Buying your first Lotus Elise Things you must check
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- This video is about tips and tricks to check out that marvellous lotus Elise S2. The one you really want to buy. It addresses general items, the weak spots, the motor, suspension, brakes a road test and the associated costs for things that will or might fail.
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I didn’t want to go through the hassle of a check list, so I simply skipped buying my first Lotus Elise and went straight to buying my second one.
what exactly does that mean?
@@JohnSmith-nz2yqbuying two at the same time I'd guess
Good instructional video. Much of what you said here can be applied to the purchase of a vehicle in general. Not just the Lotus.
The Spider Kelly txs
I always warm my 1988 Ferrari up by slower driving over ten miles or until the oil temperature gauge moves off the lowest position. Until that occurs do not try to use Second gear. Also no hard acceleration on cold tyres. Even on a warm day it takes 10-20miles to get some heat into the tyres. Many crashes occur due to cold tyres. On my 5th Ferrari the car was 19 years old, it had been driven 19,000 miles on 19 year old perfect looking tyres. Replace tyres every 5-6 years as the rubber goes hard. Even if they look perfect they put you at risk. I avoid buying low mileage cars. I want to see evidence of recent use. Making the mistake of buying a low mileage car meant early failure of all hoses! Replacement hoses to water & brake fluid is costly. Cars that stand about get failure on suspension dampers & bushes. Tyres become flat spotted. My current Ferrari has done 75,540 miles in 36 years, that’s normal annual use on cars which are not daily drivers. If a car has only a tiny mileage showing then it’s not been used and expect to have to renew hoses, bushes, dampers, gaskets, tyres, boots, and quite often the exhaust! I speak from experience! I’m on my 7th Ferrari. All manual gearbox cars.
A layman can gain a decent understanding of cars here, thanks: great presentation
When I buy an Elise in 3 years I'll come back to this video
LMAO same plan here hahahahhaha
Me too 😂
2 years left. You got this👏
@@zodeadlifts9295 I will man, I have to - life is too short
Same
What a superb video. Your camera angles were great, lighting was great, and you were clear and comprehensive. This is a valuable resource to anyone considering this car. Thank you for taking your time to put this together.
Glad it was helpful!
“Now watch me suffering getting out”
Proceeds to smoothly exit Lotus.
Well, I am somewhat overweight. And I find it surprisingly comfortable, even for long motorway drives.
That is great...
Maybe bigger buttcheaks makes it more comfortable to ride.
I should train my butt more often before i'll buy one...🧐🤔
@ 🤔 never thought about it that way ...
My feet are too wide and my legs are too long.
Just bought 2005 Elise. BEST video I’ve seen. Thank you!!! Huge service to all who are considering or own!
Glad it was helpful! and most of all enjoy your Elise
@@D3Sshooter thank you. I have Toyota engine. Should I do the thermostat modification? What kit would work for 2005 Elise? I live in Austin, TX. Thank you!
Oh also on the Toyota engine you should have the Cams checked. The 2zz engine is a vvt engine and the secondary Cams can get worn and cause valve wipe.
Daniel Quaroni , yes indeed
15 minutes in, and already a good video. It's a good watch, thanks!
Thank you for the comments
Even though I'm a Corvette owner, I'm a total car enthusiast. And I've always had this closet admiration for Lotus cars. Even though I'm not in the market for one, I found this video supremely interesting. All the hidden things about buying a this specific Lotus. Brilliant!! Much in this video applies to buying a lot of sports cars....Enjoyed it.
Thank you for the comments, we all share the same interest cars with character and power. Which corvette do you have ? The sting ray ? that is what I would love to get
@@D3Sshooter I've a 2013 Z06. I've got, now, over 70Kmiles on the clock. It's white /w ebony interior. No other options. The LS7 engine has been a real gem. It's also been remarkably reliable. My first couple of issues just came up. Hood strut dampers needed replacement. And there's a bad actuator for the HAVAC. Otherwise, the rest has been: battery, tires, front brakes...normal wear and tear stuff. No other electrical or mechanical issues thus far. And I love that it's normally aspirated. No turbo or SC issues to worry about..And it'll do 0-100 mph in well under 8 sec with Michelin PSS tires...And it drives brilliantly. The ride doesn't beat you up. This car makes amour with the road. Corners amazing. I highly recommend getting one!
"If you're watching this video you're most likely about to buy a Lotus Elise"
Me not even having drivers license: 😐😐😐😐😐
To be honest any optional extras on any car no matter how people try to sell it are unfortunately in the used car market just a better means of selling your car first over anybody else’s, they do not ever add value.
If you drill 3 little holes 5mm in the thermostat it will give you a little water flow from the beginning until the thermostat opens up. This will work on most cars, and will save your butt if your thermostat ever fail. It will take slightly longer for your car to get up to operating temp. But it will stop the sudden water temp fifference when the thermostat opens, it also makes it easier to bleed the water system after flushing water.
Dil Lee good tip. Txs
That's a little too much... the general guidance for these engines in the Caterham is a single 3-4 mm hole. You're only trying to allow a small amount of water to circulate slowly around the system to allow a degree of thermal stabilisation. 3x5mm holes will allow so much flow, that you'd be as well running with no stat at all.
I ran a modified 88degree stat, with a single 4mm hole in it... my car got up to temperature (around 90 degrees) and stayed there, no matter how hard it was driven and for how long. Engine was rock solid the day I sold the car.
@@1061shrink1061 That is a really useful tip. Thanks
Thanks for doing this...really prepared me to look an Elise over!
That was a fantastic video. Thank you for putting the time and effort into making it and sharing your knowledge.
Glad it was helpful!
anyone seriously considering buying an elise has refined taste.
Thanks for the comments
hi D3Sshooter - your one of the most knowledgeable person I have met on this great car. I appreciate all your videos and have learned much!! Your honest assessments and insights are really good. Thank you!
I appreciate that!.... Thanks for the comments
Very informative, thank you sir.
Thanks for making this. About to view my first lotus in a few days. Made me feel much more comfortable!
Thanks for the comments, good luck and buy one you will enjoy it
Tell you mate I love the elise but can't afford to by one, but I still thought I'd watch
What a fantastic video! Really in depth nice one mate👍🏼
Thanks for the comments, they are not that expensive here... but again its a toy car... not really a daily driver... some will disagree... but at the end it is a real fun car.
I'm not going to watch three commercials before before the video even starts,, I gave it a thumbs-down I'm sure it's a great video but forget it
sure, ask youtube....TXS
Great video, thank you!
Thanks for the comments
Don't bother buying that Lotus Elise if you are tall, overweight or "a seasoned age". I guess it's a Dacia Duster for me then.
Thanks for the comments, could be a good reason for diet and a bit of sports. I am 61, and run my 5Km a day.. 3 days a week vegetarian, No smoke or Alcohol , 1 day a week a great steak ( as a real bourgondier) and a lovely girlfriend... Believe me it works
I have enjoyed the video from the beginning to the end. Hat off, a really good video about a car,:actually the best I have found about a car, at least on youtube. Thank you. I am going to check the remaining 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for this video
Fabulous video. I feel now is the time to buy one. Values will only rise especially in the U.S. where this car is a quite rare. It’s the ultimate modern classic. Never driven one, but I’ve sat in an Elise. The driver focused ergonomics gave me all kinds of sensations. I want one bad.
TXS Joseph, Go and get one they are so great tp drive.... If you like go-carting, well that is kind of the feeling you get, its fast, low to the ground and it sticks on the road...
Boy you sure called it!
too bad they don't make carbon fiber body panels to replace the cheap Fiberglas ones!
Thanks for the comments, yes indeed
I'm 55. I've has my S2 111S for 11 years. I am 1.88m. I use the car every day. It's comfortable (bit noisy - I like that). The boot is small, but you can stuff soft bags over the wheel arches. I've carried 60 bottles of wine hundreds of miles, or 3 large sacks of fire wood (never both at the same time).
I don't know who this person is, but the first 3 minutes are complete rubbish. Time waster.
Hi, its me the Time waster. TXS for your comments, that is impressive 55, 1.88m, weight ? wow 60 bottles of wine, and none broke ? Not in the booth I hope as that is limited to max load of 50Kg .
Great video, thanks for taking the time to put this together. Hoping to get an Elise soon!
TXS for the comments,
You should check if there are toyo T1Rs on rims xD
Thanks for the comments
I saw an Elise when they first hit the US and have wanted one ever since. I am now at the age and place where I may be able to have a weekend car. Thank you for the help;
Thanks for sharing!
10:00 - Of course the water circulates on an inner-loop before the start opens - this typically includes the heater-radiator. If you let the engine warm gently for the first 10 mins, so the block warms through along with the head, you will have no problem. Driving hard from cold will warm the head more than the block, and stress arises. I love the KSeries, and have on in my MG MIdget and S2.
Indeed, that is what I was trying to explain,,,, txs for explaining it...
@@D3Sshooter In Poland we use K-Series in our car Polonez, to prevent temp shock also for quicker fulling water to system. We drill a little hole in termostat, that's when ur termostat is broken in full close still have a minimal flow
Nice video :) But getting in is too easy on the S2, with the lower sill, I took my S1 out for a spin yesterday, and oh boy, I'm about to sell it because I don't use it enough, but as soon as I get in... Well, I guess you know that feeling... ;) And BTW, it's a very bad idea to use the windshield to help to get in, Lotus did use the lighter (and thinner) they could find, and as such, they're prone to cracking...
This is the strangest episode of "Law & Order" guys. *_Thanks for making it!_* 🤣😎
Thanks for the comments
Buying my first S2 soon but one that needs TLC
Thanks for the comments, good luck
I actually found the suspension in an S1 no harder than my gt86. They ride pretty well.
I keep getting temped to buy one to replace the gt86, but the 86 is bomb proof (and suprisingly handles almost as good) and the potential costs of the Elise scare me off :d
thanks for the comments , Give it a try... they are so much fun
What an education! I'm not planning to buy one but I couldn't help but watch all of this as it was quite interesting and would recommend anyone to watch, especially those that think they know ;) Thanks.
Thanks for the comments
Even if i'm not on the market to buy, it's a really good video with coherent advices
TXS for the comments
thanks Steve great vlog can't wait for the next one :)) from the UK
Thanks Richard.....will try.....
I'm 6'3" but very flexible - will I fit?
Thanks for the comments, I guess so... In and out is always fun... The main thing is how flex you are
Without the clam shell it looks like a go cart
Thanks for the comments, it is a go cart
When this Video came out I was doing research, Found several around 7-9k lowest price 10-15k mid . Now they have sky rocketed from 35k up to 100K with mid price 50k . Yeah I should have pulled the trigger.😅
I got a offer for a vtec swaped S1. But that was used on tracks😢. I dont know what to do ?
If you look for a good car that was not recked or abused , then don't buy a track day car... the fact that its a track used car says alot about the driver.. I do drive on the race track with FF's and a MGB GT.... I have friends on the track with an Elise and those are pushed to the limit, have rough handling of the clutch and gearbox... my advice, don't unless you want to race on the track
@@D3Sshooter thank you Sir !
I better keep away from it ☝️
3:11 Hungry?
Hello Steve ,have yo considered putting all of your videos onto DVD YOU COULD THEN SELL THEN AS A BOXED SET,Melvin,from UK.
I'm 193cm (6'4") and I'm afraid to even go look at one, for fear my long time dream of ownership will be dashed away before I even get my head into the car.
thanks for the comments , give it a try . when lotus designed the cockpit they used the orange standard for seats space etc , a standard that was applied and defined by the US on jet seats and cockpits . However at that time people were shorter than today, but still give it a try... you might be surprised
We've just brought an S1 and I'd love to know more about the thermostat modification
Can you make a small hole in the thermostat just to keep some water circulating?
I don't think that will help much , as the whole has to big enough . The good thing is , there is a replacement kit that fixes the issues. That is what `i have installed on mine,,,
Every Toyota engine I've owned in a sportscar has degraded fast.
Thanks for the comments
What an amazing video. This really helps and inspires confidence on how to find a good 2nd hand Elise!
I got in at 6'3" 250lb (190cm 113kg) had to take my boots off and loosen my belt one notch. But I did it. And did it well.
Thanks for the comments
Amazing video! Well explained and easy to follow! I learned a lot.
Thank you
Wow these cars in Canada are 3x the price you say you would spend...about 60-70k .. saw some rebuilt it for 45k Cad
Thank you for the comments
I didn't knew that you can change the timing belt on an elise without removing the engine to be honest. When I hear "lotus engine work" then the words "lotus engine out" immediately pop out in front of my eyes....
Thanks for the comments, no you can ... yet take the inner wheel arch out
How long should the warm-up phase be for a Rover K-engine?
Hello there, wel I take it easy until the thermostat opens.. When I say easy, I start gentle and slowly start to rev higher when time elapses..until the thermostat opens.... So going low upper rev's until about 50-60 degrees
Work is work so count your time too same
wel not if its a hobby
Thank you for the comments
07:00 if the engineers designed this with a quickly detachable rear body to access the engine, like a racecar it would’ve been fantastic IMO, or maybe it can be done
thanks for the comments, indeed but they did not
Very good video not like others than seens sponsored
TXS
If I had an S1, id be very tempted to swap the engine. And S2000 engine would be amazing
Sorry for the late reply , as i was away for work. But thanks for the comments.
I've listened to this excellent video again. And all I heard was add euros add euros... 😕
Thank you so much for this video. It's so informative! I have a question: should you use 98 ron gasoline in these lotus elises? It are just rover/toyota engines and aren't tuned or have forced induction. So will you be alright just using 95 RON gas, or is 98 required/recommended?
Aaron Mattheus 98 is what is recommended. Its all about the octane content. That affects the combustion rate so for different octane values other ignition times apply. Although i have never sensed the difference. In each case 98 octane is recommended
where can I find more information on the cooling modification kit mentioned at 12:20?
Here you have some info on a kit that does exactly that www.elise-shop.com/pressure-relief-remote-thermostat-elise-exige-s1-340r-only-rover-engines-p-79.html?zenid=4ug81pq1loa3v4jvh4tah6bbe2
@@D3Sshooter Thank you so much. and thanks for a great video.
@@D3Sshooter I just aquired a 111S that has been mostly in storage for 10 years without much service so I am still familiarizing myself with the car and starting to work my way through everything that may need service etc. I see on eliseparts that their equivalent kit does not work with that model. Is it not necessary that version?
I would address the temp surge issue by either getting a lower temp thermostat (less than $20 US) or simply drilling a tiny hole in the one in there so the hot coolant can slowly warm up the engine itself. Is there any problem with these suggestions?
Thanks for the comments, its the actual flow that is need. The littel hole will not help that much. This is especially an issue when driving hard, beating that engine.
Im just about sorted now thanks to you videos. Last thing I did was remove the driving lights and fitted a full length grill. My 5 year old Grandson now says its a happy car , because its smiling.
Fantastic! I am sure he enjoys it.... must be fun to have a granddad with a lotus... Thanks for the comments
Please! Getting in and out of the car, don't hoist yourself by the window frame. Even in the video you can see the whole frame flexing.
Yep, you are right... TXS
Lay down on the ground and flip yourself in with a half push-up hand spring legs first. To depart, roll out onto the ground head first and stand up, or just lay there.
@@seivaDsugnA $100 from me if you make a demonstration video.
Best not to pull on the screen surround getting in or out as this can sometimes crack the screen (windshield). Great video though..
Good point!
Nice vid but DONT pull on the top of the windshield getting in and out! There are a lot of documented cases of cracking. Best technique is to put your left foot in first into the footwell, balance using right hand on the seat turn your back on the car, then literally drop in butt first, the rest will follow. But whatever you do, don't pull on the top of the windshield (you can see it bending in the video).
Thanks for the comments, yes indeed you are 100% correct
A was very fortunate to own a second hand 240R. Great years messing around. Let me down on only one occasion. Sold on for a reasonable price. After 10 years it has worked out to be my cheapest car ever due to resale value.
TXS for the comments
What happens when you run out of older Euros in and there's still more in the car
That is by far the best "before you buy" car video I've ever seen. The level of knowledge displayed here is second to none and it's presented in a clear and understandable way. Kudos and thanks for helping me in my potential future purchase.
Glad it was helpful! and get that lotus, you will enjoy it
thank you a ton, I'm about to make my first lotus purchase i'll be sure to check these 😁
Neon , my pleasure
Great video 👍 very detailed and informative
Glad you liked it
Any buyer that chooses to ignore this excellent comprehensive checklist is destined for the "Grand Sucker" list - Unless you know the owner and the car's history.
Thank you
Your English is excellent. Just one thing, they are brake 'calipers' not 'calibers'.
Thanks for commenting, I will remember...
Hi, I just bought a s2 111s with Rover K engine (in Belgium) . Unfortunately without the thermal shock prevention upgrade. Can you please tell me where the upgrade kits are for sale?
kind regards, Marcel
You can check the Elise.shop in the nederlands, they have the kit
Amazing content! Working on a review video for an Elise SC RGB edition and this helped.
Glad it helped!
Really wish I'd bought a new one when I had the chance. They're pricier now than new, and that's before factoring in the inflation. Basically the car would have been FREE. Oh well. Spilt milk.
Thanks for the comments, yep like most things in life
D3Sshooter how tall are you? Im 6ft 2 and a half inch young fit and flexible guy. Do you think i will fit inside? Maybe some deep bucket seat will help? I will be grateful for your opinion. Cheers!
Bartek Płaska i am 1,68 meter. Or about 5,2 feet. A shorty. I guess if you are fit you will be able to get in and out. The seats are already low down. Best is to give it a try.
Thanks for this video. Got my Elise yesterday for -500 eur. It was a 2002 K-Series in grey. Price beginning was 21.000 eur. Everything had to be done, -10% means 18.900 eur and then he let me take the car to our diagnostics professionals for one total day. Everyhing had minor problems, even the hardtop had some scratches. Bearings, differential, clutch, balljoints, toe links, springs, dampers, gearbox 5th gear problem, radiator, temperature constant 89 degrees Celsius, tires worn unregularly, window not closing totally, Rust and breaking not straight, car geometry not good, electric problems, battery worn out, driveshafts full of grease and the aluminium wisbone attachment had some cracks, best was the tuned pipe and engine tuning from 122 Pa to 140 Ps (I put minus 2.500 eur on my list). After 11 hours of checking the car, my friend working as a mechanic at Lotus told the owner that he should be lucky to only give us 500 euros that we take this heap of junk out of his courtyard. Ps: this was total fiction. Amazing video to buy a Elise, destructive video to sell one :-)
Thanks for the comments, I could see that... but that is on fact a reality... many are not well maintained and if you buy one.. better check it out... Like your story
i have one for 14 years, it’s on sale, but noone knows ifthere could be lots of small diseases that the buyer will find on the list and try to decrease the price. Then I’ll keep it. Of course it’s 25 years of listening sometings loud to music,but my Tinnitus comes because ofthe alarm with closed garage door since this march. I can’treally forgive my Elise for having done disease to my ears...but I won’t have a better life withoutmy Elise, just more space in the garage. Both sides have big advantages. To sell or not to sell, that’s the question :-)
Thanks for providing this very informative and educational video of the Elise.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm 6' 3". Getting in and out is no joke, but once you're installed there is tons of leg room and my head doesn't brush the ceiling. I actually fit.
Thanks for the comments, that is good to hear... I guess I must be to fat...
Not being built anymore???? Last I checked they are still being made...ok no longer sold in the USA but that's their own protectionsim.
Not the S2
@@D3Sshooter This video is about the Elise in general, and the first one and the current one are all based on the same chassis and although the parts aren't a straight swap over, they can be made to fit.
Typo @ 25.02 - they are calipers not calibers.A Good video in all.
TXS for the comments, and good to get the correction it always helps
Great video..I have a VX220 looks identical with the clams off...
Interesting!
Would you recommend checking engine compression? I always do to check cylinders about same. Another huge consideration for a car like this is to see any sort of rust or corossion to see if it was winter driven... More likely probably on a Miata a cheaper version of this hehe
Thank you for the comments, I would not wurry to much about a compression test. Of course if they allow you why not. But those engines (K) are easy to get. Corrosion , less of an issue as its alu, although there are some area's that are prone for Alu corrosion. ( front wishbone to the chassis), I would ne more worried about a twisted chassis.. as that final
Great video. Excellent detail and camera position showing all the parts to look at.
Sorry for the late reply , as i was away for work. But thanks for the comments.
Outstanding. All buyer’s guide should be held to your video! Though, and informative! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video. The best I have ever seen. Thanks so much for making this. I am going to go look at a 2009 lotus Elise next week. I am so glade I saw this
Glad it was helpful!
This is very informative thanks you sir for time making this video I've always loved the lotus Elise and hope to get one soon thanks for all the tips
Thank you for the comments, and go and get one....
Continuity things you must check: opening the door with the window up, then cutting to a closed door with the window down.
Thanks for the comments
Great video sir...thank you
Lol. How about NOT buying a lotus and getting an Audi, BMW or Porsche instead??!! Simples....
I am sold to UK cars.... sorry but do run a daily 420i and a Z3 Coupe besides a 9T bike ( all BMW)
inline 4 Or V8?
4L
Can I buy this one... Its mint
Thanks for the comments , but not really... I have done so much work on it and I adore it
@@D3Sshooter 😀it was a joke really. I think you've done a great job
Great video and I haven't watched to the end!
Do not get in and out of an Elise by putting weight on the windscreen surround like that, unless you want to have a cracked windscreen! It's not a structural part - you can see it flexing alarmingly in the video.
Thanks for the comments and tips.
Excellent.
Many thanks!
Very nice video !thanks
I heard i have to check the good centering of the exhaust but i don’t understand why..can you tell me? Thanks a lot 🙏🏻
Let me check
The only issue is it can knock against the surrounding body/trim if it's to far off center.
70,000km to change the belt, so if you are looking at anything under 50,000km why would you bother with that topic?
age is the other factor