Elise SC/220 Secondhand Prices

Elise SC/220 Secondhand Prices

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Quags

Original Poster:

1,586 posts

268 months

Wednesday 16th January 2019
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What are peoples thoughts on these at the moment? I'm possibly in the market for one yet seeing 2015 cars in the £34-35k region with anything up to 10k miles, this seems very high to me? I would of thought they should be in the £28-30k region.

I'd be concerned paying that much then it being worth £5-10k less a year later. Seems like some dealers are holding onto stock for ages to try and get these prices, but they are not selling and it seems like a false market.

Leggy

1,021 posts

229 months

Wednesday 16th January 2019
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Make a cheeky offer or go private. There’s no risk as good cars.
Just get it checked my a specialist if it’s your first.
Take a look on SELOC for possible sellers and advice.

Quags

Original Poster:

1,586 posts

268 months

Wednesday 16th January 2019
quotequote all
That's the thing, it's not my first. I had an s2 some years ago and just don't understand the current values. I wish I didn't love them so much as I fear ill be losing money soon!

arcticGT

980 posts

219 months

Thursday 17th January 2019
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How much you “loose” over one or two years will depend on wether you buy or sell through a dealer or privately. A main dealer will want £4-5k mark up at that price point so if you sold back to a dealer after year or so, there’s a big chunk there.

Venisonpie

3,647 posts

89 months

Friday 18th January 2019
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I paid v low 30's for my 14 plate S (with all packs) under 8,000 miles last May. I suspect if I tried to sell it this May I might get 30k privately (if patient) and 28k trade. For the fun I've had I'd not be unhappy with that that. Could be miles off but I doubt it would be a 10k hit as that would make it just over £20k!

Y11 LTS

58 posts

71 months

Sunday 20th January 2019
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If it helps I’ve just about an Elise SC 09 year which is basically the same but with the better high revving 2ZZ engine, which is now not made due to emissions (so much more entertaining than the current 1.8ktr engine alotus use.

It has 39,000 miles on the clock and comes with both touring and sports pack with the latter giving you proper bucket seats, biltien dampers and beautiful forged alloys!

Car is in great condition and I bought it trade with 12 month warranty for £24,500 from an amazing independent dealer called Williams Automobiles who are based north of Bristol in Yate.

I’m and ex lotus owner and enthusiast and wanted an exige S2 supercharged but couldn’t afford the ridiculous prices! So I waiting and bough this perfect example!!! Due to the sports pack it’s basically the same as an exige less the more aggressive front and rear clam!

Check Williams automobiles out and speak with a Lindon the service was amazing!

I’ve seen a couple of other 2ZZ Engine Elise surcharges ones like mine around for an extra £1,500!!

Hope this helps

G111MDS

341 posts

98 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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Y11 LTS said:
If it helps I’ve just about an Elise SC 09 year which is basically the same but with the better high revving 2ZZ engine, which is now not made due to emissions (so much more entertaining than the current 1.8ktr engine alotus use.

It has 39,000 miles on the clock and comes with both touring and sports pack with the latter giving you proper bucket seats, biltien dampers and beautiful forged alloys!

Car is in great condition and I bought it trade with 12 month warranty for £24,500 from an amazing independent dealer called Williams Automobiles who are based north of Bristol in Yate.

I’m and ex lotus owner and enthusiast and wanted an exige S2 supercharged but couldn’t afford the ridiculous prices! So I waiting and bough this perfect example!!! Due to the sports pack it’s basically the same as an exige less the more aggressive front and rear clam!

Check Williams automobiles out and speak with a Lindon the service was amazing!

I’ve seen a couple of other 2ZZ Engine Elise surcharges ones like mine around for an extra £1,500!!

Hope this helps
Is it the one they had with the burgundy / red interior? If so - stunning car. It had caught my attention, but I opted for an S2 Exige (in the same colour I think).

highway

2,052 posts

267 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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I’ve been following prices for a while. As the OP suggests it’s a bizarre market with almost no private cars available. Bell and Colville had a nice ex press car. 2017 with loads of additional carbon. Leather peeling from the dash vents, 2k miles. Asking was a shade under £40. Brand new pre reg cars are available at the same money- maybe lower spec but new.

Yet all these cars are clustered around the £35k mark. If I buy I’d prefer the open gearshift which comes with cars registered after April 17. Nice red car was advertised here recently, tan leather buy no AC for £35300. Sold to a trader.

The B and C car was for sale well over 6 months before selling and as the OP says, the cars don’t sell fast.

I can’t see the logic in paying mid late £30s for a used car circa 2017 when cars been be bought effectively new for very little more- probably the same given haggle.

The market doesn’t make sense.

If brand new (maybe dealer pre reg but del

Venisonpie

3,647 posts

89 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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There are so few of them about it is easy for dealers to corner the market. Unless you're reckless you shouldn't lose your shirt on one wherever you choose to enter the market.
24.5k for a high mile 10 yr old one is encouraging for existing owners..

breakfan

229 posts

153 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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I too am dipping my toe in the market with the view of possibly buying closer to the summer but can't make sense of current prices. The 3-4 year models advertised in the mid 30's are in my opinion too closely matched to the brand new cars especially when you consider the easily achievable 4-5% discount on those, and the fact they come with the lovely open-gate gearbox and a warranty.

On top of that, it seems a tidy S2 can be had for low 20's so why is there a 10-15k premium on the S3? Is there that much of a difference? I'm no Lotus expert so happy to be educated here

highway

2,052 posts

267 months

Monday 21st January 2019
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As Lotus have made a handful of cars over the past 2 years, there are hardly any S3 around. I like the poster above, like that gearshift, which finally feels proper. As they hardly sold any most remain with dealers.

Prices are bonkers though. £38-39 for a two year old car. Same as a brand new one? Maybe there are so few buyers it’s academic???

Y11 LTS

58 posts

71 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
Venisonpie said:
There are so few of them about it is easy for dealers to corner the market. Unless you're reckless you shouldn't lose your shirt on one wherever you choose to enter the market.
24.5k for a high mile 10 yr old one is encouraging for existing owners..
Not exactly high mileage 39,000 which equates to 3,900 miles per year typical lotus Elise and exige owner!

But yes you can get with less on rarely nowadays!!

Venisonpie

3,647 posts

89 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
Y11 LTS said:
Venisonpie said:
There are so few of them about it is easy for dealers to corner the market. Unless you're reckless you shouldn't lose your shirt on one wherever you choose to enter the market.
24.5k for a high mile 10 yr old one is encouraging for existing owners..
Not exactly high mileage 39,000 which equates to 3,900 miles per year typical lotus Elise and exige owner!

But yes you can get with less on rarely nowadays!!
Yes, you're right - "high" was relative.

I think the S3 comes with a much improved gear change over the S2 and overall build quality; some prefer the earlier engine as it revs higher others the later one with more mid range torque. I also agree as others have said the S3 at 3/4 years old is low 30's not mid to high. Having said that, they're worth what someone wants to pay. While I was looking there was a large disparity in condition (the yellow one at B&C was surprisingly scruffy). I bought privately and it was absolutely mint with all the packs which elevated above the others below £35k. Add to that it's done circa 2500 miles p/a it is still v low in the market.

Y11 LTS

58 posts

71 months

Monday 21st January 2019
quotequote all
Venisonpie said:
Yes, you're right - "high" was relative.

I think the S3 comes with a much improved gear change over the S2 and overall build quality; some prefer the earlier engine as it revs higher others the later one with more mid range torque. I also agree as others have said the S3 at 3/4 years old is low 30's not mid to high. Having said that, they're worth what someone wants to pay. While I was looking there was a large disparity in condition (the yellow one at B&C was surprisingly scruffy). I bought privately and it was absolutely mint with all the packs which elevated above the others below £35k. Add to that it's done circa 2500 miles p/a it is still v low in the market.
Totally agree with what you have said! Always depends on what you want out of the characteristics of the car, I love the high revving engines.. and think they will keep there money like S2 Exiges due to the high revving engine from any manufacturer not being made anymore... but the gear change is so much better and looks better in the S3! Both cars are awesome just depends on each persons needs characteristics of the car and their budget!

Quags

Original Poster:

1,586 posts

268 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
highway said:
I’ve been following prices for a while. As the OP suggests it’s a bizarre market with almost no private cars available. Bell and Colville had a nice ex press car. 2017 with loads of additional carbon. Leather peeling from the dash vents, 2k miles. Asking was a shade under £40. Brand new pre reg cars are available at the same money- maybe lower spec but new.

Yet all these cars are clustered around the £35k mark. If I buy I’d prefer the open gearshift which comes with cars registered after April 17. Nice red car was advertised here recently, tan leather buy no AC for £35300. Sold to a trader.

The B and C car was for sale well over 6 months before selling and as the OP says, the cars don’t sell fast.

I can’t see the logic in paying mid late £30s for a used car circa 2017 when cars been be bought effectively new for very little more- probably the same given haggle.

The market doesn’t make sense.

If brand new (maybe dealer pre reg but del
Couldn't agree more with all of that. I'm seeing 2015 cars for early to mid 30's, low miles, but I honestly believe paying over 30k now would result in a car worth 27k next year. Which I'm not that fussed about as I want a keeper. But like anyone, I don't want to pay over the odds.

itcaptainslow

3,858 posts

143 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
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It continues to amaze (and delight) me how much S3’s are worth. I’ve got an absolute mint, Elise Grey S3 S that’s 3 years old this March with 8k miles and I keep an eye on prices out of interest. I know dealers have to make a profit but the trade bids I’ve had (£8k under retail for similar, but less well specified cars was a particular um, highlight, especially as they were trying to sell me an Evora) have been mostly ridiculous.

Quags

Original Poster:

1,586 posts

268 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Interesting thats how much some are trying to make.

I personally will refuse to pay more than £30k for the ones I'm looking at, which is £3-4k off asking. Once I can move ahead I'll start making some bids although I'm not hopeful....

highway

2,052 posts

267 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
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Nationwide hardly anyone can be buying. The same cars are advertised on some cases for months. I wonder how the dealers survive given the volume they are moving. I’d have thought £30k would be ample on a two year old car given new (given discount) is under £40

Fonzey

2,175 posts

134 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
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breakfan said:
On top of that, it seems a tidy S2 can be had for low 20's so why is there a 10-15k premium on the S3? Is there that much of a difference? I'm no Lotus expert so happy to be educated here
It's a funny one, but when considering the power available in most hot hatches nowadays the S2 NA cars are now starting to feel a little lacking as road cars, IMO. Getting an S2 car with an SC is extremely rare, they hardly come up and they can command a strong price when they do (though I think 24k is good value for money, it's a better engine than the S3 after all)

S3 make 220bhp and a bit of torque much more readily available (and more comparable to the 300bhp superhatches that are around for similar prices in road performance) - which I guess is why the dealers/traders feel they can command the prices they do. I personally wouldn't get too hooked up on "build quality improvements" on the S3s, as you're still buying into a squeaky rattle-box regardless.

I personally believe the S2 SC cars to be the sweetspot on price and performance. Any money that an S2 needs spending on it (radiator, toe-links, etc) will eventually be needed on an S3 anyway, and with an S2 there's more chance of it already being done. You also get a better engine, and get to save £10k... IF you can get hold of one.

I went middle for diddle and spent S3 money on an S2 Exige - but I can't justify that as making any sense biglaugh



Quags

Original Poster:

1,586 posts

268 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2019
quotequote all
Exactly, some examples here:

Nice, but prefer the more modern nose now and want the better seats:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

2015, good miles:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

And my favourite, but it's just not worth that IMO:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...