richbk

Hi Phil I am off on Wednesday and weather dependant will pop over to MMG and introduce myself. Will let you know how I get on Richard

Hi Folks . I need a bit of work done to the Elise over the colder months - Specifically a new rear hub , either aluminium or steel - as my car, I have discovered, has a mismatched pair ( if anyone has a spare gathering dust in the garage I am sure I can find it a good home !!) I also plan to upgrade the toe links as these are a known weakness point , plus a full Geometry set up . I have used very happily Gav at Unit 4 and more recently PJS and have been more than pleased with the works , but they are a distance away from me . on a recent run out in the snow I spied the abo e company which is about 10 miles from my house and from the web searches I have done look like a pretty smart operation who might be able to help me out . Has anyone had any dealings or experience with them either on lotus or the VX220 ? Forum or DM message / reply is cool Many thanks Richard

i had similar and worse on my exige after it had to live outside during a house rennovation 10 years ago . I was feeling flush so had the car completely resprayed a different colour (see avatar) and have never had them return despite the car living inside and out over the last 10 years . A certain level of luck is involved for sure. My S1 elise also has it, and I am just living with it for now until I can afford to have that re sprayed too. The price of the re spray was £3k 10 years ago - I am guessing it is more than double that now - If anyone has had a recent quote I would be keen to hear. Then negotiate a fair middle ground with the seller to help towards future cost of repair?

Hi Alan . welcome to MLOC , some great people and knowledge on the forum , all with difference experience and preference . I would say get behind the wheel of as many as you can before you buy . They are all great cars so which ever way you go I am sure you will have a fab experience. i have been lucky enough to own an early s2 Elise with the K series engine, a Toyota engined Na exige ( still in the fold) and more recently a standard S1 Elise . Bought and restored alongside my son . I love them all and each felt different and had their own pro’s and con’s . Although at the moment when weather allows I am loving the S1Elise for its pure driving experience on our local b roads can you give us a bit more info so we can advise , suggest , quantify what might be the best option ? what have you owned / driven before ? what do you envision using the car for , weekend blasts , road trips, track days , polishing and keeping the the garage , how old / flexible are you? where are you based , local road types why the s2 Elise as preference good luck with the search , speak soon Richard

We are very lucky within mloc to have such good choice of independent garages and mechanics. Over my time on mloc - 10 yrs this summer various people have been the " flavour of the month" From horizon/ sports car services, to top gear automotive and Unit 4 And all appear to offer, knowledge, passion, competitive prices and a personalised service to elavate them above the Main dealers and are recognised as such when service histories are listed when selling on our cars I certainly take notice of folks comments when deciding where to take my car so the more reviews the better for me so keep the recommendations coming. Richbk

Would sure consider alll options, the Elise would be even more of a Toy / track car and upgraded over time. I'm struggling to justify 18000 or so tied up in a car I drive 10/12 times a year so would be looking at keeping costs as low as possible whilst delivering the speed that would mean I didn't miss the push in the back the exige gives.

congratulations sounds epic. like getting a new car. would you be kind enough when you have some time( when your not driving) to drop me a pm with a break down of what they did, plus prices, as im pondering going a similar route, selling my S2 exige, getting an S1 elise to upgrade plus another fun car for commuting. im sure whilst i'd enjoy the elise i would miss the power therfore an honda conversion would be high on my list to things to do along with suspension, brakes, etc. etc many thx. richbk p.s do you have any before / after shots??