I don't know about this particular car.
I do own a 135R and it is fantastic. The suspension is set up more for the track than the road and with the owner increasing the power I expect it has been driven hard.
Recently the plastic end of the radiator on my car let go. Otherwise it has been very good for 18 months and 13k miles. Total mileage now 20k.

The price is good but not so low as to be suspect.

hope this is helpful

[S Works]

Read up on Head Gasget Failure, then purchase an AA Breakdown Parts & Labour Warranty instead of the Dealer one. If you do buy a dealer warranty (which will be underwritten by a 3rd non-Lotus party) read it through with a critical, cynical eye and be very sure it's worth the paper it's written on.

That car caught my eye last night actually. It would be interesting to know what mod's its had to get the extra grunt, and to see some printouts to prove that it is making the power claimed.

[Lawrence5]

<<Number 3 of 350 Built>>

Incorrect - limited edition 50 Blue 50 Silver 50 Yellow (though suggestions only 25 yellows were built)

<<Lotus Motorsport conversion producing 155 BHP>>

This car has been up for sale for a while - query on that conversion as it was never an official offering......

So no help on this car but I also own a 135R and they are great

[andykirk]

135R owner here too

Fantastic bit of kit. Considered 111R and 111S but went for the 135R in the end.

As Lawrence has said only 150 were actually made.

Be interesting to see what has been done for the extra power that is claimed.

I've got 27,500 on mine and only had to replace the temp sender so far

[master_j]

Hi all,

thanks for all your replies, I have been reading the FAQ section on this forum on buying an elise but thanks for the heads up re head gasket failure.

Having dealt with 3rd party warranties in the past I am a bit sceptical of them, I had one of these on my GtiR and whilst I always managed to successfully claim for mechanical breaks it was a long drawn out process. This AA warranty you mention SWorks does sounds better, I certainly will check this out.

I assumed that said <<Lotus Motorsport conversion producing 155 BHP>> was an official upgrade pack. Thanks for correcting the inaccuracy of my judgement Lawrence5, makes me think twice now. I suppose to assume makes an ASS out of U and ME.

Its good to hear from happy 135r owners and I hope to share my future driving experiences in one of these babies.

Thanks to all once again

Jonny

Edited by master_j on Tuesday 11th March 12:25

[Lawrence5]

master_j said:

Hi all,

I assumed that said <<Lotus Motorsport conversion producing 155 BHP>> was an official upgrade pack. Thanks for correcting the inaccuracy of my judgement Lawrence5, makes me think twice now. I suppose to assume makes an ASS out of U and ME.

Lotus Sport and Performance will do anything you want but this was never really advertised. No issue really - would just want to know what they did. You'll need that info for your insurance too........

I suspect it will be cams

Re HGF - many/most went within a few thousand miles and were replaced under warranty. Lotus should be able to tell you whether it was fixed if you get the vin/build number.

Good luck

[Lawrence5]

SELOC thread on this car.......... [free to register if you haven't already]

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=147650&...

Seems there was a PTP brochure in some of the original pics...... may be an aftermarket conversion.

[LivinLaVidaLotus]

Didn't PTP help Lotus develop one of the power variants? Or am I imagining things again?