Buying dilemma

[AyBee]

I've seen a car in the classifieds at the Lotus dealer in Newcastle (Linky) which is the spec I'm looking for (post '06 model, blue, hardtop, miles not too high etc), however, I live in London and I've never bought a car before (previous cars have been bought from family). Anybody else been in this situation and how did you progress?

Edited by AyBee on Tuesday 20th May 09:05

[SeanyD]

A common process seems to be recruit a local PH'er to go check it over, condition/history/paintwork/servicing etc etc, then jump on budget flight with a view to driving it home.

As it happens I (and a few others on here) know the dealer well.

[AyBee]

I guess the next question is does anybody know the car?

[Skaffen]

You'd be better off asking on SELOC - more chance someone there will know the car and you might also have some luck with someone local to it who knows about elises popping in to have a look around

[itcaptainslow]

However, it's unlikely that someone on SELOC will be local being as it's Newcastle...

[SeanyD]

If he posts in the NE section of SELOC he will

[Skaffen]

itcaptainslow said:

However, it's unlikely that someone on SELOC will be local being as it's Newcastle...

Apparently they have the internet up there as well these days.

[Bebee]

I'd rather have less horses, an 09 plate, less mileage by 23k and pay 1k less, here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

And it looks as though it's been garaged.

[AyBee]

Bebee said:

I'd rather have less horses, an 09 plate, less mileage by 23k and pay 1k less, here:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

And it looks as though it's been garaged.

I had seen that - is it not a bit like buying a clio 172 privately when you really wanted a v6 from a dealer though?

[simpo555]

Follow your heart. If you've 'more or less' decided on an Elise R then thats the one to go for. It's a great car. The Newcastle one looks fine in blue with the black wheels and H-Top. Find it a touch expensive for the miles but thats part of the negotiation no doubt. If you're not in a hurry might be worth waiting. Nevertheless, this time of year is the greatest time to own one. Roof off, foot down, second cam and whoosh-pure bliss

[Lione1 Richie]

I was in Lotus Newcastle on Sunday and it looked very clean (from the short time I spent looking at it).

It's worth giving them a phone and having a serious chat if you are interested, they are good guys and I'm sure will give you all the info you need.

[simpo555]

While you may be considering an Elise R, perhaps you could think of one of these. Both 2004 cars but lower miles. Advertised at £21K but £19/19.5 might do the trick. Same engine, (190bhp) similar characteristics, just not so easy to take the roof off.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

Perhaps nearer too!

[AyBee]

simpo555 said:

While you may be considering an Elise R, perhaps you could think of one of these. Both 2004 cars but lower miles. Advertised at £21K but £19/19.5 might do the trick. Same engine, (190bhp) similar characteristics, just not so easy to take the roof off.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

Perhaps nearer too!

Unfortunately I'm set on an Elise rather than Exige. You really reckon you could get £2k off those?!

[pfoster]

Had a 111R which was fantastic, but have to drive it like a loon to make the most of it, otherwise any Elise does the same job up to 6k before all hell breaks loose...
Sold mine on to Will Blackham - top bloke and knows more about the Elise market than any main dealer I have met. If he hasn't got what you want right now, I'm sure he will manage to source you one somehow, and chalfont St.Peter must be much nearer to you. Try 07770876552.
I'm back in the series 1 now in all its gutless-glory and still loving it after 12 years of ownership (I much prefer the front end bite and confidence of the S1), but don't think you'll regret it whatever you go for! Good luck.

[Los Endos]

The Newcastle one is far too expensive......
Hold your nerve and save at least £2k, the right car at the right price will be out there
But be prepared to travel, one day of pain is worth many service bills ( for free ! )

[AyBee]

Los Endos said:

The Newcastle one is far too expensive......
Hold your nerve and save at least £2k, the right car at the right price will be out there
But be prepared to travel, one day of pain is worth many service bills ( for free ! )

I'd be happy to travel. I suppose if it's too expensive then the price will be dropped so I'll just keep my eye on it for now. I had to apply for a new photocard drivers' licence today anyway so there's no chance I could go and see it/drive it this weekend!

[Los Endos]

AyBee said:

Los Endos said:

The Newcastle one is far too expensive......
Hold your nerve and save at least £2k, the right car at the right price will be out there
But be prepared to travel, one day of pain is worth many service bills ( for free ! )

I'd be happy to travel. I suppose if it's too expensive then the price will be dropped so I'll just keep my eye on it for now. I had to apply for a new photocard drivers' licence today anyway so there's no chance I could go and see it/drive it this weekend!

I doubt it will drop at a dealers....
Look for a good private one, with full documentation, most people who own a Lotus look after them better than their kids

06 with less 40k = circa 16,500 to 17,250 and if your lucky and you have cash waiting it will be more £16,500

[otolith]

Unusual choice of rear tyres. Those look like Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas to me, a respectable tyre but not a popular choice for the Elise and as far as I can see not matching the fronts.

[simpo555]

AyBee said:

Unfortunately I'm set on an Elise rather than Exige. You really reckon you could get £2k off those?!

My first car was an Elise R. My current car is an Exige S 240. I absolutely adored my Elise but the Exige is on another planet. I miss not taking the roof off. Having now experienced both I would seriously recommend looking at an Exige 190. As for the prices, I would be surprised if you didn't get one of the cars in the low 19K mark. If you turned up to look at the car with guaranteed finance, make your offer. The guy can say yes or no. Both cars are private sales, which are difficult. Both cars look good in the photos too although I seem to recall one mentioning track use which is a definate bargaining tool. Nice colours, nice mileage, go see for yourself. You can bide your time and wait for an Elise with lower miles etc etc. Just don't wait too long because the pleasure in driving through the summer months is huge.

[simpo555]

AyBee said:

simpo555 said:

While you may be considering an Elise R, perhaps you could think of one of these. Both 2004 cars but lower miles. Advertised at £21K but £19/19.5 might do the trick. Same engine, (190bhp) similar characteristics, just not so easy to take the roof off.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

Perhaps nearer too!

Unfortunately I'm set on an Elise rather than Exige. You really reckon you could get £2k off those?!

Should have looked at the ads first. One of the cars has already dropped to £19.5K. Its chrome orange. Fantastic colour. You'll get it for 18750/19000 if you move quickly.