Sports cars are remarkable creations, and some of the finest originate from Britain. However, that is less true nowadays, as Japan appears to have taken on the role of producing lightweight, agile sports cars for the 21st century. Yet, if you look back a few years, it’s evident that the British had considerable expertise in assembling drop-top two-seaters.
That said, assembling them wasn’t exactly their strong suit—British sports cars from various periods tend to be somewhat unreliable, often encouraging owners to become familiar with their tools, local mechanics, and their wallets. Nevertheless, one model broke this pattern in the early 2000s by combining the classic British sports car formula with highly reliable Japanese engineering. It’s not the Miata, but rather Mazda’s more focused, lighter, and overall superior British alternative—the Lotus Elise S2.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “simplify, then add lightness,” and for good reason. This wasn’t just a catchy quote from Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus Cars; it was the philosophy behind his renowned brand. His earliest road cars perfectly embodied this idea—the Lotus Seven and Elan weighed significantly less than the first-generation Miata, thanks to their tiny dimensions, absence of anything unnecessary, and modest powertrains.
Although this philosophy has largely disappeared from Lotus, with the British manufacturer shifting towards electrification for its uncertain future and even exploring SUV production, the approach was central when the original Elise was developed.
The interior featured exposed metalwork, paper-thin seats, and no electrical aids—no ABS, power steering, airbags, or even air conditioning or power-adjustable components. Unfortunately, this stripped-down sports car was not sold in the United States, although the updated Series 2 model did make it across.
The Series 2 Elise resembled its predecessor closely, except for a more cheerful front end and a more streamlined rear. The cabin remained sparse, luxury features were still absent, and the engine was modest. However, with a curb weight of just 1,975 pounds—about 100 pounds lighter than a 1989 Miata—a high-performance engine wasn’t necessary.
Instead, the US-market Lotus Elise, introduced for the 2005 model year, was powered by a Toyota-derived inline-four engine. Unlike the base models sold in Europe, the US entry-level Elise had 189 horsepower, sufficient to accelerate the small two-seater from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds and reach a top speed of 150 mph if pushed.
This performance is ample for your favourite back roads, where the nimble chassis truly shines, delivering far more enjoyment per mile than any 500-horsepower supercar or muscle car, which would struggle to navigate the same playful corners.
A caution for non-American readers: not all Elises are the same. Before the Toyota 2ZZ engine, the Elise used the well-known Rover K-Series engine. While it can produce up to 190 horsepower and be reliable when properly maintained, it has a reputation for being somewhat temperamental. The Rover engine commonly suffers from overheating and head gasket failures, which aligns more with the typical British sports car experience than the dependable Toyota engine, making it less ideal for those who prefer driving over tinkering.
The switch from Rover to Toyota power occurred in the 2005 model year, so American buyers avoid the less favourable Rover engine. Both engines are 1.8 litres and produce similar power outputs, depending on the specific version.
The Elise S2’s engine is not only highly reliable—with some examples exceeding 200,000 miles—but also very affordable to maintain. Fans of the ZZ engine family will not be surprised, as reliable vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, MR2 Spyder, and Celica GT share this engine. These are typical Toyotas with typical Toyota running costs, benefits that Elise owners also enjoy.
Most owners tend to be mechanically inclined, performing routine maintenance such as oil changes and filter replacements themselves to save on labour costs. Other expenses include tyres—especially for enthusiastic drivers—and consumables like brake rotors and pads. Generally, owners report annual maintenance costs below $1,000, which reflects preventative care beyond just following manufacturer recommendations.
Maintaining and driving an Elise need not be expensive, but what about purchasing one? The S2 originally had an MSRP of $39,985 about 20 years ago, so you might expect depreciation to have made them affordable. However, as with many well-crafted driving machines, their residual values remain strong, and buying one in 2025 can cost as much as a new one did in 2005.
The least expensive examples are those with damage, repairs, or stories, but even these typically cost over $20,000. Desirable cars start around $30,000, often with higher mileage, though sub-100,000-mile examples are available. Well-maintained cars with low mileage and good specifications can command prices around $40,000 or more. For top-tier examples, add $10,000 to $20,000 for collector-grade future classics. While this is a significant investment, if you’re looking for a weekend car, the Elise offers one of the most focused driving experiences you can buy for the price of a GR86. Plus, if you keep it in good condition, you’re unlikely to lose money when selling it, and you’ll enjoy every drive and service thanks to its remarkably low running costs.
Source: https://carbuzz.com/lotus-elise-s2-toyota-engine-bulletproof-british-sports-car/
Source: https://carbuzz.com/lotus-elise-s2-toyota-engine-bulletproof-british-sports-car/
