Buying New Elise

[dss123]

Hello out there,

I am in the process of looking at a number of second hand Lotus Elises (S1 111s).

My question is simple, can anybody offer advise about getting a car checked over prior to buying privately?

I know jack about the Elise but am happy to learn once I own one! However, for the time being I am in the dark and could do with any advice / words of wisdom.

I guess RAC or AA would be inappropriate for a car such as the Elise?

Failing that, are there any "classic" problems I should check for?

Thank you

[Bonce]

Hi, you're right in saying that an AA or RAC inspection won't tell you much of use about the car. If you're in any doubt then get a dealer or specialist to perform a safety inspection (ie. the routine checks carried out in a service) which will cost an hour's labour. Tell them that you wish to know whether the car is sound and they will also look out for any tell tale signs of past mistreatment.

Also worth getting an HPI check to make sure that it doesn't have an unpleasant history or outstanding finance.

Things to look out for are:

- has it got a red rubber clutch hose? (early S1s are prone to gear selection problems due to this)
- is there play in the steering rack? (get someone to hold the front wheels while you wiggle the steering wheel and vice versa).
- is the oil clean and free of mayonaiise
- is the level of water in the header tank on or above the min line (many cars run on the min line so that's fine)
- does it feel ok when you drive it?

and so on...

Good luck!


More tips here: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=115993&f=15&h=0