Lotus Elise S1 | Used Car Buying Guide

In 1997 the first of a series of uprated models arrived with the launch of the 187bhp Sport 190, which could do 0-62mph in 4.4sec. It cost £33,000, and the detuned Sport 135 that followed in 1998 was only slightly cheaper at £29,000. In 1999 the track-focused 340R was launched (it wasn’t a big seller), and in the same year the 143bhp 111S arrived, with six-spoke alloys, more seat padding and wider rear tyres. It’s less frenetic than the standard car but no quicker from 0-62mph, due to its close-ratio gearbox with taller lower gears and a shorter top. In 2000, as the S1 prepared to bow out, the Sport 160 was launched.

Despite all these more powerful variations on a theme, it’s that first 118bhp 1.8 that established the S1’s reputation as a cheap but brilliant sports car, and it’s the one you’re most likely to find for sale.

It requires careful buying, though. Bonded aluminium and glassfibre aren’t the easiest to repair, the steering and suspension are sensitive to abuse and some prices are off the scale, but be guided by condition and shop when autumn makes sellers twitchy and you won’t go wrong. 

Expert’s view...

PHIL BENFIELD, ALLON WHITE SPORTS CARS

“The Elise S1 is huge fun, but nice ones are getting harder to find. If you find a good one, don’t delay. The basic 118bhp car is my favourite. The cloth trim is good in summer; it doesn’t get sticky like leather. The Elise is coloursensitive, though. Yellow is the most popular, while silver can hang around a bit. Prices were falling for a long time but are now creeping up, although not for high-mileage cars. People think they can’t take mileage, but they can.”

Lotus Elise S1 problems - buyer beware...

BODY AND PAINTWORK

Check under the front clamshell for speed bump damage. All panel gaps should be even. Beware Cat C writeoffs, which are worth much less.

CHASSIS

Aluminium chassis is hard to repair, but much of it is exposed, so bodges should be obvious. Look underneath for evidence of off-track excursions. Steel rear subframes can rust badly.

SUSPENSION & STEERING

Elises handle well even with worn ball joints, steering rack and wishbone bushes, so be sensitive to looseness and wayward tracking.

BRAKES

The pads can rattle or make a clicking sound. It’s not a major problem.

ENGINE

Some head gaskets failed, so check for ‘mayonnaise’ at the oil filler. Have the gasket replaced by a specialist using Lotus parts. Cambelt changes are every four years or 54k miles. If the radiator leaks, replace it with the all-aluminium type (it’s not a cheap job). Check power upgrades haven’t affected the emissions controls.

SERVICE HISTORY

Every 9000 miles and ideally by main agents or specialists.

GEARBOX

Tough and mechanical-feeling, but if it’s notchy, suspect weak linkages or synchromesh. A whining diff suggests too many race-style starts.

HOOD

It’s fiddly and fragile and it leaks.

EXHAUST

Early mild steel exhausts rotted. Some cars have had a ‘cat bypass’ fitted; ask for the original catalytic converter. It’s an MOT fail without it.

INTERIOR

High sills and prominent seat bolsters get scuffed. Budget for refurbishment. Also worth knowing Eliseparts.com is your one-stop shop for new and used parts. It sells gift cards, too, so a loved one can surprise you with, for example, a wheel bearing and hub flange kit (£398) or even an unpainted clamshell (£1500).