Elise/Exige

[CAM 6]

Hi all

Thinking of getting Elise /Exige for my g/f....and me for a second weekend car

As i dont know allot about the diffrent models of both Elise / Exige, could you point me in the right direction of both these models...


I wont be buying new so second hand for roughly 10/20k

Many Thanks

[CAM 6]

P.s i saw a Exige cup 260 at weekend....lovely but out my price bracket

[Justin S]

Your price can cover both models. The Exige is the more track biased car and the Elise in the more road orientated, although some beg to differ. The S2 exige can have the roof unbolted and a soft top put on for the best of both worlds.K series engines in Elise and Exige S1's and Elise S2, Toyota engines Elise S2 and Exige S2.

[CAM 6]

Thanks

Really like the exige although i might have to get Exige in s1 model....but maybe a newer s2 as i would prefer tbh

Whats the diffrence models i.e 111 and variants?

[RobM77]

CAM 6 said:

Thanks

Really like the exige although i might have to get Exige in s1 model....but maybe a newer s2 as i would prefer tbh

Whats the diffrence models i.e 111 and variants?

The S1 Exige is a raw track biased car, whereas the Exige S2 is easily useable everyday.

Most Elise variants have a theme:

135R and Race-tech - K series with track biased suspension
111S K series and comfy for everyday use.
111R Toyota engined "standard" Elise (190bhp). More refined as standard (near 111S comfort) although touring pack is available (more comfort than 111S). Toyota engine brought more weight and servo brakes. Later 111Rs had a DBW throttle too, introduced by the "Sports Racer" special edition.
S - quite recent entry level model below the 111R (~140bhp?).
SC - supercharged Elise

There were also lots of mainly cosmetic special editions.

There must be a Wiki somewhere for all the variants?

Watch out for the brake pedal on early 111Rs; it sinks so low you can't heel and toe anymore! (servo brakes...). The introduction of DBW throttle brought in a lower throttle pedal which solved this. The throttle was always a bit high anyway relative to the clutch biting point, and tiring on the ankles on long journeys. You'd set your seat to operate the clutch and then find the accelerator very high.

[anonymous-user]

RobM77 said:

There must be a Wiki somewhere for all the variants?

Courtesy of Rob Collingridge there is: http://www.elises.co.uk/models/index.php

Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 8th June 13:12

[lady lancer]

My arm twisting is having an effect then lol I like the exige we saw not too worried about it being a bit of a pest can't be worse then the evo surely

[CAM 6]

Many thanks for the info lads....

I would probably like to go for the Toyota later engine in the S2, Is the any reliability issues on earlier engines?

[RobM77]

CAM 6 said:

Many thanks for the info lads....

I would probably like to go for the Toyota later engine in the S2, Is the any reliability issues on earlier engines?

You could spend all day reading K series vs Toyota threads on here In summary, K series engines need a bit more maintenance, but are lighter and give better economy. K series engines are prone to head gasket failure (search for "HGF"), but I think more's made of that than is really the case (the cost of repair isn't that great really). Personally, I much prefer the K series' characteristics to the Toyota. My VVC K series has a nice flat torque curve, whereas the non supercharged Toyota engines have a sudden step in power and torque at 6200rpm (about 60mph in 2nd gear!). I rarely use those revs as the engine's never warm enough on my 10 ten miles commute to work, 10 mile trip into town, 10 mile trip to see my parents, 10 mile trip to my sister etc etc. I can also feel the weight difference between Toyota and K series engined cars. That said, Lotus have continued to improve the ride, handling etc on the Elise over the years.. Drive both and see

[TIPPER]

I'd avoid the S1 Exige as the engine is a highly tuned 'K' series and really needs regular rebuilds (every 40kish is reckoned on). Its also a very raw, track focused car and youy may well find the ventilation inadequate on a hot summers day.
An S1 111S gives the rawness and purity of response of the series one Elise with a bit more comfort seat wise and 140ish bhp (against the standard car's 120). A good one will be about 10k.
In the middle of your budget comes the S2 111S which has 156bhp (K series) and is often fitted with air con, some sound deadening and a few other mod cons and a bit more gets you a 111R as described. Its worth trying both of these as not everyone likes the power delivery of the Toyota engine (I don't) although this can be sorted for about £1k with a remap, induction, and exhaust mods at Sinclairs - it'll also give you a few more bhp.
The major weak point of the K is the head gasket but its not the end of the world and fixes are £500 - £1000, dependant on where you go. The Toyota engine can also suffer from oil starvation problems in extremis - I'm not too well informed on that though but I'm sure someone who is will come along.
Generally all varients of the Elise/Exige are very reliable cars and have laid to rest the Lots of Trouble Usually Serious joke. However, don't expect Audi (or even Ford) levels of build, after all they're bolted together by some blokes in a shed in Norfolk (;) Hethel).
Don't worry too much about the mileage (within reason), a properly serviced car will wear very well, and don't fuss too much about an 'official' Lotus service history - they'res a great network of specialist about and many peeps do their own servicing as the cars are so easy to diy in many ways.
The only other thing I'd add is that if either you or your girlfriend have no experience of driving a mid-engined rear wheel drive car then get some off road tuition.

[lady lancer]

TIPPER said:

I'd avoid the S1 Exige as the engine is a highly tuned 'K' series and really needs regular rebuilds (every 40kish is reckoned on). Its also a very raw, track focused car and youy may well find the ventilation inadequate on a hot summers day.
An S1 111S gives the rawness and purity of response of the series one Elise with a bit more comfort seat wise and 140ish bhp (against the standard car's 120). A good one will be about 10k.
In the middle of your budget comes the S2 111S which has 156bhp (K series) and is often fitted with air con, some sound deadening and a few other mod cons and a bit more gets you a 111R as described. Its worth trying both of these as not everyone likes the power delivery of the Toyota engine (I don't) although this can be sorted for about £1k with a remap, induction, and exhaust mods at Sinclairs - it'll also give you a few more bhp.
The major weak point of the K is the head gasket but its not the end of the world and fixes are £500 - £1000, dependant on where you go. The Toyota engine can also suffer from oil starvation problems in extremis - I'm not too well informed on that though but I'm sure someone who is will come along.
Generally all varients of the Elise/Exige are very reliable cars and have laid to rest the Lots of Trouble Usually Serious joke. However, don't expect Audi (or even Ford) levels of build, after all they're bolted together by some blokes in a shed in Norfolk (;) Hethel).
Don't worry too much about the mileage (within reason), a properly serviced car will wear very well, and don't fuss too much about an 'official' Lotus service history - they'res a great network of specialist about and many peeps do their own servicing as the cars are so easy to diy in many ways.
The only other thing I'd add is that if either you or your girlfriend have no experience of driving a mid-engined rear wheel drive car then get some off road tuition.

Not worried about extras like air con luxury isn't that important to me would much rather have the power and performance, re-build after 40k doesn't sound too bad to me either as our car at the moment is 20kish unfortunately. My plan would be to get it on track as well The other half has driven track etc with mid-engined rear wheel drive cars would probably be me that might need a bit of tuition but as long as it goes quick I'm well away lol

That's helpful advice peeps, think I need to go have a proper look at a few

[TIPPER]

If you want a track car then get an Exige S1. You can always chuck a Honda in it and then supercharge it (mind you can get 350+ out of the Yota unit in the S2 as well).

[CAM 6]

TIPPER said:

If you want a track car then get an Exige S1. You can always chuck a Honda in it and then supercharge it (mind you can get 350+ out of the Yota unit in the S2 as well).

Na dont want to go down that route with our 2nd car mate,just want to buy it and run it as is(quick out the box) i have a 540 bhp Evo VI and that has been keeping me busy with mods....;)

[RobM77]

I'd never disagree with anyone recommending driver coaching, but I can re-assure the OP that the Elise is very friendly car to drive and not hairy in any way at all.

[Scuffers]

TIPPER said:

(mind you can get 350+ out of the Yota unit in the S2 as well).

• cough*

Yea, sure....

[TIPPER]

Scuffers said:

TIPPER said:

(mind you can get 350+ out of the Yota unit in the S2 as well).

• cough*

Yea, sure....

I think Ronin is claiming about 365 now.

[Esprit]

lady lancer said:

TIPPER said:

I'd avoid the S1 Exige as the engine is a highly tuned 'K' series and really needs regular rebuilds (every 40kish is reckoned on). Its also a very raw, track focused car and youy may well find the ventilation inadequate on a hot summers day.
An S1 111S gives the rawness and purity of response of the series one Elise with a bit more comfort seat wise and 140ish bhp (against the standard car's 120). A good one will be about 10k.
In the middle of your budget comes the S2 111S which has 156bhp (K series) and is often fitted with air con, some sound deadening and a few other mod cons and a bit more gets you a 111R as described. Its worth trying both of these as not everyone likes the power delivery of the Toyota engine (I don't) although this can be sorted for about £1k with a remap, induction, and exhaust mods at Sinclairs - it'll also give you a few more bhp.
The major weak point of the K is the head gasket but its not the end of the world and fixes are £500 - £1000, dependant on where you go. The Toyota engine can also suffer from oil starvation problems in extremis - I'm not too well informed on that though but I'm sure someone who is will come along.
Generally all varients of the Elise/Exige are very reliable cars and have laid to rest the Lots of Trouble Usually Serious joke. However, don't expect Audi (or even Ford) levels of build, after all they're bolted together by some blokes in a shed in Norfolk (;) Hethel).
Don't worry too much about the mileage (within reason), a properly serviced car will wear very well, and don't fuss too much about an 'official' Lotus service history - they'res a great network of specialist about and many peeps do their own servicing as the cars are so easy to diy in many ways.
The only other thing I'd add is that if either you or your girlfriend have no experience of driving a mid-engined rear wheel drive car then get some off road tuition.

Not worried about extras like air con luxury isn't that important to me would much rather have the power and performance, re-build after 40k doesn't sound too bad to me either as our car at the moment is 20kish unfortunately. My plan would be to get it on track as well The other half has driven track etc with mid-engined rear wheel drive cars would probably be me that might need a bit of tuition but as long as it goes quick I'm well away lol

That's helpful advice peeps, think I need to go have a proper look at a few

If used hard, don't expect a S1 Exige to go much more than 20,000 miles between rebuilds.... mine was pampered but used a reasonable amount on track and the engine was completely knackered after about 23,000 miles.

[edo]

This one looks nice ;-)

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1078660.htm

[lady lancer]

RobM77 said:

I'd never disagree with anyone recommending driver coaching, but I can re-assure the OP that the Elise is very friendly car to drive and not hairy in any way at all.

Thanks for that wouldn't do me any harm to have a bit of training am used to four wheel driving of the evo tbh good to know it's not going to kill me though

Edited by lady lancer on Tuesday 9th June 15:37

[lady lancer]

If used hard, don't expect a S1 Exige to go much more than 20,000 miles between rebuilds.... mine was pampered but used a reasonable amount on track and the engine was completely knackered after about 23,000 miles.
[/quote]

I'm a considerate driver I don't drive as hard as what most of you blokes probably do just enjoy a bit of speed now and again

Edited by lady lancer on Tuesday 9th June 15:42