Checking for crash damage - what to look for?

[zabba]

Hi All

I will shortly be in a position to purchase my first lotus and have decided to go for an Exige S2.

Before I start my hunt I need to know what to look for, I am happy to check central locking/heater/aircon etc, but one thing I'm less confident on is making sure it hasn't been in an accident.

I can look for signs of respray, but are there any particular areas I need to be looking at? Should I be concerned about differing panal gaps like I would be on more mainstream cars, or is that just a Lotus?

Thanks

[MiniDiva]

Hm, yes panel gaps aren't that much of a tell tale sign to be honest as they can vary, unless there's major gaps!!

A lot of the time the entire clam (and maybe crash structure) would be replaced in the case of an accident so it's really difficult to tell. Things I've noticed before are differing colours/finish between the clam and sills/roof which indicated paintwork and maybe missing decals off the back. If there was any noticeable damage on the underside or chassis then it would be a fairly big impact and should be declared as a Cat C/D or so - a HPI check should tell you this too, I'd hope. To be honest if there is any visible structural damage (ripples in chassis/floor; bent brackets) then it's really not a good thing and the car would probably not feel quite right and you should definitely ask questions if nothing has been mentioned in the advert, that's my personal opinion.

I bought my Exige with a really crap repair on the rear clam - it had obviously been damaged but nothing major and some monkey obviously 'repaired' it. I could live with it but in the end someone reversed into the other side of it a few months after having it and ended up with a new clam. That was a tiny impact, nothing to worry the integrity of the car.

If in doubt, interrogate the seller, if still in doubt, walk away.

Good luck

[junks]

If you're not confident in spotting damage repairs - take someone along that is if possible

The obvious things as mentioned are paintwork not matching or imperfections in the paint, overspray on suspension/wheel arch liners, new wishbones or suspension parts.

[TIPPER]

junks said:

If you're not confident in spotting damage repairs - take someone along that is if possible

The obvious things as mentioned are paintwork not matching or imperfections in the paint, overspray on suspension/wheel arch liners, new wishbones or suspension parts.

Respecting your vastly superior knowledge of these cars to mine Phil but some of the older S2 Exiges will now be at the point of needing a major suspension refurb. After I'd finished the refurb on mine the suspension looked pretty new on all corners. Its also worth bearing in mind that a relatively low speed bump into a kerb can lead to suspension damage (the suspension gives to protect the chassis). Worth bearing in mind. The suspension mounting points need careful inspection - any suspicion of them having ben damaged then walk away.
I'd not worry about minor shunts: the clams on an Elise are its bumpers, suspension components sacrificial. I'd pay attention to the chassis/tub and look for obvious signs of the crashbox at the front being in suspiciously good condition. Personally I wouldn't worry about a clam having been replaced or relatively minor other damage thatt has been properly repaired.
You really need to know the car to know what to look for - best take along someone that does know the car or pay an independant specialistt (Not AA etc).

[zabba]

Thanks very much for the responses.

Can any recommend such a specialist who can do the inspections in the Hampshire/Surrey/Berkshire area?

[junks]

TIPPER said:

junks said:

If you're not confident in spotting damage repairs - take someone along that is if possible

The obvious things as mentioned are paintwork not matching or imperfections in the paint, overspray on suspension/wheel arch liners, new wishbones or suspension parts.

Respecting your vastly superior knowledge of these cars to mine Phil but some of the older S2 Exiges will now be at the point of needing a major suspension refurb. After I'd finished the refurb on mine the suspension looked pretty new on all corners. Its also worth bearing in mind that a relatively low speed bump into a kerb can lead to suspension damage (the suspension gives to protect the chassis). Worth bearing in mind. The suspension mounting points need careful inspection - any suspicion of them having ben damaged then walk away.
I'd not worry about minor shunts: the clams on an Elise are its bumpers, suspension components sacrificial. I'd pay attention to the chassis/tub and look for obvious signs of the crashbox at the front being in suspiciously good condition. Personally I wouldn't worry about a clam having been replaced or relatively minor other damage thatt has been properly repaired.
You really need to know the car to know what to look for - best take along someone that does know the car or pay an independant specialistt (Not AA etc).

Totally agree Tim, was only as a pointer to look not saying it would be damaged just because anything had been replaced mate but if something has been replaced then start looking for other signs around that area

Try Steff at Back on Track - Guildford

Edited by junks on Thursday 25th November 12:12

[TIPPER]

junks said:

TIPPER said:

junks said:

If you're not confident in spotting damage repairs - take someone along that is if possible

The obvious things as mentioned are paintwork not matching or imperfections in the paint, overspray on suspension/wheel arch liners, new wishbones or suspension parts.

Respecting your vastly superior knowledge of these cars to mine Phil but some of the older S2 Exiges will now be at the point of needing a major suspension refurb. After I'd finished the refurb on mine the suspension looked pretty new on all corners. Its also worth bearing in mind that a relatively low speed bump into a kerb can lead to suspension damage (the suspension gives to protect the chassis). Worth bearing in mind. The suspension mounting points need careful inspection - any suspicion of them having ben damaged then walk away.
I'd not worry about minor shunts: the clams on an Elise are its bumpers, suspension components sacrificial. I'd pay attention to the chassis/tub and look for obvious signs of the crashbox at the front being in suspiciously good condition. Personally I wouldn't worry about a clam having been replaced or relatively minor other damage thatt has been properly repaired.
You really need to know the car to know what to look for - best take along someone that does know the car or pay an independant specialistt (Not AA etc).

Totally agree Tim, was only as a pointer to look not saying it would be damaged just because anything had been replaced mate but if something has been replaced then start looking for other signs around that area

Try Steff at Back on Track - Guildford

Edited by junks on Thursday 25th November 12:12