Models · Lotus
Lotus Elise S3 buying guide
The last Elise, introduced in 2010 as a facelift of the S2 on the same bonded aluminium chassis, offered with a 1.6 Toyota engine until 2018 and a supercharged 1.8 in the Elise S, Sport 220 and Cup models.
The versions
- 1.6 Toyota four-cylinder, 134hp, dropped in 2018
- Elise S and Sport 220: supercharged 1.8 Toyota, about 217hp
- Cup 250 (up to 243hp) and Cup 260 (250hp), both supercharged 1.8 (figures given in hp by PistonHeads)
- Six-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive; Club Racer, Sprint and Final Edition models
What to check on a S3 Elise
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Chassis corrosion around steel fittings
What to look for: Turn the steering to full lock and look into the front wheelarches at the chassis edges and the front wishbones. Look for bubbling paint, white powdery aluminium, and bent or split edges.
Why it matters: The chassis is bonded aluminium with steel suspension mounts. Where road salt gets in through chipped paint on the steel parts, galvanic corrosion can eventually turn the surrounding aluminium to powder. The front wishbones are also prone to rot. Bonded aluminium doesn't tolerate welding, so repairs need a specialist.
The 2 to 3 gearchange
What to look for: On the drive, change from second to third several times, including before the car is fully warm, and note any crunch.
Why it matters: The supercharged 1.8 cars tend to crunch on the 2 to 3 change as the synchromesh wears; the 1.6 shows the problem less often. Both use a six-speed Toyota gearbox.
Recall work
What to look for: Ask the seller for evidence of recall work, or have a Lotus dealer check the VIN, especially on cars built from May 2012 to June 2019, and on early cars built up to November 2011.
Why it matters: In February 2020, 762 Elises built from May 2012 to June 2019 were recalled for a possible fuel leak. A November 2014 recall covered 1,258 Elises built from May 2007 to November 2011, whose oil cooler pipes could come loose. Most will have been done by now.
Also in the full guide
- Clamshell cracks and paint bubbles
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the S3 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.