Salvage

[Althalus]

I'm considering taking on a winter project and getting an accident damaged elise. Has anyone on here done this?
I really want an elise, this seems like a good way to get one abit cheap - I have no intention of selling it

Where is a good place to look for an Early ish S1 elise to salvage? -The S2's seem to be about 10-12 grand which is too much, other than that I can get a vx220 for about £7500 which seems reasonable.

[tricky 100]

I ve had a couple on cat Ds , but their very rare to find . Come up on ebay sometimes, although i ve never tried to buy there , dunno how safe it is.
Probably not as cheap as your lead to believe , your will be lucky to find a cat D under 7k.

[s works]

Don't bother - someone else has been running with this idea on SELOC and all the advice is to walk away. Unless you can find one which only has light damage (in which case won't be as cheap as you note) you're in danger of getting something where the chassis is bent or the mounting points are knackered. Not something you can fix with a welder and some putty.

Better to save a little longer and get a straight one.

[garydvo]

Wait until it gets colder. You will be able to pick up a straight high milage car in Sept to Dec that works.

You could always then rebuild the engine add voodoo and save money compared to now.

I have a high milage S1 (90K) which is for keeps, God knows what it is worth but a similar car in Sept to Dec will be just what you are looking for and it can be sold if needs be in the future.

Search here and seloc.org for advice on buying. Be afraid of cars in salvage. What looks like light damage can turn out to be a disaster.

>> Edited by garydvo on Monday 16th May 18:28

[matt_c]

I have just bought an S2 for £9k. The back O/S is missing and the subframe is damaged. I bought the car from an Elise salvage expert who showed me where to look for damage and how to tell if the chassis is ok.
I have stripped the damage all off and true to his word, the chassis is ok. There are plenty of guys out there who can supply parts cheaply.
I am having alot of fun taking it all apart so far!!!
Good luck!!

[matrs]

Get a higher mileage example, dont touch a damaged repaired unless Lotus have repaired it themelves or a good dealer/specialist

[Althalus]

sounds like a high miler would make a good xmas pressy
she wpon't like it! oh no!