Elise purchase

[Jasandjules]

Hi everyone,

We're looking to buy an 1997-99 Elise and just wondered whether there is anything specific we should look out for?

Also, we have looked at one which has a badly fitting driver's window which leaks and we wondered if this is a common fault and whether it is easy/costly to fix.

Cheers

[bogie]

try www.elises.co.uk and www.elise-faq.co.uk for some great info and buying guides

Window is common, and easy to fix...I would have thought most owners would sort it out before sale though !

[djroadboy]

Get the newest one you can (depending on conditon of coure) as there were a lot of changes/bug fixes between 97 and 99.

HTH

Dan

[S Works]

Agree on both the above. I've not seen one yet that doesn't leak a bit with the soft top on, but usually only when it's standing still and only a few drips onto the Fibreglass Sill inside (so nothing really to worry about).

Drive a good few before you buy, ALWAYS buy on condition and history, get it HPI'd etc and make sure you get it checked over by a Lotus specialist. Don't be bothered with RAC/AA checks - they're not worth the time or money and a specialist will probably be cheaper. I see you're in Essex so your local's are Sinclaires in Romford. I know they have some cars for sale or will know people who are looking to sell - they're great, very well priced and come very well recommended by pretty much all on here.

Don't forget to join SELOC too www.seloc.org for fun, games and discounts!

More info which may help you on these previous threads:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=15&t=158457

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=15&t=158098

Tim

[jasandjules]

Thanks very much for those replies, very helpful indeed.

Have had a look at those websites too, so the window thing is pretty common and not too hrad to fix. Good news.

Is there anyone who would inspect the car whom you would recommend, and who may be willing to travel?

[S Works]

jasandjules said:

Is there anyone who would inspect the car whom you would recommend, and who may be willing to travel?

Few will be willing to travel - really for a good inspection you want it up on ramps, undertrays off etc to get to the oily bits.

Find the car, then seek advice on best most local place for the owner to take it to.

Frankly if they are selling a kosher car that they are proud of and have looked after any seller worth their salt should be prepared to do this. I would if I was selling.

In Essex, Sinclaires are the recommendation from me for this.

[jasandjules]

Have spoken to Sinclairs, they seem very good indeed.

I guess I will have to chat with the owner to see if he will play ball, he is only in Kent, so not a million miles to take the car.

Cheers

Jas

[dank]

Jas - Is that the Jason from Cliosport.net by any chance?

[S Works]

jasandjules said:

Have spoken to Sinclairs, they seem very good indeed. I guess I will have to chat with the owner to see if he will play ball, he is only in Kent, so not a million miles to take the car. Cheers Jas

Depending on where in Kent there's also NTC cars in Dartford who have been recommended on here too. Also you now have DreamMachines in Heathfield who are now a main dealer and Maidstone Sports Cars.

>> Edited by S Works on Wednesday 23 March 14:21

[jasandjules]

Dank, nope ! I am an ex-TVR owner, but that is all..

S, cheers, I will have a look at them as well, though I must say I was very impressed with Sinclair's.

[jasandjules]

Just to say thanks for all the help, and that yesterday we paid the deposit on a Deep Purple Elise....

Looking forwards to collecting our new baby..

Jas n Jules