Taking the plunge - looking at S2 Elises

Taking the plunge - looking at S2 Elises

Author
Discussion

aureole

Original Poster:

3 posts

116 months

Tuesday 22nd July 2014
quotequote all
Hi all, delurking here.

Wanting to get a S2, probably for a DD doing around 4K a year (12 miles daily on A roads and town) and almost certainly a midlife crisis car(!) Budget around the 16K mark, 2006-ish or newer, and preferably around the Southeast/Sussex area. I don't have a garage so it'll be rural off-street parking, don't know if that's a red flag too.

I was looking at this car, wonder if it's anyone here? It seems reasonably specced and priced, not sure about the mileage though: it's hard to know what the price difference is for 25-40K?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

I did see a truly gorgeous 2009 SC Jim Clark 25 that's just beyond what I could swing : http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Lovely, though.



Edited by aureole on Tuesday 22 July 23:17

The Bandit

788 posts

194 months

Tuesday 22nd July 2014
quotequote all
Seems nice enough(looks like its in Hove way, you must be Lewes or near?)but those Bridgestones will be waaay past any good so budget for some new rubber.
Get it inspected by a good specilaist such as Analogue Automotive in Petersfield(very reasonable cost - peace of mind).
It should have at least 9 service stamps (9k miles or yearly)so check history thoroughly and ensure no accident/chassis damage.
Good luck!

aureole

Original Poster:

3 posts

116 months

Tuesday 22nd July 2014
quotequote all
Yeah I'm nearish to Lewis. I'm surprised I've seen hardly any Elises or Exiges around these parts as the Sussex roads should be exactly what it was built for.

A bit further out is this - lower mileage but 2 years older... Not sure which of those is more important?
http://classifieds.seloc.org/ads/lotus-elise-111r-...

Edited by aureole on Wednesday 23 July 10:16

grumpy

966 posts

240 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all
As for the tyres budget £500.

simpo555

560 posts

163 months

Wednesday 23rd July 2014
quotequote all


For me I think your'e going in the wrong direction. Adding a little bit will get you lower miles and a more recent car

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

This seems to be better value. OK its up at 19990, but thats the starting price. At £18500/750 it would be more than worth it.

The titanium car you mentioned looks about right. The older car in aubergine seems overpriced and its far from being the most popular colour so not so easy to move on. There are people out there that adore the colour but its an 'acquired' taste.

The Bandit

788 posts

194 months

Friday 25th July 2014
quotequote all
aureole said:
Yeah I'm nearish to Lewis. I'm surprised I've seen hardly any Elises or Exiges around these parts as the Sussex roads should be exactly what it was built for.

A bit further out is this - lower mileage but 2 years older... Not sure which of those is more important?
http://classifieds.seloc.org/ads/lotus-elise-111r-...

Edited by aureole on Wednesday 23 July 10:16
Plenty of us about round these parts wink
I would stick with newer rather than lower miles personally, garage queens seem to be more hassle.

aureole

Original Poster:

3 posts

116 months

Monday 28th July 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for all the feedback!

Out of interest, why'd you think the aubergine one is overpriced? It's hard to get a handle on prices with fewer cars to compare with. I'd be happy with an exotic or oddball colour (see, eg: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014... but that seems a lot for a 2004 111S).

Other one I'd seen on the Pistonheads classifieds was this one: any thoughts?
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

simpo555

560 posts

163 months

Monday 28th July 2014
quotequote all
Aubergine is not everyones cup of tea and prices reflect this normally. To me its far too high in this colour. If it takes your fancy why not but you'll take a big hit when you eventually decide to move it on.

The yellow one is a better colour. However, the photos don't do it any favours as they've been taken in full sunlight. Better to go and see it in the flesh.
Higher miles but with H-Top. Afterwards, as always its about condition and history and ultimately the price. Be surprised if he refused £14500 which seems reasonable for both buyer and seller

Either way, colours are very subjective. Its your choice, your car. If it floats your boat then why notlaugh

If your in no hurry bide your time. Bit of a shame because the best time of year for a Lotus is right now.

Edited by simpo555 on Monday 28th July 18:06

DDubya

27 posts

180 months

Monday 4th August 2014
quotequote all
Hi Aureole

Not sure whether you are after an 'R' specifically. I have this for sale and open to offers. Will be at Lotus festival at Brands and generally in your area weekend of 16th and 17th. Open to offers. If your interested let me know.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/l...

D