S2 or VX220??

[tadltd]

I've been looking at buying a VX220 or an S2 (max. 12k budget) - so I'd like some advice!

My impression is that VX's are more reliable in the engine dept' than the K-series S2, but don't handle as well as they're heavier.

Also, I can get a younger, lower mileage, more powerful VX for similar money to an older S2. I like the looks of both, so that's not a factor. Both cars were made by Lotus so to my mind they're virtually identical underneath.

Why should I pick and S2 over a VX220, and vice versa?

[deano15482]

can i throw an S1 in the equation?

S1 160

[robin]

If you are mostly going to use the car on the road, then a lower mileage newer VX220 is likely to serve you better than a higher mileage older S2. Both cars have more than enough power for road use.

If you're going to use it on track then a standard S2 is better than a standard VX220, even one that has more power.

If you're a frequent track user you'll probably end up spending money on sorting the car for track use in which case you can probably make either of them into a car that suits you.

Cheers,
Robin

[Edin430]

My impression is that VX's are more reliable in the engine dept' than the K-series S2, but don't handle as well as they're heavier.

Just buy an S2 and plant a money tree

[Lazydonkey]

£12k will buy you a cracking low mileage 2.2 VX - Karl (on this board) just got a lovely example for £11.5k.

Reliablity wise they do seem to be pretty bulletproof so long as you keep an eye on the oil level - i've been on the VX board for 3 years now and any engine issues are few and far between.

A std. 2.2 weighs around 860kgs so it's actually lighter than a 111R - no idea how that compares to a K series car though. VXJON and I have spent many an enjoyable day chasing Elises and Exiges of various vintages and flavours and if we get left behind it's rarely cos the cars aren't quick enough Likewise those SE'ers who've tried the cars seem to be impressed, maybe even surprised with how nice they are

Robin's comments seem about on the money. A std 2.2 will be fun on the track but it runs 17" wheels all round and as such the fronts are a bespoke Bridgestone.......therefore if you crave 888's or A048's you'll need to change the wheels.

Suspension wise it's almost identical to the S2 (i believe the geo is slightly more understeery) and as such is a good compromise between confort and handling. Contemporary road tests said there was little in it handling wise IIRC.

Jon and I are running S2 exige suspension on the cars (£200 on fleabay) and then Willie at CLCM changed the geo to suit and the difference is amazing. Well recommended.

So in a nutshell you should cos;
- Lower insurance (group 16 for 2.2)
- Bomb proof mechanics
- newer, lower mileage car for less money
- No-one know what it is and everyone comes over to ask

You shouldn't cos
- It's not a lotus, it's a vauxhall (this appears to bother a lot of people)
- You can't get super sticky rubber without considerable expense
- The interior is "wipe clean" and low rent compared to the S2

For what it's worth in Dec '04 i started looking for an S1 / S2 Elise with my budget of £15k and ended up buying a VX. 2.5 years on and 38k later I'd still make the same decison again.

Happy to meet up and show you round the car if required!

[Lazydonkey]

Wil's car is immaculate and he drives like a girl

http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... php?t=8832

[wil_scotland]

I too would also be happy to meet up and show you around a very good condition VX220.

[shameless plug]
Oh and mines is up for sale too . I am sure Lazy or VXJon will confirm mines is always the cleanest.

[/shameless plug]

PS I think Lazy's post hits it on the head why I bought a VX over a lotus. But you cant go wrong with either version.

[wil_scotland]

Must learn to type quicker.

[VXJON]

Go for the vx220





Then change all the bits for lotus parts

[BiggestNizzy]

I'd go for an S1 instead of those 2 lesser examples

[jj]

Go for the vx220 and people will ask you if its a smart car

[VXJON]

Damm knew I should never have told you that

[GregR]

VX220s have over servo'd brakes with nasty ABS that cooks on track IIRC.

They're both great cars that will turn heads and reward on the road. Simple stuff really, try them both and see what you prefer; as ever in a discussion like this, its all about personal preference - we can't tell you what you like or what you want

[VXJON]

VX220s have over servo'd brakes with nasty ABS that cooks on track IIRC.

Thats a good point the Vx ABS is quite poor, a lot of the vx guys use a cutoff switch to turn it off on trackdays. Another option is fitting the s2 Exige/Vxr Abs module which is 4 channel instead of the Vx 2 channel, the major problem being the module price of £360
It definitely helps but its a lot of cash to part with for something that should have been sorted by the factory. If your mostly using the car on the road then a Vx turbo might be a good choice, Its slightly heavier at around 950kg(IIRC) and comes with 200hp as std



Anyway dont take any advise from Greg, he still only thinks he has a C/r box

[woody]

I looked at VX220's before my elise, but then my mum bought a budgie and we just couldn't have matching pets