Discussion
Marc - if it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
A service history is very important when buying any used car, especially so when the car in question would cost a bunch to fix if its not right.
The only reason i can think that the previous owner "lost" the service history is 'cos they're trying to conceal something.
What you could do - find out who did the cambelt service and ask their opinion. Also, even if the previous owner lost the history he/she surely should still remember who did the work.. you could contact them and see if they have any records. Also, lotus cars should have a history of the car as regards any warranty work (i have a contact a lotus if you need).
That said, if you were to put aside say 6-8k for any bills, you may just end up with a decent car.. If you've only got 16k then your asking for trouble - first time something goes wrong (and it will) you wont have the dosh to fix it.
Frontal damage - recorded or not? The ad does not say. If its on a register then you may find its worth didly squat when you come to move it on..
Would i buy it? No. A well maintained GT3 can be had for this sort of money and would be potentially more reliable in the long run.
A service history is very important when buying any used car, especially so when the car in question would cost a bunch to fix if its not right.
The only reason i can think that the previous owner "lost" the service history is 'cos they're trying to conceal something.
What you could do - find out who did the cambelt service and ask their opinion. Also, even if the previous owner lost the history he/she surely should still remember who did the work.. you could contact them and see if they have any records. Also, lotus cars should have a history of the car as regards any warranty work (i have a contact a lotus if you need).
That said, if you were to put aside say 6-8k for any bills, you may just end up with a decent car.. If you've only got 16k then your asking for trouble - first time something goes wrong (and it will) you wont have the dosh to fix it.
Frontal damage - recorded or not? The ad does not say. If its on a register then you may find its worth didly squat when you come to move it on..
Would i buy it? No. A well maintained GT3 can be had for this sort of money and would be potentially more reliable in the long run.
Cheers Rob - I totally agree with what you're saying. I should have around 20k saved up by this time next year when I'm hoping to buy either a Chimaera or an Esprit (the only car I've ever really truly lusted after). I'm not keen on the GT3 though - there's something about the 2.0l engine that puts me off. The S4S could be more up my street.... ;-)
Maybe a career in the city beckons soon, so I can catch up with the Big Boys.... Mr Ellingtj can be my assistant (make the tea etc)
Maybe a career in the city beckons soon, so I can catch up with the Big Boys.... Mr Ellingtj can be my assistant (make the tea etc)
Just had a mail from the guy who is selling this car. He seems like a straight up guy with a lot of lotus experience, and he gave me a lot more info on the background of the car.
Maybe i was a little harsh in my earlier post..
Suggest anyone who's considering this to get in touch with him.
cheers
Rob
Maybe i was a little harsh in my earlier post..
Suggest anyone who's considering this to get in touch with him.
cheers
Rob
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