Buying advice needed

[twit]

I have been offered the chance to do a deal on an S1 with my Cup. I thought I would run a few things past the masses:

It will be a private deal, the car is a 98 (S) in titanium with green hood and green leather, alloy winders etc. It is a one owner car with full Lotus service history. It has had new tyres, brakes, shocks at the last service and will have a major service/ MOT prior to sale. It has a cat retained sports exhaust and K&N induction kit and a nice stereo!

All of this sounds great, the bit I am less sure of is mileage - currently it is on 41K. I'm going to use it as my everyday car what do you guys think. It will be up for about 13.5K and it won't be sold for less than 13K.

So, advice:

1. Is the mileage OK, it seems reasonable for a car that has been used and I guess there is an argument to buy this over a four year car with 4000 on the clock. Question is would anyone be worried?

2. Price - what do you reckon? Apparently the car is immaculate, I've not seen it yet?

3. If I consider it I'll get it checked independently. The car is in East Herts any suggestions as to where to take it?

I'm tempted but don't want to make an expensive mistake!

Twit

[cuzza]

OK, I'm no expert but I have just been through all this (just picked up my S1 at the weekend ) but if you ask me.........

41k shouldn't be a problem for the car so I wouldn't worry about that - there seem to be loads of people on here who use them every day with no problems. If you're going to use it every day then buying a really low mileage one could be a bit of a waste of the extra cash as it won't stay as a low miler so you stand to lose more in depreciation.

Price seems about right - if you can get it for 13k so much the better but 13.5 isn't OTT.

I had mine inspected by a guy called Rob Ingleby who is mobile and will be able to go to see the car at the sellers place. He will HPI it for you too - he charged me £200. He gave me a report over the phone and a written one is on the way. If you like it which sounds likely make sure your offer is dependent on a clean bill of health from an inspection - if the seller has nothing to hide this shouldn't be a problem.

Hope this helps

Cuzza

[noel]

I bought a 99 T plate Elise, titanium, red leather, removable momo, kenwood mask and 22K on the clock for 13.3K weekend before last, I think I got a good deal. Taking it as a comparable I'd say 13K or thereabouts, particularly as this one has got a recent service etc and that expense will still be on the vendors mind.

[nick_houghton]

hmmm 41k standard for £13k seems a lot, especially when you can get a 25kish w reg 111s for around £15k, albeit private.

depends whether a dealer warranty is high on your priorities & also whether you can get insurance for a decent price

[Jimbo22]

Seems a little expensive for year and mileage (if that's as low as they'll go).

Quite a few standard S1's about at the mo and I'm pretty sure you could get a lower miler for the same price or a higher miler for less. Mileage isn't important but it does cause wear and tear on your discs, gaiters, toe links, suspension etc.

Definitely get one - just think you could get more for your money that's all, you'd be suprised how much people will barter once you're in front of them.