Advice on buying an elise

[pjp]

I'm hoping that someone out there will be able to help me.

I'm seriously considering trading in my 2.8 Z3 for an elise but need some advice. I have £18,500 - £19,000 to spend on the car but am unsure what model to go for and what to look for. The car will be used for my everyday commute so am not looking for purely a weekend track car. In addition I'don't have a garage so the car will be out in all weather, how durable/leak proof is the soft top? Is the better option to go for a car with both a soft and hard tops? If not how easy is it to get and fit a hardtop?

Any advice would be welcome.

[gfun]

Good man! - Did the same trade my self 18 months ago and have never looked back.

Everyday commute – is fine but you have to be keen as its noisy, and the seating and suspension is hard, however it’s a more relaxing drive and much easier to keep on the road than the Z3.

'Out side all the time', and 'everyday driver' – many on here would suggest the S1 as it’s a excellent car – more opinions will be added later from various other S1 ownwers!

But for a bit more practicality the S2 has a bit more space, its easier to get in and out, the hood is simpler to fit and is more watertight.

Also if you are looking for a bit more reliability it has the later K series engine that does not blow its head gasket.

The later S2s have the short hard top, which is simple to swap.

And finally the 'general' derivative – would be the sports tourer. (Carpets, leather and 4 speakers).

18-19K should pick up a decent one.

But make sure you have a test drive in a few first and try taking the soft top off and on all of them.

Geoff

p.s. you will miss the power hood and will not need the ABS and ASC as much as you may think.

[steff]

www.elises.co.uk

www.british-cars.co.uk

www.seloc.org

I think thats more or less all things covered!

[rfoster]

I agree - excellent choice of car! I'm on my second S1 now and don't have the luxury of putting it in my garage. It's also my daily drive.

Leaking soft tops - they all do that, no getting around it! Get used to keeping a towel and a squeegy in the luggage net. Gives the car character. Of course you should get the roof off at every available moment!

I would also suggest the S2 Sport Tourer, you should be able to pick up pretty new one for that kind of money.

Best to try a few different models to see which one suits you best. Good luck!

[R9TUS]

Personally I would try to barter a S2 111s for your 19K. However S1 111S is a bit more raw, especially decatted and with a sports exhaust, like my old one.
Only problem, reason I got rid, is crazy leaking if you are unlucky, like I was, with the roof!
Few mates have mark 2 elises and have zero leaks with soft top!
I think the difference between standard and 111s is definately worth the premium.
With the 111R coming on the seen the 111S is a bargain!

[marcfair]

i'd go for an s2 sports tourer with that budget, a bit more refined for everyday use than an s1
i've just bought one.........FANTASTIC!
do your homework on the suggested websites before you dive in

[UH-Matt]

I just got an S2 Sports tourer for everyday use, and keep it outside. It doesnt leak at all - best thing I ever did (also had a budget of £18k and picked up a minter ).

[onedsla]

S2 111S isn't far from the £19k mark if what I've been offered part-ex is anything to go by... I think this would be a very suitable elise varient.

[xxplod]

Second the sentiments here. My S2 111S has done 23K in 19 months and is used every day. Very refined, very fast, very useable with average 36 mpg.
I doubt I'd get much more than £19K for mine in PX, so look around and haggle hard. You won't regret it.

[mustard]

marcfair said:

i'd go for an s2 sports tourer with that budget, a bit more refined for everyday use than an s1 i've just bought one.........FANTASTIC! do your homework on the suggested websites before you dive in

You've been quite Marc!!.... too busy enjoying the car? glad your pleased and having fun!

[marcfair]

i can't stop driving it!!

[mustard]

marcfair said:

i can't stop driving it!!

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