Was looking at Elises but distracted by a Europa

[MagicalTrevor]

Ok, have had my heart set on an Elise for some time, started many threads and joined many more but have been working up to this for a few years now.

Saw a Europa which was very nice and I, as I'm in the area, I could go and have a look on Tuesday (which I probably will) but I'm a but put off by how long it takes to sell them. I know what you're thinking! But I need to have something that could be quickly sold as that's the deal with the Wife.

So, please persuade me one way or the other as to whether I should stick with the Elise or whether I should be considering a Europa?

For reference, it's this one here

Cheers ... Again!

[limpsfield]

I think if you need something that could be quickly sold then that would rule it out.

An interesting choice, but apparently not the most fluid second hand market.

[MagicalTrevor]

limpsfield said:

I think if you need something that could be quickly sold then that would rule it out.

An interesting choice, but apparently not the most fluid second hand market.

Thanks, that's exactly reassurance I'm looking for!

[Minismiles]

Although they can take a little longer to sell, it's usually cos they hold they're value resonably well, i've had mine two years and it appears to be still worth pretty much what it was when i brought it. With an Elise the prices can vary quite a bit, so droppping the price can get you a quicker sale. If you wanted to sell a Europa quicker lopping off a bit of the price should shift it quite well, i'd imagine.

But if you do need rid of it in a hurry, i guess an elise would be your best bet.

[Minismiles]

This one is a bit cheaper and being sold by a known and respected SELOC'er. Not sure of the distance from you.

http://classifieds.seloc.org/ads/2007-europa-s-225...

they cheaper you get it for the cheaper it can be sold on for when the time comes. Just my thoughts anyway. I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever Lotus you end up in.

[simpo555]

Might be cheaper but with an extra 40k miles and no guarantee it bares no comparison to the car being considered by the OP. In addition if the OP gets a discount it remains largely better value than the second car being proposed. Thats not to say that the dealers car is a bargain, I think its more a reflection on the seller of the second car having slight delusions as to the true value of his car.

[MagicalTrevor]

Checked the dealer website and it appears the one I linked to is now sold.

I'd seen the one on Seloc and was put off by the high mileage, else it would have been alright.

[Minismiles]

simpo555 said:

Might be cheaper but with an extra 40k miles and no guarantee it bares no comparison to the car being considered by the OP. In addition if the OP gets a discount it remains largely better value than the second car being proposed. Thats not to say that the dealers car is a bargain, I think its more a reflection on the seller of the second car having slight delusions as to the true value of his car.

Was just trying to give some alternative ideas was all. Yes the other car has a high mileage but the guy selling it has an impecable reputation. (just recently has a thread started about him on SELOC siging his praises) As for delusions about the price, this was what i meant about holding their values, not many of the about so they will always get a good price. Being a vauxhall engine i'm not sure of any mileage issues, but i'd imagine it should be ok. Having said all of this it's the OP's money, so again just giving other ideas.

I love my europa and wouldn't change it for the world, but then again i'm sure most if not all elise owners would say the same!

[MagicalTrevor]

Minismiles said:

simpo555 said:

Might be cheaper but with an extra 40k miles and no guarantee it bares no comparison to the car being considered by the OP. In addition if the OP gets a discount it remains largely better value than the second car being proposed. Thats not to say that the dealers car is a bargain, I think its more a reflection on the seller of the second car having slight delusions as to the true value of his car.

Was just trying to give some alternative ideas was all. Yes the other car has a high mileage but the guy selling it has an impecable reputation. (just recently has a thread started about him on SELOC siging his praises) As for delusions about the price, this was what i meant about holding their values, not many of the about so they will always get a good price. Being a vauxhall engine i'm not sure of any mileage issues, but i'd imagine it should be ok. Having said all of this it's the OP's money, so again just giving other ideas.

I love my europa and wouldn't change it for the world, but then again i'm sure most if not all elise owners would say the same!

It was an excellent suggestion. I think that it shows that the Europa holds it price well, even with high miles. I'm just thinking that even if I put another 10k miles on it then that going to have nearly 80k miles and potentially put other buyers off.
Again, excellent suggestion but I think I'd prefer a lower mileage

[Toaster]

MagicalTrevor said:

Ok, have had my heart set on an Elise for some time, started many threads and joined many more but have been working up to this for a few years now.

Saw a Europa which was very nice and I, as I'm in the area, I could go and have a look on Tuesday (which I probably will) but I'm a but put off by how long it takes to sell them. I know what you're thinking! But I need to have something that could be quickly sold as that's the deal with the Wife.

So, please persuade me one way or the other as to whether I should stick with the Elise or whether I should be considering a Europa?

For reference, it's this one here

Cheers ... Again!

Ok here goes after four years of Europa ownership, I can only say go for it these cars are extraordinary, however regarding milage, the brake discs need changing every 36,000 and you may go through one or two sets of pads (I only went through one set) which means the car you are looking at may be coming up for a disc and pad change when you get to 36,000 (or 72,000) its no big deal if you know this is what you are going to have to do but that and a service you may find a bill coming in at around £1400 £1600 and its a shame not to keep the car in top condition, but I do not beleive that is any different on an elise or exige, the discs are checked by measuring them not by visual looks.

Check your costs for tyres the rears on average last 18,000 although mine were heading for 22-24,000 my car was sold by a dealer in two weeks I had the lux pack the dealer had it up for sale at £16,995 the service wasn't due for another six months MOT had just been done and my millage was 45,000

The right car at the right price will always sell quickly

I would have brought another nearly new europa (I never buy new) I just loved this car and used it every day.

Edited by Toaster on Monday 9th April 11:13

Edited by Toaster on Monday 9th April 11:14

[MrSimba]

Toaster said:

Ok here goes after four years of Europa ownership, I can only say go for it these cars are extraordinary, however regarding milage, the brake discs need changing every 36,000 and you may go through one or two sets of pads (I only went through one set) which means the car you are looking at may be coming up for a disc and pad change when you get to 36,000 (or 72,000) its no big deal if you know this is what you are going to have to do but that and a service you may find a bill coming in at around £1400 £1600 and its a shame not to keep the car in top condition, but I do not beleive that is any different on an elise or exige, the discs are checked by measuring them not by visual looks.

How much are Lotus dealers charging for disc's & pads these days?

A full set of CL5's all round would be £200 (a massive improvement over OE pads) and Brembo 'plain' discs definatly equal quality to OE about £120 from CRN Performance, fitting no more than 2 hours including a full fluid change.

[Toaster]

MrSimba said:

How much are Lotus dealers charging for disc's & pads these days?

A full set of CL5's all round would be £200 (a massive improvement over OE pads) and Brembo 'plain' discs definatly equal quality to OE about £120 from CRN Performance, fitting no more than 2 hours including a full fluid change.

MrSimba

I cannot recall all the work done as it was about two years ago my total Bill for the 36,000 service was £1,659.34p it included the service, pads, discs (can't remember if I had any tyres as I no longer have the invoices) the point I was trying to make is check out your costs before buying! If you are buying a car at 67,000 miles there is probably going to be a earlier larger bill than buying a car at 24,000 miles. and that should be reflected in the price.

if people want to use non-Dealer parts, or find a cheaper service outlet thats fine I have no comment to make this is a personal choice. If you were to buy a car I have owned you can be assured that its serviced at a Lotus Dealer using Lotus parts I am not saying they are better or worse just that its the factory trained, factory recommended bits ( one would hope).

[s2kjock]

MagicalTrevor said:

Checked the dealer website and it appears the one I linked to is now sold.

I'd seen the one on Seloc and was put off by the high mileage, else it would have been alright.

I've been considering a Europa to replace my Honda S2000, and while there were a reasonable number for sale earlier this year they seem to have disappeared and not much on offer at the moment on AT or here sadly.

Does seem to tick lots of boxes for me compared to the possible alternatives I have in mind.

[Toaster]

s2kjock said:

I've been considering a Europa to replace my Honda S2000, and while there were a reasonable number for sale earlier this year they seem to have disappeared and not much on offer at the moment on AT or here sadly.

Does seem to tick lots of boxes for me compared to the possible alternatives I have in mind.

The boot will take a flight bag and a laptop rucksack quite easily if you see one you want just go for it they really are nice cars, can't understand the negative press or some of the early comments on the chat forums.

[Chugga Boom]

MagicalTrevor said:

Ok, have had my heart set on an Elise for some time, started many threads and joined many more but have been working up to this for a few years now.

Saw a Europa which was very nice and I, as I'm in the area, I could go and have a look on Tuesday (which I probably will) but I'm a but put off by how long it takes to sell them. I know what you're thinking! But I need to have something that could be quickly sold as that's the deal with the Wife.

So, please persuade me one way or the other as to whether I should stick with the Elise or whether I should be considering a Europa?

For reference, it's this one here

Cheers ... Again!

Confusing messages there!
If you have your heart set on an elise, then buy an elise!

I am not sure about the resale comment? Just had a quick look over on the classifieds 96 S2 & 46 S1 Elise and only 1 (modern) Europa for sale...JUST 1!
I love cars, love driving and have been in many variations of car over the years. I have no intention of entering to a slanging match of ...V's....

You have to get what you want and you will have a great time with either!
If you are looking for advice all I can is tell you is what experiences I have had with my Europa... (and I have run an S2 too and love all my lotus mates cars)

Exclusiveness - the Europa will give you that!
Value - if I was to sell mine tomorrow probably get what I paid for it
Great drive - cruise about, hoon about, loads of low down grunt for over taking
Good size boot, air-con and heater work!

Stereo - is rubbish though!

Good luck!!

[Chugga Boom]

If you have been building up to this for a few years now then don't rush in and then have to sell straight away!
I made my choice of car, took one out for a spin at a dealers and I realised I had made the right decision, but not for that car.
I wanted one with the Luxury Interior, 225 bhp ECU upgrade and then I had to wait a while a trawl through the ads a while. Worth the wait though!

Funnily enough just noticed on your profile, but I bought mine from a guy who was a Oracle BDA

There is this SE model........

http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

That ticks boxes! and the Milltek exhaust is great!

[MagicalTrevor]

You're right of course, it was a flirt with the idea of a Europa but its taken me ages to get myself in a position to get an Elise and I know this is the right choice. As good as the Europas are, they're probably a little too expensive and would require finding some more cash, which I can't justify right now.

I'm going to have a look at this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3791840.htm. Any comments?

[Chugga Boom]

Looks nice - hope to see you in it!

[MagicalTrevor]

Chugga Boom said:

Looks nice - hope to see you in it!

Cheers, so do I!