Steve54

I've been giving some thought to buying up some property to rent out over the last 6 months or so and I just might go ahead and do it.

Problem is... the S would have to go So what do you guys think about and Elise??? I only travel 8 miles to work so its not a long drive. Currently I cant get jack in my S as the boots full of ice, so basically practicality isn't an issue. Hows the reliability on the Elise, running costs, insurance, best model ect... I'd be looking at a 98/99 model.

Any thoughts welcome guys......

Gary2000

I just sold a 1998 Elise which I had for over 3 years. Mine was totally reliable and I had no problems at all, but I have heard of cars that have had a number of problems, mostly fairly minor, although the MGF engine is prone to head gasket failures.

Running costs - cheaper to insure than an S2000, 40 mpg and only needs normal unleaded, servicing is pretty cheap too - take it to a Lotus specialist if there is a good one near you and you'll get a better job done for less money than the over priced Lotus dealers.

You can go for a standard car or spend a bit more and get the 111S which has the MGF VVC engine and is a little quicker. There's loads of mods available if that's your thing.

Hope that helps.

Gary

Steve54

Thanks Gary, thats a good start!

40MPG - My God, I've not had a car do that many MPG for while!!!

Come guys I know there are at least 2 other people that have owned elises....

jconsta6

Hi there,

Try www.seloc.org - On the forums there are a lot of Elise owners.

Failing that, several groups on Yahoo! - The Midland lotus owners is a good place, I know a lot of Elise drivers are on there, and they are pretty friendly bunch.

Sadly, I don't have any practical advice about the elise, apart from the fact that they do handle incredibly well, as I found out when I chased the Reace Speed prepared 111s through some twisties. It looked effortless to him!

Cheers,

John.

Steve54

Excellent - Thanks John

AquilaEagle

Steve if you sell your s and want to get rid of some ice, give me a PM i may consider

Kevinski

Steve,

Make sure you check the tub for corrosion, particularly under the front mats. Have some friends that work for the engineering division and they are telling me the corrosion problem is causing deep $hit ,at the moment.

Cheers

ChrisJF

Steve,

Yes, I've got a mate with an S1 and there are some pretty big corrosion holes in the floor once you lift up the mats. Definitely something to check if you decide to buy one.

jconsta6

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ChrisJF
[B]Steve,

Yes, I've got a mate with an S1 and there are some pretty big corrosion holes in the floor once you lift up the mats.

Steve54

Thanks guys.

Ian - I'll bear that in mind, but at the mo I'm just looking for a house that need lots of work doing. The plan is to do it up and sell it on - the profits from which will pay for the next 2 houses, again one to do up and one to rent out.

I need more info on mortgages and stuff but I'd really like to do this so I hope I really do take the leap......