Are Elises cheaper in the winter?

[MagicalTrevor]

We've decided to buy an Elise but will be unable to until towards the end of the year, missing out on the summer I've heard before that the average price drops over the winter, is this the case? When do you think is the best month to buy?

Obviously the 'best' time is right now so I can drive it and maybe the question I'm asking is silly but I'm keeping an eye out at the moment as to what can be bought for my budget (~£15k).

I'm also deliberating the model, which I appreciate has been done to death but I keep changing my mind!
- Started off wanting a 135R but I think it'll be too harsh for road driving, which is what we want it for
- Then I started looking at the 111R but for my budget they don't have aircon, which my Wife is insistent on (I know the arguements for and against this)
- Now I'm looking at a low mileage 111S with aircon, I suppose the newer the better.

Given the budget and requirements I think the 111S is the one but if I can get a bargain 111R during the winter then this might be an option.

Obviously I need to get out and drive each one but it's finding somewhere that I can try both

[kambites]

They do tend to drop a bit and there is certainly a bit more choice, but probably not enough to be worth waiting for if you find one you like at a reasonable price now. I doubt the absolute price difference is more than 500 quid.

For 15k you can get either a 111S or a 111R, drive both and see which you prefer. Generally speaking, the later the cars are better built.

[MagicalTrevor]

kambites said:

They do tend to drop a bit and there is certainly a bit more choice, but probably not enough to be worth waiting for if you find one you like at a reasonable price now. I doubt the absolute price difference is more than 500 quid.

For 15k you can get either a 111S or a 111R, drive both and see which you prefer. Generally speaking, the later the cars are better built.

Thanks for that.

I'll try and drive both at some point but if I'm not really going to get the spec I want in a 111r at my budget the I'll concentrate on trying to drive the 111s

Cheers

[simpo555]

[quote=MagicalTrevor]

Thanks for that.

I'll try and drive both at some point but if I'm not really going to get the spec I want in a 111r at my budget the I'll concentrate on trying to drive the 11

Have to disagree. For £15K you'll find an R with air con and perhaps even H-top (2004,2005 or early 2006). Watch the adds and then negotiate.

[kambites]

I'd tend to agree. If you decide you prefer the 111R, you ought to be able to find an early one to your choice of spec if you look hard enough.

[Cotty]

MagicalTrevor said:

I'm keeping an eye out at the moment as to what can be bought for my budget (~£15k).

- Now I'm looking at a low mileage 111S with aircon, I suppose the newer the better.

I recently picked up a 111S with aircon, touring pack, leather, hard top etc basically all the option boxes ticked for £15,500
I wouldn't say it was "summer" when I picked it up.
My car:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... to me Lotus Elise S2 111S&mid=382

[jondude]

If you are looking to save some money, try places like Autotrader for ads. A few sellers here are people who bought the car on a whim and just want to get rid of it as they find it impractical.

I found when looking for my S1 that the ads on AT were running 2-3k less in asking price than on here.

[MagicalTrevor]

jondude said:

If you are looking to save some money, try places like Autotrader for ads. A few sellers here are people who bought the car on a whim and just want to get rid of it as they find it impractical.

I found when looking for my S1 that the ads on AT were running 2-3k less in asking price than on here.

Ta, I'll take a look. TBH, I've been limiting my search to websites used by enthusiasts to avoid cars that have been neglected

[mr wiki]

I would say they don't go up or down in price.

Can't remember his name but a SELOC'er monitored the PH prices over a year. The only difference was that in the summer there were more cars for sale than in the winter which lowered the 'summer' priced cars as to more competition for a sale.

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=308903

Edited by mr wiki on Thursday 11th August 09:28

[simpo555]

mr wiki said:

I would say they don't go up or down in price.

Can't remember his name but a SELOC'er monitored the PH prices over a year. The only difference was that in the summer there were more cars for sale than in the winter which lowered the 'summer' priced cars as to more competition for a sale.

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=308903

Edited by mr wiki on Thursday 11th August 09:28

Cant agree. Demand is higher when the weathers good. Prices are as a result stronger. Cars with the right options and colour schemes sell well, with dealers taking the lions share of the market. Far easier to 'haggle' when temperatures drop. For me there's a difference of around £1500 between spring/summer and winter prices. Buying privately or from non Lotus outlets saves you money but gives you slightly less peace of mind.

[chris7676]

simpo555 said:

Cant agree. Demand is higher when the weathers good. Prices are as a result stronger. Cars with the right options and colour schemes sell well, with dealers taking the lions share of the market. Far easier to 'haggle' when temperatures drop. For me there's a difference of around £1500 between spring/summer and winter prices. Buying privately or from non Lotus outlets saves you money but gives you slightly less peace of mind.

You confuse dealers, colours and seasons...

The general answer is - no, difference is marginal.