want an elise!!

deano15482 · Post by **deano15482** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:09 pm

hey there,saw this forum on type-r-scotland.com and thought i'd check it out.
i've been considering getting an elise for a while so basically i'm lookin for some advice on models,prices,running costs,insurance etc
saw a 135R in blue on ebay that looked pretty sweet,but dont know if i trust ebay enough to buy a car from there but we'll see
thanks to anyone for any advice
Dean

tenkfeet · Post by **tenkfeet** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:55 pm

You will be able to find lots of info on the seloc.org forums , thats were I asked similar questions.

For models http://www.elises.co.uk/models/

and some FAQ's http://www.elise-faq.info/?seloc=1 there are lots of sites out there.

I am new to Lotus ownership and used to have a CTR and be on TRS , you will not regret buying one. Ebay is OK for buying a car , its just like any other private ad. From my limited knowledge it is essential to get the car inspected by somebody who knows about them , more so than most cars just be the very nature of the way they are driven .

pizzaboy · Post by **pizzaboy** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 6:10 pm

If your local in glasgow your welcome to drive mine to get to grips on what to look for in an elise. Tho I have an S1 so it depends on what your aftter mate. Give us a shout if ye are.

deano15482 · Post by **deano15482** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 6:37 pm

hey pizzaboy,
yeah i'm in glasgow,thanks for the offer,that would be great.
i currently drive an integra type r that why i was on type r scotland,but i always fancied an elise.
i'm in a rush just now,i'll drop you a pm later
Dean

Post by **simon** » Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:17 pm

It depends what you want from the car as to which model will probably suit best. If it's an only car and you need to drive it daily, the S2 is the better bet cos it's slightly more comfy, leaks less and has a far easier to use roof. If you just want a 2nd car for track and road runs then you might be better off looking at an S1.

The 135R is usually considered the best S2 for track but the suspension makes it ride harder than other Elises.

Best idea is to get some pax rides either on road or at KH and drive a few to see which you prefer.

Prices - huge variation, look on Pistonheads classifieds.

Running costs - depends how much you use it but I did about 9k last year and it cost me a set of tyres (£350) and a service (£300 from Murrays) and I get about 30ish mpg I think on the road (far less on track).

Insurance - £680 for me and my gf, 25 and 24, 4 years ncb, no claims/points etc.

jj · Post by jj » Mon Sep 12, 2005 10:41 am

I'm not up on the model info on the S2 as I only looked at S1s due to budget, and have had my S1 for 4months now. Its been great for 4kmiles, I have yet to spend any money on it (apart from oney I've spent on bits for it

) and the running costs so far have been great.

If I had believed what I read about them being unreliable and a pain in the arse to live with then I'd have missed out on muchos fun.

As for insurance, it`ll vary hugely. I had the problem of high group car with young driver.

Ebay is as good or as bad as any other way of buying privately. I have sold 2 cars on ebay and had no probs so I wouldnt have a problem buying if the price and car was right.

Post by ed » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:11 pm

Ebay is ok if theyve got user history!

Was ripped off in the very early days. Wont make that mistake again.

You wont regret an elise purchase! Go to MMC for a test drive but buy privately. You save loads of cash!

You know you want to

pizzaboy · Post by **pizzaboy** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:29 pm

deano15482 wrote:hey pizzaboy,
yeah i'm in glasgow,thanks for the offer,that would be great.
i currently drive an integra type r that why i was on type r scotland,but i always fancied an elise.
i'm in a rush just now,i'll drop you a pm later
Dean

Should meet with us on wed...few Glasgow based Lotarses (me,JJ, an ninja I think) will be meeting up!

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:34 pm

Welcome!

Thoughts from a numpty (ie: me!)

I've had my S1 for 6 weeks and 1.5k miles, had a few problems, all of which are common S1 problems. Just be careful where you buy from and make sure you get someone you trust who knows about elises to look it over.

the problems I have had:

1. Mismatched disks - alloy on front steel on back - fixed by dealer
2. Headlamp brackets rusted through - bought replacements - £30
3. Floor corrosion - would possibly be fixed under anti-corrosion but can't be bothered, I'm going to sort it myself
4. Sh1t tyres - were near brand new Star Performers might be ok on a nissan sunny taxi.... - replaced with Toyos - £290 fitted
5. Short shift and gear link upgrade £80 (not really needed)
6. New larini club sport 'zorst tomorrow (definatly not needed!) - £350

Shop around for insurance mine costs £600 ish from Bell direct
I get around 35-40 mpg and it starts 1st time! Also look into AA parts and labour, good for peace of mind!

Get the roof off, get in 10 mins later (Its an S1 "feature"), warm it up gently (10 mins), then drive like a loon.
I can't stop smiling.

In the wet take it easy as it'll bite, but my tyres were pants. Just find a wide bit and have a gentle play. Sideways is fun! (You can't see out the front anyway cos the wiper is also pants - its a "feature...")

If you want to tinker then it's easy and there are loads of people on the forums to help when it goes wrong!

Next thing I need is a driver training day....

Good luck!

Post by **simon** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:49 pm

RICHARDHUMBLE wrote: I get around 35-40 mpg

You're not trying hard enough

RICHARDHUMBLE wrote: Get the roof off, get in 10 mins later (Its an S1 "feature")

And you'll get used to that

RICHARDHUMBLE wrote: You can't see out the front anyway cos the wiper is also pants

Get an S2 wiper blade, should help.

Rich H · Post by **Rich H** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 10:11 pm

simon wrote:
RICHARDHUMBLE wrote: I get around 35-40 mpg
You're not trying hard enough

See my avatar...!

simon wrote:
RICHARDHUMBLE wrote: You can't see out the front anyway cos the wiper is also pants
Get an S2 wiper blade, should help.

More expense...!

and a bit of a clean might help. There are no bugs left in scotland, they are all stuck to my windscreen!

Thanks simon!

Lazydonkey · Post by **Lazydonkey** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 8:13 am

VX's are nice too

Seem to sit somewhere between S1 and S2 money as well - can pick up a cracker for £12 - 14k.

Happy to offer advice / white knuckle rides if you can stomach the badge !

[runs off and hides]

deano15482 · Post by **deano15482** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 11:21 am

wow,thanks for greetings and advice guys!!

really lookin into getting one but think i'll need to wait until either just after christmas or might treat myself for my birthday in april!!!

i bought the teg on the back of gettin a lift in my mates one and i kinda got stung by dealer,i wish i'd taken the time to read and research more about buying one.

dont get me wrong i love the teg so much i dont regret buyin it but i could've got a much better price and slightly better condition if i'd done my homework(all my teachers used to say somethin similar!!!

)
i'm 23 at the mo but already thinkin that i want to own a 2 seater softtop before family needs take over cool car ownership!!

i'm well up for wednesday,what time and where?i've stripped out the tegs rear but i dont think i'll be anywhere near the bulimic elises body weight so dont race away from me!!
pizza boy,i'll drop you a line with my number
cheers again guys
Dean

Post by **Shug** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 11:34 am

A well-driven teg will stay with the Elises no problem on the road... It's the track you gotta watch out for. Don't expect them to be mentally fast in the real world - they just feel it

You need the safety margin of a track to use the last 10ths of grip available, as elises make ALL of their time in the corners - not actually that quick in a straight line...

Come along tho - I'm sure nobody will get embarrased by a metal Jap front-driver keeping up, when it's got a Type R badge

deano15482 · Post by **deano15482** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:42 pm

hopefully the teg will be more mental before i sell it.
got skunk2 stage 2 cams,cam gears,valves,valves springs and titanium retainers to go in.
goin to skim the head and get full re map,plus still need new manifold and airbox.
HOPEFULLY should end up with about 230-240 bhp so it'll be quick.....think i'm almost talkin myself out the elise now!!

on the topic of elise's it's the S2 i'm after really.i feel in love with the S1 years ago at a motor show and wanted an elise ever since but must admit i like the look of the S2....sorry S1 owners!!!

you can try to persuade me otherwise oon wednsday!!!
think i'm going to havea wee look at the lotus garage this afternoon,be back on later
bye
Dean