Buying a second hand lotus
Discussion
Buying an elise really is the same as buying any second hand car, just with all the details being that little bit more important. A FLSH is a must, as is knowing the cars history, I wouldnt buy a car with multiple owners, whys it being passed around? Track use doesnt ever worry me to much as realistically the car was designed for it.
Try and buy a car with as many extras as possible, they have no value on a resale but cost £1000's to fit later. I was advised by a Lotus dealer they only add £200 to the price of a car with a hard top, but you'd be looking at £1500 to get one yourself. A radio fitting kits a must again no resale but a pig after sale. Engine tune ups are the same, mine cost £2500 probably added nothing realistically to the cars value, just increased my smiles!
Check the hood hasnt been stretched with people pulling on it, getting in and out of the car, itll leak forever!
Theres an edition of EVO magazine I can get the number for you if you want as I have it at home, or photocopy the pages and send them to you, which featured a buyers guide to second hand elises. Which was very good.
Regards J.
Of all the Elise S1's buy the base 118 car. It's got by far the best resale value and you can do stuff to it later if you feel the need, 135 or 165 from PTP. DO NOT buy the 111S as the engine's now out of production so parts are going to get scarce over the next couple of years........getting Lotus parts is difficult at the best of times! The 135 was probably the best spec, c/r gear box and all that! really nippy and good torque.
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