3 Eleven - bad idea?

[mickv]

I've been lusting after a Mclaren 570s but worry about buyer's remorse. I'd use it for track days as well as pottering around the roads. Then I spotted a 3 Eleven up for sale and it got me thinking. Keep £60k in the bank and have a wild track machine in the 3 Eleven, whilst hanging onto both daily drivers (which are both sensible cars) might be a better option.

But, £90k is a lot for an Atom-like car. I would welcome views on how likely a 3 eleven is to maintain its value. Ariel do a good job of keeping the used Atom market buoyant, but could the same be expected of Lotus?

Thanks

[Stephanie Plum]

Nobody knows on the 311 yet, but there won't be many of them for sure. The 211 has held its value very well, but was half the price new so an easier purchase proposition for many people, myself included.

It would be interesting to know how many 311s Lotus have sold/have confirmed orders for as that may help you to judge - if they are being snapped up you will be in with a good chance of value being maintained - if they can't sell them, then maybe not so much...

[mickv]

Good point. Hadn't thought of asking dealer/factory. Might do that.

[LotusOmega375D]

I think these niche market cars will always have a committed following. If you want to go round a track quicker in a road legal car from an established manufacturer, you'll probably need to pay a lot more (I am not an expert on track toys). So from that point of view, they will probably hold their value pretty well. In fact if Lotus sells fewer than they expected, they might really firm up in value after production has ended and supply dries up. Only speculation though! Nice problem to have.

[CTE]

What is the point of buying a 570S unless you are going to use it on the track from time to time? I think you will find it will be brilliant fun.

Having said that, so will a 311, and as you say it is a packet cheaper.

Most Lotus`s hold their value really well, except the cars of the 80/90`s where they had quality/maintenance related issues. True a new Evora 400/Exige S will drop like any new car initially, but it will eventually drop to a value and then stay there for the foreseeable future. Not sure about a 311, but guess rarity and ability will keep it strong...it certainly will not drop as much as a new or even recent second hand 570S...

[baronbennyt]

I've taken the plunge by ordering a Lotus 3-Eleven through Bell & Colvill in Surrey. It goes to build next week and should be ready for collection early March '17. Super excited. Should be a blast on sunny weekends and track days. Like others I hope it doesn't tank in depreciation but with only 311 being built and the ongoing demand for track day specials hopefully it should hold its value.

[Vee12V]

baronbennyt said:

I've taken the plunge by ordering a Lotus 3-Eleven through Bell & Colvill in Surrey. It goes to build next week and should be ready for collection early March '17. Super excited. Should be a blast on sunny weekends and track days. Like others I hope it doesn't tank in depreciation but with only 311 being built and the ongoing demand for track day specials hopefully it should hold its value.

Good man. Can't wait for the follow up.

[baronbennyt]

A few pics of my Lotus 3-Eleven in build at Hethel