Accident History, and effect on resale value

[Jim_Cross]

Any suggestions on what sort of effect accident history has on Elises? I know buyers are generally put off by the thought of buying anything that's been repaired.
What if the repair was carried out by a reputable Lotus repair centre, and mainly consisted of replacement clams (i.e. no chassis/suspension damage)?

[zebedee]

chassis damage will be spotted by them as its hard to hide from the experts. If its just body damage, and the repair is good - who is to know, so shouldn't affect prices. What have you done then?

[Jim_Cross]

I've done nuffink
But I am considering buying a currently damaged Elise, and having it repaired. It has been classified ABI Class C, so shows up on HPi checks.
Currently thinking it'll need both cams replaced and a full respray. However, the damaged isn't bad, my guess is it's been through a hedge.
Currently up for £16k - it's a 52 reg Type 72 with only 600 miles on it

Currently waiting for an estimate from Sinclaire's based on some photos I've sent them. Now I'm just trying to work out how much I'm willing to pay overall (inc. repairs)

[LRdriver]

hmmm.. i'd look very seriously at this as the chassis might be a write off.. 2mm out of whack and its toast.

a chassis might only be 3500 quid but can easily add up to 15K for a chassis swap (as it did for somebody whos insurance company paid the tab..)

[spining-v-grid]

Jim,

My advice would be V careful,I have written my motor off just over a week ago

After many a conversation with my insurance company and their engineer, they will not sell me my car back. I have worked in the trade all my life, so I would like to think I understand more than just the basic's. I have even been to see the car with the engineer to argue my case

The problem you/me have is the chassis cannot be detected for fractures, that's the problem. Everything could be straight, even when laser aligned, but due to the bonding of the chassis there is no equipment that can carry out a simple X ray and give you 100% accuracy I really struggle with this, technology of today but I see their point...i think?


All i'm trying to say is, what could be ok now might let you down in the future. With the handling and speed that is possible, I would not like this to fail me. But best of luck, if you need any more info on my experience I will be glad to try and help.



SVG

[DanH]

Spinning, I take it your chassis is actually bent? They can't straighten the aluminium tub because of possible stress fractures in both the metal and the bonding glue.

If it wasn't bent I don't see why they would insist on it being a chassis job.

[atg]

is it possible fractures in the bonding itself?

[spining-v-grid]

Sorry for the delay getting back to you guys, I was on the road yesterday in my nice new Vectra, roof up of course

They say it maybe bent but can't take the risks. The bonding may also be damaged. But this cannot be checked 100% so they cannot take the risks as the liabilty will remain with them.

The problem with my clang is where the top wishbone is bolted to the chassis, it has bent and split the fixing point. I have a friend who can alloy weld but the insurance company will not offer me the car.

To me, there is no evidence of any other damage to the chassis. There has been no direct impact to it.

Suppose I'll just keep this wreck