Models · Lotus
Lotus Elise S2 buying guide
The second Elise kept the bonded aluminium chassis with new clamshell styling, using the Rover K-series engine from 2001 and Toyota engines from 2004, including the supercharged SC from 2008.
The versions
- Rover K-series 1.8 (2001 to 2004): 120hp base, 135hp Sport 135, and 156hp VVC in the 111S
- 111R: Toyota 2ZZ-GE 1.8, 189hp, six-speed gearbox
- Elise S (2006 on): Toyota 1ZZ 1.8, 134hp, five-speed gearbox
- Elise SC (2008 on): supercharged 2ZZ, about 218hp (power figures as given in hp by PistonHeads)
- Manual gearboxes only, rear-wheel drive; Sport and Touring packs, with an LSD and traction control optional from 2006
What to check on a S2 Elise
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
K-series head gasket signs
What to look for: On a K-series car, pull the dipstick and look at the oil filler area for white, milky deposits. On the drive, the temperature should settle in the mid-80s Celsius and stay there. Look at the radiator behind the front grille for leaks around its plastic end tanks.
Why it matters: The light Elise is easier on its K-series than heavier cars, so head gasket failure is less likely and usually follows abuse such as revving hard from cold. White deposits point to coolant mixing with oil. The original plastic-tanked radiators commonly leak, and an aluminium replacement is the usual fix.
Cambelt on K-series cars
What to look for: Check whether the car has the Rover or the Toyota engine. On a K-series car, look in the history for the date and mileage of the last cambelt change.
Why it matters: The K-series cambelt is due every four years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, and a failure can mean an engine rebuild. The Toyota engines use a timing chain instead, and have a strong reputation for reliability.
Wishbones and the rear subframe
What to look for: Turn the steering to full lock and look at the front wishbones for corrosion. From underneath, look at the steel rear subframe and at any steel parts fixed to the aluminium chassis for bubbling paint or white, powdery aluminium around them.
Why it matters: Where paint is damaged on steel suspension parts fixed to the aluminium, galvanic corrosion can eat the aluminium around them. The front wishbones and steel rear subframes both corrode. Caught early, it's a matter of replacing the steel parts and protecting the area.
Also in the full guide
- Second to third gear on the SC
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the S2 Elise
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Lotus.