Best dealer experience?

[WildfireX0]

Ok, I have decided to hold off getting an Elise until Xmas, due to Financial issues as well as Professional ones. But if all is still well by then I was wondering which dealer has the best reputation/prices. I have had dealings with Formula 1 of Newcastle and Bell and Colvill of Surrey. Bell and Colvill seemed expensive, whilst Formula one were ok, but a bit reluctant to talk to me due to my age/appearance. (22yrs old, look about 17/18)

So is it worth sticking to one of these or take then jump and go private?

[bogie]

Wilsons Lotus at Chadwell Heath (NE London ish) were great when I got my S2 last year - managed to get 7% off list and a sports exhaust at cost.

Worth a visit if you are after a new car...they also have a good selection of used S1/S2s

[CVP]

I bought from Bell & Colvill. Agreed a bit more expensive, but I wanted the reassurance of a "good" dealer to fall back on if it all went pear shaped.

Been back for one recall (front brake exam). This was handled very well, being booked in first thing next day & completed within 30 minutes.

Overall I've probably paid a bit over the odds but not too much and the experience has been good to date apart from one point....the coffee machine is cack

Otherwise I'm still grinning every time I drive the car. It's just so much fun. So save your cash and do it, I don't think you'll regret it.

Chris

[turnergw]

I recently bought from Bell & Colvill as well. You're right in that they're not the cheapest, but compared to other dealers in the South, they're not the most expensive either. I went for what was probably the cheapest car they have had in a while ('97 S1) but they still treated it really well - front and read clam respray, thorough valet all round, full C service, all new tyres, and to be honest it looked (and felt) nearly as good as new.

Had a few minor niggles - leaky roof/windows, cracked driving light, and a broken switch inside - all were sorted or replaced with no fuss.

Over all I'd rate them extremely highly - and I'd certainly buy from them again (If I could afford anything more!)

[dragstar]

i took the leap and bought private.... best thing i did.

for 16,100 i got a titanium 111s (s1) with...

lotus sport suspension, lotus sport exhaust, sport 160 throttle body, sport 160 wheels with new advan tyres, soft and hard top, usual 111s chrome pieces, lumbar support, momo removeable wheel, upgraded stereo, ITG, ptp induction kit (well wicked), mats etc, fully armourfended and a private plate: T5 VVC. it had just done a c service and fully taxed etc. i challenge any dealer to beat that price.

sure, you get the piece of mind from dealers, but you can get so much more from private sales. still unsure? do a hpi and aa inspection and take a mate with you.

remember most elises are pampered and cared for and so are in good condition.

[WildfireX0]

Hmmmm..... What to do? The main thing I'm looking at the moment is budget. Got if things go badly £13500 max for car + insurance. I know this really restrictive, but it may be possible. If things go well maybe £15000 for insurance + car. If things go really badly, then no money, no job and ummm... massive debt. All possible by Xmas.

The decisions, the decisions. Strangely enough my Polo comes from Bell and Colvill and I know the Niece and Nephew of Colvill.

But anyway I digress, what to do? Advice?

Has anybody had any really bad experiences from buying privately? Stonechips and minor bodywork do not worry me as I can do my own spraying and bodywork. But mainly I want somthing that will be mechanically reliable.

[CVP]

Dragstar - great deal looks like you found an absolute peach for your cash.

Wildfire - the only thing I'd say about buying privately is that most AA/RAC inspectors don't know what to look for in an Elise. You really need an expert to look at it to make sure it's ok. Sinclaire's come recommended very highly by the South East Lotus owners club (web address of seloc is all over PH Otherwise I'm sure B&C can do an inspection for you or Adrian Blyth may do them. There will be some other mechanical experts I haven't mentioned, someone please add to the list.

Chris