To Lotus Elise, or not Lotus Elise: That is the question.

[wemorgan]

I think this post might amuse some: My first significant DIY job on the car is remove RUST! Ha!

All (8) wishbons are zinc coated steel tubes. In the UK climate it seems the zinc coatig does not last so long. So these next few w/e will be spent going around each corner with a wirebrush, POR 15 then Hammerite. (New wishbones are £200/each plus fitting!)

On another topic. I've found a very good garage near me who serviced my car. They noticed that the engine felt flat in the lower revs. On inspection they saw that the timing belt was out by 2 teeth. Good find, as I would never have noticed. 1 hours labour later all fixed and even I can feel the difference.

 

[redspecial2000]

Been there- totally impractical car that ends up garaged most of the year... however.... it's fabulous to drive and you always get out (albeit with great difficulty if oyu are taller than 5'11'') with a huge smile on your face...

Some advice:

Go for a type 2 with the non- Rover K Series engine (cylinder head issues and overheats in traffic)
Go for one with a custom paint job on it, they seem to retain their value (I had a type 25 that was just beautiful)
Get used to people complaining about you parking across two parking spaces- you need to do that in order to get in and out...

 

[npuk]

He has already bought one.

It's a 2003 111S (Rover engine)

It's dark now, but here's the advertisment photo

 

[wemorgan]

I've had the Elise for 6 months and now it's time to move on, but for all the right reasons.

It's been a great car and more reliable than it's reputation suggests. It's only fault was to the hot-cold flap in the HVAC unit. Being an Elise with air-con this meant a front clam off (£350) job. But I've had higher bills on less exciting cars so I'm not complaining.

In truth the car cost me an awful lot more than just the HVAC repair. I became caught up in the upgrading-servicing bug and so changed brake pads, discs, tyres, radiator, clutch, flywheel, spark plugs to name a few, at some cost. Most of this was DIY which helped with the budget, but still. The plus side though is that because I bought it late Summer and will sell in Spring the residuals look very promising. But I'm not counting my chickens yet.

It's been interesting to read back at some of the thread comments and see how true they were for me. It's been mixed I'd say. I never had issues getting in and out of the car and in some sense thought it added to the sense of occasion. The low seating position made it a very engrossing car to drive. Reliability was very good to me (as mentioned above), it never failed to start even on -10C mornings. The ice on the inside of the windscreen soon cleared with warm water on the outside. The ride is harsh and sometimes crashy, but again it added to the experience. But I wouldn't use the car as a long commuter, especially with the aftermarket induction and exhaust system that's fitted. The fuel economy was very good. I averaged 35-40mpg on my drive to work. When I then mixed in a few Sunday B-road runs it was nearer 30mpg. A recent track day showed 20mpg and was once 45mpg on a motorway run. Servicing costs are also reasonable. I found an excellent specialist in Daventry, Guglielmi Motorsport, who if anyone has an Elise or race car needing TLC I can highly recommend for their professional work, excellent customer service and modest labour rates.

But as for why I'm selling it, there are a number of reasons. The value of the these cars is very much link to their mileage. Mine is 38k now which still fits in the low mileage band. Once a car is 40-50k fewer buyers will consider them, so the price drops away quickly. But the main reason is that the car as it stands is too valuable for me to use on more track days. I went to my first proper track day yesterday and had a great time. So great infact that I would like to do lots more of them. But my commitment in to some fast corners was hindered by how much it would cost me if I crashed. Also they would suffer more wear and tear with track use, again hitting me in the wallet. So to enjoy my new found hobby I've decided to by a much cheaper road car that I can track and not worry about it's value. This will most probably me a Mk1 MX5.

So there we have it. 6 very enjoyable months, a lighter wallet but well worth it in my opinion.


If anyone is interested in buying this or any other Elise I'll happily answer any questions.

Here are some photos I took a few days ago.

 

[Ade B]

Glad you enjoyed the car Will - beware the track bug, did it with bikes. It's horrendously expensive and will take up most of your spare time one way or another, and you will crash

Got to be done though.



Ade

 

[wemorgan]

and you will crash

I think you're right, which is why I'd rather crash a £2k MX5 than a £12k Elise.

These track days are very addictive though and I'm sure I'll want to make the MX5 faster than standard, but I hope it will still be cheaper in the long run.

 

[Ade B]

Based on my 2 seasons of bike experience, learning the track and how to ride the bike took more time off laps than any tweaks. That said my R6 was an ex race bike so arrived with a few mods (Ohlins, braided hoses, larger rear sprocket, full akrapovic, rearsets and quick action throttle).. We spent more money on tyres, attempting to crash-proof it with various covers and crash bungs, and getting it straightened/new plastics when we did crash it than fancy performance tweaks etc.

When I sold it was held together with gaffa tape and cable ties and no body panels matched. It was bought unseen by a club racer in the NE..

Happy days

Ade

 

[flango]

I think you're right, which is why I'd rather crash a £2k MX5 than a £12k Elise.

These track days are very addictive though and I'm sure I'll want to make the MX5 faster than standard, but I hope it will still be cheaper in the long run.

Wise thinking Will my Scooby Rally car does not stand me at much these days so on the occasion it gets a little bent it's not too upsetting, but Ade B is correct you will crash Just treat it as a learning experience.

That Elise is far too nice as a track weapon but glad you enjoyed the ownership experience

 

[wemorgan]

Things have moved on quickly this week. I've had two offers for my Elise, just a little shy of my minimum price, so with some gentle negotiation I hope to get there soon enough.

I've also had my offer accepted on this track ready MX5, which I hope to collect this w/e.

 

[Ade B]

you'll struggle with a roof box on that.


Ade

 

[Seamster15]

Whats the spec?

 

[wemorgan]

Yesterday I collected my new toy. I bought the car off a Lotus forum member, making it possibly the easiest buying process I've ever had . The owner waved a few extras under my nose and I bit. So as well as the car I also have a Mk2 1800cc cylinder head and a pair of sill reinforcement bars. The bars I can do myself, but the cylinder head will need to be done by a garage. So next week I'll phone around to see what the damage will be for; head recondition and skimming, new cambelt and water pump. I had half promised myself to keep the budget down on this car, but I'm weak.

The weather was not so nice when I arrived home, but I still wanted to do a few bits and pieces. The inside was hoovered, seats cleaned, dash and trim wiped down. On the outside I removed the front spoiler which had been split from its last track day. I'll do without for the moment, but will look for a second-hand OEM spoiler.

A photo of outgoing and incoming cars.

On the next dry w/e I plan on re-proofing the hood and painting the inside of the floor (interior carpets are removed) to keep the rust at bay.

Seamster: The spec is.

Mk1 MX5 1800cc with Torsen LSD.
Hard-dog rollover bar
Sparco seats
4 point harness (on order)
HSD adjustable suspension
15" Slipstream Alloys
Momo steering wheel
Air-con (considering removing this, saves ~30kg)
Electric windows

 

[crockers]

duplicate post

 

[crockers]

you'll struggle with a roof box on that.


Ade

and towing your caravan

 

[wemorgan]

all the gear......no idea....

[YOUTUBE]3VKCqi5s8sI[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]Cu6frs2ODmk[/YOUTUBE]

[YOUTUBE]gmNGglK8I9E[/YOUTUBE]

 

[BTB 500]

Wet track though

 

[crockers]

Interesting post Will

 

[Shude]

I drove an MX5 at a track day, looked very similar to that (mk1, stripped, roll cage, racing seats/harnesses etc). Was a cracking little car! I was talking to a chap from the company that owns them and he said they're not far from stock really, just a few bits removed and some aftermarket items. I came about halfway down the board for my lap time, which I was pretty happy with although I didn't give it my all due to fear.

 

[wemorgan]

I've been quite busy with the car lately. I finally found some harnesses that fitted my needs and have also installed some sill reinforcement bars. Both of these mods should improve safety (not the 17 yr old car's strongest suit).

It handles quite sharply even compared to the Elise, but I'm still finding my feet with it as shown in the above videos Driver talent (lack off) is still the key factor, but that wont stop me playing with tyre and suspension settings.

I'm off to Cadwell Park this Saturday. Hoping for no rain as the run-offs aren't quite so forgiving.

If anyone has wondered about buying a MX5 I can highly recommend getting one. I can't think of a better value for money roadster out there.

 

[wemorgan]

I'm slowly getting used to the car and track days. I think the 2CV were the only cars I overtook all day!

Sorry for the poor quality. I've learnt now that 10fps is not enough

[YOUTUBE]uIqxXwn6AAM[/YOUTUBE]