Buying advice for an Elise Novice

[Mutton]

Hi chaps,

This is a copy of a post I've put over on SELOC, just in case people experience some deja vu..

I’m seriously considering purchasing an S1 Elise as a second car to go along with my Focus RS. The car would only be used for weekend hoons and the occasional track day so I was originally looking at either a 111S or a Sport 135 as they are probably a bit more suited to my needs. However, with the low prices of some of the base cars I wouldn’t rule these out either. I’ve spotted a few cars for sale and wanted to get some honest opinions from existing owners on what you think about them…

1. The first one is a high mileage base Elise, but appears to have an extensive history and has had a fair bit of work done to it, including some nice upgrades. Anyone know this car as the seller says it was owned previously by an Elise forum moderator?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/824790.htm

2. The second is a 111S from Hi-Torq. Looks pretty clean, has FLSH and a very attractive price tag, but I guess maybe not the extensive documented history and renewed components like the first one?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/830907.htm

3. The third is a Sport 135 from Pure Lotus. Looks clean and has documented history, but no mention of mileage… A bit more expensive, but I do like the Sport 135’s I must admit.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/478416.htm


Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Jeff

[mikey P 500]

take it you like silver then. i would probabily test drive the top two as both very good prices. would prob pick the standard car (hard top is worth about £600 btw making this car even better value).

[Mutton]

mikey P 500 said:

take it you like silver then. i would probabily test drive the top two as both very good prices. would prob pick the standard car (hard top is worth about £600 btw making this car even better value).

Thanks Mikey. It was just a coincidence that all three were silver - honestly!!

Does anyone know the original owner of the standard car? It does seem very good value, even with the mileage.

[Gad-Westy]

Top 2 look like good deals to me. Generally speaking I'd recommend the 111s as being the one to go for as lots of desirable extras are thrown in for free but in this case its probably the other way around as the 'standard' car seems to have all the right bits to start with and is very keenly priced. Proof is in the pudding though so go and take a look at them.

Not sure that the Sport 135 should command a premium of that much and do a search on SELOC about Pure Lotus.

[boobles]

Are you selling your RS?

[Mutton]

Thanks for the replies chaps!

I've almost got a shortlist together of cars I would like to see/try, so hopefully I can decide on which type of Elise suits me over the next few weeks.

As for the RS, no I'm not selling - spent far too much money on it, which I know I wouldn't get back when selling!!

[S Works]

Call all three sellers and ask them about the history of the cars. Both the trade sellers have reasonably good reps from what I've read, so I doubt you'll buy a pup from either.

Of the three I'd be most interested in the Sport 135 to start with, especially if it's not too high mileage. That model is generally considered to be the best all-round S1 Elise for all, and most tuneable platform if you think you'll want more grunt in the future.

If all sound good, and you like all three, I would very much recommend going to see them, getting a test drive and buy on condition!

[chevronb37]

I used to work next door to Pure Lotus and the guy knows his stuff. I am currently looking for an Elise to replace my Type-R and going through the same test drives, etc. Well exciting - they are just beyond stunning to drive.

[chris7676]

The 1st one I was about to buy half a year ago from a guy in Coventry (and it's the same description), but gave up travelling as he coudnt find a few important bills. It still may be a good car.

[7 Sevens]

I think the first one seems the better serviced/upgraded car. Just a question of miles.

S Works said:

That model has most tuneable platform if you think you'll want more grunt in the future.

Why is the 135 engine a better tuning option? say over the 118 car or 111s?

[Gad-Westy]

7 Sevens said:

I think the first one seems the better serviced/upgraded car. Just a question of miles.

S Works said:

That model has most tuneable platform if you think you'll want more grunt in the future.

Why is the 135 engine a better tuning option? say over the 118 car or 111s?

At a guess, the 135 comes with the C/R box but none of the drawbacks of the VVC head hence its a good starting point for tuning compared to others.