wooly A2
Member
OMG Roadster or Nice Racey Red Lotus Elise i know what i would choose that looks awesome glad to hear it was the Smart that went and not the A2 ..I collected this last night. I'm very excited indeed
To Lotus Elise, or not Lotus Elise: That is the question.
- Thread starter Will
- Start date
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.
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.
humps
A2OC Donor
The elise is actually very reasonable as a track car in terms of running cost. I know the toyota lump is very reliable if you keep the fluids changed. On the other hand, another Elise owner I know had a rather different experience with the K-series (both as dedicated track toys). Tyres, brakes aren't too expensive (for a track car) either.
I've been considering mk1 mx5 as my track toy for a while now. Mostly thinking a 1.8 eunos with (hopefully) the LSD. Then may DIY the Eaton M45 charger to it at a latter date. But recently got a tip from friend, EVO did an article on BBR's new MX5 turbo. DIY kit from £4k or fitted for £5k. Even better, they can get you a used mx5, all prep'ed for £7.5k! BBR says dyno proven 220bhp from the 1.6 and 1.8 even higher! So I could get a 1.6 for £900, spend year 1 with tyres, brake and suspension upgrades and few track days. Then year 2 think about either the M45 or the BBR kit
Or, you can keep the Elise and save for a charger kit. Even better, get a 'charged Honda engine in it, I've seen one on the track and it was ****ing fast!
I've been considering mk1 mx5 as my track toy for a while now. Mostly thinking a 1.8 eunos with (hopefully) the LSD. Then may DIY the Eaton M45 charger to it at a latter date. But recently got a tip from friend, EVO did an article on BBR's new MX5 turbo. DIY kit from £4k or fitted for £5k. Even better, they can get you a used mx5, all prep'ed for £7.5k! BBR says dyno proven 220bhp from the 1.6 and 1.8 even higher! So I could get a 1.6 for £900, spend year 1 with tyres, brake and suspension upgrades and few track days. Then year 2 think about either the M45 or the BBR kit
Or, you can keep the Elise and save for a charger kit. Even better, get a 'charged Honda engine in it, I've seen one on the track and it was ****ing fast!
Hi humps. Some very valid points there.
I was satisfied with the Elise reletively low running costs, but it was more its total capital value which slightly scared me about using it on a track. Even specialist track insurance would have a £2-4k excess, which is more than I really want to risk.
So for that reason I feel a cheaper car is the way forward for the moment. Like you mention, a supercharger kit could nicely solve the MX5 power issues. But if I allow myself to be too drawn in to upgrading then I'll be right back to where I am now
I was satisfied with the Elise reletively low running costs, but it was more its total capital value which slightly scared me about using it on a track. Even specialist track insurance would have a £2-4k excess, which is more than I really want to risk.
So for that reason I feel a cheaper car is the way forward for the moment. Like you mention, a supercharger kit could nicely solve the MX5 power issues. But if I allow myself to be too drawn in to upgrading then I'll be right back to where I am now
humps
A2OC Donor
haha, I wouldn't think FSD would go what looks like at least -40mm and adjustable. Well done Will, I'm jealous. Nice seats and 4 point. That looks like Toyo T1Rs on some very familiar (light) wheels, they are not TE37s, but just escaped my mind can't remember. Cage is also very good too. What else is under the hood? FI or a tuned NA?
As far as I know the spec is;
1994 1.8 Eunos with Torsen LSD
Hard-ldog rollover bar
Sparco seats
Sabelt 4 point harness
HSD adjustable suspension
15" Slipstream Alloys
Momo steering wheel
Full-stainless exhaust system including 4-branch manifold
There are no engine modifications........for the moment. However turbo and supercharger kits are readily available. But I'd like to try at least to keep the costs down, as that's the main reason for selling the Elise.
1994 1.8 Eunos with Torsen LSD
Hard-ldog rollover bar
Sparco seats
Sabelt 4 point harness
HSD adjustable suspension
15" Slipstream Alloys
Momo steering wheel
Full-stainless exhaust system including 4-branch manifold
There are no engine modifications........for the moment. However turbo and supercharger kits are readily available. But I'd like to try at least to keep the costs down, as that's the main reason for selling the Elise.
timmus
A2OC Donor
The thread is a few years old. Originally I bought a Lotus Elise, then a Mk1 MX5 and now a Vauxhall VX220 - with always the A2 in the background
Yes, I remember the original posts. The VX220 almost is an Elise under its skin, though, right?
Tom