Which One to get?

[Justin S]

Hi guys, I am looking in the next few months at getting a car,abeit unsure of which to get. I did nearly buy a Mk2 Exige,but just at the last minute, my boss said my job wasn't needed.So, new job and ready to look again. I like the Exige,but the later Elises take my fancy too. Suspension wise, the Elise ,may fair better on Berkshire roads.It will be a week end car and and up to 20k. I like the look also of various Mk1 Elises with Honda conversions, as coming from a 185bhp Westfield,the lesser powered cars might leave me a bit uninspired.I could also look at the Mk1 160bhp etc. Mk1's are lighter too than Mk2, I believe,so compensating for less power,although a K series.Can anyone give me direction on this issue,as I want a car that I can keep for a long time and am worried also about tax banding for the 2000 to 2006 cars affecting the running costs.eg I want to pay £300 road tax for 2000 miles a year car etc.Cheers gents.

[bogie]

well road tax wise an early converted car is the one to have - road tax dosent change - its on the original engine ..so you can have up to about 350bhp in a sub 800kg car with 30mpg and low tax..they are rare though

other than that, with 'factory standard cars' its more about usage.

If you want more of a tourer etc then youd go for a later car with 'regular' suspension and non-track tyres

If you want a weekend track toy, then as extreme as you like - an S2 Exige with sticky rubber and stiff suspension etc

[_TC]

I have a 135R for sale. thats a beaut of a car.

[Moospeed]

Justin S said:

I like the look also of various Mk1 Elises with Honda conversions, as coming from a 185bhp Westfield,the lesser powered cars might leave me a bit uninspired.I could also look at the Mk1 160bhp etc. Mk1's are lighter too than Mk2, I believe,so compensating for less power,although a K series.

I went from a R1 Fury to S1 160 - I think that whatever one you get aside from 340R / 2-11 (which are outside that budget) then you won't encounter quite the same experience. I include the honda/audi cars in this. There's something about being exposed to the elements without much in the way of solid doors, windscreen, proper dashboard, etc that you won't get.

Note I'm not talking about speed though, around a vaguely timed circuit I've already beaten my R1 Fury time (by 1 second) in the elise with no more power but carting around another 250+ kgs. Power is nothing without control as the tagline goes...

[Yee haa!]

_TC said:

I have a 135R for sale. thats a beaut of a car.

135R's are great, not quite as soft as the rest of the range if you like the S2 styling and if you get bored with the power stick a honda in later on. As pointed out above the road tax stays the same! bonus!

[Justin S]

money man came round last night and seems a good proposition. I need to sell the wifes Yaris first tho.....

[kambites]

The S2 111S has the lowest CO2 emissions (163g/km = £180 to tax in 2010) and best fuel economy of all the Elises. It also has 156bhp so it's fast enough (at least for me), 0-60 takes about five seconds. I average about 38mpg from mine in non-motorway driving and managed to got over 48mpg out of it on the motorway once.

If you get a 111S and put a Honda in it later, you still only pay on 163g/km too.

Edited by kambites on Thursday 24th July 08:39

[Justin S]

Right, I'm going shopping this week end and also taking a private plate off the Yaris to put it on retention for the Lotus.I shouldn't think a Diesel Yaris will take long to shift.

[The Bandit]

How about this one?Best of all worlds.
Looks a beauty
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/559332.htm
Wills got a good reputation too.

[Justin S]

Wanted to go and nose at a dealer or two, but theres not many cars in Swindon,Bicester and other local areas.
Quick question, what year did the phase out begin for the Rover to Toyota start and what bhp went with which model.
I did look at that S1 and it looks bloody nice.I haven't yet got the moola sorted, although have posted the plate transfer tonight is a start and get the Yaris in the papers for next week.

[Hollywood Wheels]

The Bandit said:

How about this one?Best of all worlds.
Looks a beauty
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/559332.htm
Wills got a good reputation too.

I'm really suprised that is still up for sale. Will has a good rep, and that looks on paper to be one sorted car at a seriously good price, considering the money that's been thrown at it. Wonder why it's not selling?

[TIPPER]

I doubt there's anything wrong with it. It really is a cracking buy and I think Will's prices reflect the market at the current time.