Where to sell my Elise?

Where to sell my Elise?

Author
Discussion

limpsfield

Original Poster:

6,177 posts

260 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
I normally hate these sort of "why is my car not selling" threads. But neither of mine are and am wondering if I am missing a trick.

I have used Pistonheads and Autotrader in the past and sold relatively quickly. But I have had both up for a couple of months just on PH, although it is probably the Elise I would reluctantly sell first, but not even a sniff.

I am not going to link to the ad as that is against the rules but was wondering how sales had gone for anyone else recently.

I am not missing another obvious place to sell my Lotus am I? I am thinking that it is just the geenral economic malaise at the moment means that there just isn't the healthy demand out there, which would not be too surprising.

macgtech

997 posts

166 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
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Probably worth sticking it on the various forums - costs nothing apart from a little time.

simpo555

560 posts

171 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
Probably down to pricing. Cars are selling nicely, although dealers are taking the lions share. Also depends on the year and model. For a more pertinent reply, probably need to post details of the car and then be prepared to accept some 'down to earth' comments

kambites

68,417 posts

228 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
SELOC is the other obvious place.

However, if it's on here and you've had no interest at all in two months, it's either poorly advertised or over-priced or both.

limpsfield

Original Poster:

6,177 posts

260 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
simpo555 said:
For a more pertinent reply, probably need to post details of the car and then be prepared to accept some 'down to earth' comments
It's 2005 111r, with 29k miles, solar yellow, black wheels.Touring pack but no air con. Full Lotus dealer service history, last 3 years bell & colvill , last serviced in April, MOT till next April, and two new rears at this service. Asking £16,500.

There are cheaper, there are dearer, I have tried to pitch it middle to slightly higher ish.

I do think that the willingness to spend a not inconsiderable sum on what is, for most of us, something of an indulgence has evaporated somewhat in recent years.

MagicalTrevor

6,476 posts

236 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
limpsfield said:
It's 2005 111r, with 29k miles, solar yellow, black wheels.Touring pack but no air con. Full Lotus dealer service history, last 3 years bell & colvill , last serviced in April, MOT till next April, and two new rears at this service. Asking £16,500.

There are cheaper, there are dearer, I have tried to pitch it middle to slightly higher ish.

I do think that the willingness to spend a not inconsiderable sum on what is, for most of us, something of an indulgence has evaporated somewhat in recent years.
I happen to be looking to buy a 111r in the next couple of months and I'm pretty sure I've seen yours. Comments from someone who's looking:
  • 2005 111r - thumbup that's pretty much where I'm looking, although I am aware that there were some improvements with the MY2006 car
  • 29k miles - thumbup
  • Solar Yellow with Black wheels - thumbup Not my first choice but I'd be fairly happy with that
  • Touring Pack - thumbup
  • Aircon - frown Alas, we're at the time of year where everyone wants Aircon. My Wife has even turned her nose up at a few 'almost perfect' examples because they don't have aircon. Yes I could take the roof off but she's very fair skinned and burns easy.
  • Servicing - thumbup
I suppose on one hand Elises sell better during the summer due to people wanting a convertible but on the other hand cars without aircon are going to struggle. I honestly thing yours isn't selling because it lacks aircon and there are less people that are happy to have a yellow car.

limpsfield

Original Poster:

6,177 posts

260 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
MagicalTrevor said:
I honestly thing yours isn't selling because it lacks aircon and there are less people that are happy to have a yellow car.
I think that's a fair shout. Aircon was on my list when I was buying but the colour was more important. I haven't missed it in three years but I can understand why for some people it would be a requirement.

And everyone knows yellow cars are the fast ones. Some people just can't handle that sort of performance though so plump for silver....


Thanks for taking the time to give some feedback

simpo555

560 posts

171 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
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Sounds good, but no air con. Id buy yellow no problem but apparently they are not so popular. Dont know why cos to me theyre stunning but thats the market. As for air con, its on most peoples list even if its not necessary. Ive never used the air con on my car after 8 months but despite this I would still want it on my next car unless the price difference was 'significant' Good luck with the sale. It will sell. For how much-thats the million dollar question. As for the price I think you're over the odds. I'm no expert but £15250-£15500 would seem tops to me despite what seems to be a well cared for car. As for trade price, its probably under £14000. Perhaps someone out there has à 'Glasses guide'

kambites

68,417 posts

228 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
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To provide a counter-view, I got a car without air conditioning because I knew I'd never use it and I didn't want the weight or complexity of the system.

But then I also got a 111S because I didn't want the weight of a Toyota engine and associated gubbins either... maybe the market for a Toyota powered car without air-con is limited.

simpo555

560 posts

171 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
Just looked at PH adverts. I'd suggest re-taking the photos with less sun. Car looks nice but colour 'flat'. I'm sure thats not a true reflection on your car, just a question of lighting. The colour should be a lot 'sharper' and more yellow. Because of the colour it needs to be 'striking' which for the moment is not the case.

limpsfield

Original Poster:

6,177 posts

260 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
Guys thanks for the comments so far.

Simpo I think you are spot on on the colour issue in the photo. Solar yellow is a stunning orangey yellow and it looks a bit washed out in those. Will retake at the weekend and have a rethink on the price.

MagicalTrevor

6,476 posts

236 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
kambites said:
To provide a counter-view, I got a car without air conditioning because I knew I'd never use it and I didn't want the weight or complexity of the system.
If I was the only decision maker then I wouldn't worry about aircon either. Got to keep the Mrs happy wink

BEP

361 posts

212 months

Tuesday 2nd August 2011
quotequote all
limpsfield said:
I do think that the willingness to spend a not inconsiderable sum on what is, for most of us, something of an indulgence has evaporated somewhat in recent years.
That's a big problem at the minute, classic car market sub 10k 'spur of the moment' buys not selling but top end is going well...

Likewise the world of shotguns, new stuff not moving but really nice investment potential high end vintage going ok....

Love the colour , spec and price just a couple of months too early for me and if i'm honest would be looking at a dealer as will have to p/x...keep trying and pop on some new pictures.smokin