Does colour matter?
Discussion
Having had many years with Italiano cars (Lancia and Alfa) I have decided to buy an Elise. I have about £13,000 , perhaps up to £14,000 for the right car. I see it as a long term friend, so want to get this right. Couple of questions:
1) Colour seems to affect saleability and price. what ae the more popular colours in bodywork and interior to ensure a quick and good value re-sale if needed? I like the Ruby red, dark blue and the Purple, but not the Azzure (hairdresser?) blue or Inferno Red. Are these colours I am alone in liking and will I get stuck with them once the fashion fades? Does the lighter leather lead to constant cleaning?
2) I was thinking of going for a low mileage, high spec car. But what are the important factors to retain long term value and reliability: age, mileage, service record, spec? Are cars that have upgarded brakes, exhaust etc likely to maintain value in the longer term?
3) What 'extras' are key. I want a standard Elise, but can see the advantge of a hard top and a leather interior, should I be looking for cat 1 alarm and Tracker too?
I know that was more than a couple! many thanks
Pete
1) Colour seems to affect saleability and price. what ae the more popular colours in bodywork and interior to ensure a quick and good value re-sale if needed? I like the Ruby red, dark blue and the Purple, but not the Azzure (hairdresser?) blue or Inferno Red. Are these colours I am alone in liking and will I get stuck with them once the fashion fades? Does the lighter leather lead to constant cleaning?
2) I was thinking of going for a low mileage, high spec car. But what are the important factors to retain long term value and reliability: age, mileage, service record, spec? Are cars that have upgarded brakes, exhaust etc likely to maintain value in the longer term?
3) What 'extras' are key. I want a standard Elise, but can see the advantge of a hard top and a leather interior, should I be looking for cat 1 alarm and Tracker too?
I know that was more than a couple! many thanks
Pete
Hi there,
I've only had one previous car and as far as I know Colour doesn't really affect the re-sale value, obviously leather and air cond are good extra's, you could also try to get a special edition this should keep the price up. Lotus car's seem to have a rock solid re-sale value thou, I brought and sold my old car without losing anything mind you it was second hand ?
I'm sure the guy's will have plenty of advice ? 
Boggy
I've only had one previous car and as far as I know Colour doesn't really affect the re-sale value, obviously leather and air cond are good extra's, you could also try to get a special edition this should keep the price up. Lotus car's seem to have a rock solid re-sale value thou, I brought and sold my old car without losing anything mind you it was second hand ?
I'm sure the guy's will have plenty of advice ? Boggy
some colours should be avoided if resale is important - white, that funny aqua blue (nautilus), bright yellow (popular in some parts of country very unpopular in others!). I like em all personally but apparently not everyone does!
tracker - bit irrelevant. Elises really dont get very stolen. They aren't expensive enough to be worth pro robbing and joyriders tend to be in groups of more than 2! (strange but there you go). a few get nicked but it aint like owning a Merc SL!
extras - nothing makes much difference to price...probably worth going for something which has ones you like on it so you dont have to shell out for em, but dont think it makes much difference on resale.
cheers
Night
tracker - bit irrelevant. Elises really dont get very stolen. They aren't expensive enough to be worth pro robbing and joyriders tend to be in groups of more than 2! (strange but there you go). a few get nicked but it aint like owning a Merc SL!
extras - nothing makes much difference to price...probably worth going for something which has ones you like on it so you dont have to shell out for em, but dont think it makes much difference on resale.
cheers
Night
shirepro said:
I like the Ruby red...
Good choice
When I collected mine, the dealer told me it was getting the most attention on the forecourt of all the other colours he had in. IMHO it's beautiful. shirepro said:
3) What 'extras' are key. I want a standard Elise, but can see the advantge of a hard top and a leather interior, should I be looking for cat 1 alarm and Tracker too?
You definitely want a CAT1 alarm, for peace of mind if nothing else. I think go for a tracker only if your insurance asks for one. Leather is always nice, but go on personal choice, Alcantara is comfy and looks good.
Other than that, I wouldn't be overly fussed. Oh, and a lot of people agree that a hard top isn't really worth the money.
>> Edited by jig on Wednesday 8th September 11:50
Pete, first up, welcome to the madhouse! 
At 13 to 14k I think you're in the right ballpark for a great S1. Some really nice ones around.
I'll to my best to give you my thoughts, all IMHO of course
Colour - obviously its a matter of personal choice, personally I prefer to avoid Reds as the paint (on all cars) seems to fade after a while - that said if you look after it I guess there should be no problem.
Like all cars, if you go for something garish or 'different' you may find it appeals less to certain people, but the Elise is a special car so I don't think you need worry too much. Just get a colour combo you like. In fact, think more about the car than the colour - better to buy a really good one and in your second choice of colour... trust me once you put the loud pedal down who gives a sh!t about what colour it is, you're too busy laughing!!!
I personally love mine (Black & Gold Type 79 Special Ed), 'cos there's only 22 of them in RHD and in the UK, it means you don't see many. However I do love Titanuim with Red Leather and Red Roof. Like I said, horses for courses.
All valid points, the answers to which are probably all "yes" apart from modded cars - you just never know. Some people prefer (like I did) to get one pretty standard - but now I know better, I would not discount soemthing with an aftermarket exhaust, hurricane air system etc. Again, horses for courses. Most 'bolt on' mods can be respecced back to standard if it becomes an issue at not great expense anyway.
The most important thing is that its been properly maintained with a FLSH (many specialists are regarded more highly than main dealers so don't be put off there). Also I would strongly advise getting "the one" checked over by a Lotus specialist before you buy - forget the RAC/AA checks.
If you can, get one with better than standard seats - the 111s seats are, IMHO, a country mile more comfortable than the standard ones (which I found akin to sitting on a park bench) and are fine for long distances. A hard top is nice (I have one) but you won't keep it on for more than a few months a year so I would say not an essential (especially if you have a garage). All of them leak, but generally it's no more than a few drops on the sills - mine looks like it has big gaps where water would pour in but the roof overhangs in the right places so that only one time have I thought, "sh!t this is going to be a very expensive and agile fishpond in 15 minutes", and even then it wasn't an issue.
Cat 1 alarm will help keep premiums down, Trackers are a nice to have - personally I can't be bothered with them as I think they're too expensive and don't stop the car being nicked... frankly if it was nicked I'd rather not have it back 'cos likely as not it will have been raped by some scrote.
Anyway, hope that helps, feel free to keep asking questions, search the forums for anything you're pondering, the answer is probably there already! Also check out www.elise-faq.info/ and www.elises.co.uk/ for more info and reading. I found them very useful when swatting up.
Personally I would try a couple of different models and see what you like - the 111s vs. the standard will give you a good comparison of standard power vs. a bit of extra oomph!
Tim
At 13 to 14k I think you're in the right ballpark for a great S1. Some really nice ones around.
I'll to my best to give you my thoughts, all IMHO of course
shirepro said:
1) Colour seems to affect saleability and price. what ae the more popular colours in bodywork and interior to ensure a quick and good value re-sale if needed? I like the Ruby red, dark blue and the Purple, but not the Azzure (hairdresser?) blue or Inferno Red. Are these colours I am alone in liking and will I get stuck with them once the fashion fades? Does the lighter leather lead to constant cleaning?
Colour - obviously its a matter of personal choice, personally I prefer to avoid Reds as the paint (on all cars) seems to fade after a while - that said if you look after it I guess there should be no problem.
Like all cars, if you go for something garish or 'different' you may find it appeals less to certain people, but the Elise is a special car so I don't think you need worry too much. Just get a colour combo you like. In fact, think more about the car than the colour - better to buy a really good one and in your second choice of colour... trust me once you put the loud pedal down who gives a sh!t about what colour it is, you're too busy laughing!!!
I personally love mine (Black & Gold Type 79 Special Ed), 'cos there's only 22 of them in RHD and in the UK, it means you don't see many. However I do love Titanuim with Red Leather and Red Roof. Like I said, horses for courses.
shirepro said:
2) I was thinking of going for a low mileage, high spec car. But what are the important factors to retain long term value and reliability: age, mileage, service record, spec? Are cars that have upgarded brakes, exhaust etc likely to maintain value in the longer term?
All valid points, the answers to which are probably all "yes" apart from modded cars - you just never know. Some people prefer (like I did) to get one pretty standard - but now I know better, I would not discount soemthing with an aftermarket exhaust, hurricane air system etc. Again, horses for courses. Most 'bolt on' mods can be respecced back to standard if it becomes an issue at not great expense anyway.
The most important thing is that its been properly maintained with a FLSH (many specialists are regarded more highly than main dealers so don't be put off there). Also I would strongly advise getting "the one" checked over by a Lotus specialist before you buy - forget the RAC/AA checks.
shirepro said:
3) What 'extras' are key. I want a standard Elise, but can see the advantge of a hard top and a leather interior, should I be looking for cat 1 alarm and Tracker too?
If you can, get one with better than standard seats - the 111s seats are, IMHO, a country mile more comfortable than the standard ones (which I found akin to sitting on a park bench) and are fine for long distances. A hard top is nice (I have one) but you won't keep it on for more than a few months a year so I would say not an essential (especially if you have a garage). All of them leak, but generally it's no more than a few drops on the sills - mine looks like it has big gaps where water would pour in but the roof overhangs in the right places so that only one time have I thought, "sh!t this is going to be a very expensive and agile fishpond in 15 minutes", and even then it wasn't an issue.
Cat 1 alarm will help keep premiums down, Trackers are a nice to have - personally I can't be bothered with them as I think they're too expensive and don't stop the car being nicked... frankly if it was nicked I'd rather not have it back 'cos likely as not it will have been raped by some scrote.
Anyway, hope that helps, feel free to keep asking questions, search the forums for anything you're pondering, the answer is probably there already! Also check out www.elise-faq.info/ and www.elises.co.uk/ for more info and reading. I found them very useful when swatting up.
Personally I would try a couple of different models and see what you like - the 111s vs. the standard will give you a good comparison of standard power vs. a bit of extra oomph!
Tim
I wanted a titanium, when looking for my elise, i viewd a really bad blue one!! the blue is a ford type i been told-i never looked for the norfolk mustard but i viewed it, when i seen it first i fell in love with it!! when i had it serviced they commented that all they see are blue and silver and how nice it was to see this colour!
My view is the mustard is the lotus colour...but thatsmy view (although shared with a few!)
My view is the mustard is the lotus colour...but thatsmy view (although shared with a few!)
I joined the ranks of Elise owners in July, after a little hunting I found a 2000 S1 with less than 14,000 miles on the clock in perlescent yellow with racing green leather seats and roof; you just can't get more 'LOTUS' than that; even the badge matches!
I don't understand how people keep the mileage so low, I've added 3,500 miles in just over 2 months in rain (sometimes torrential) and shine. Provided you treat the right hand peddle with respect in the wet you can make pretty rapid progress, just dont drive too fast through deep floods; I had to bale out about 1 mile from my folks house during our summer hols.
Although mine came with a hard top, this has lived in the garage at work ever since, I invested in a good quality brethable cover, not only does this keep the water out but keeps bird poo and tree sap off your paintwork, even in strong winds it stays in place.
I don't understand how people keep the mileage so low, I've added 3,500 miles in just over 2 months in rain (sometimes torrential) and shine. Provided you treat the right hand peddle with respect in the wet you can make pretty rapid progress, just dont drive too fast through deep floods; I had to bale out about 1 mile from my folks house during our summer hols.
Although mine came with a hard top, this has lived in the garage at work ever since, I invested in a good quality brethable cover, not only does this keep the water out but keeps bird poo and tree sap off your paintwork, even in strong winds it stays in place.
Hi Guys, i've got the Norfolk Mustard Metalic on mine and i have to say it get's a lot of attention! Good for people moving out of your way on dual carridgeways and motorways bad for the police interest. I've had the car for two and a half years now and bought it with 4000 miles on it. It's a 2000 car with Black leather and i think the colour really suits it. The more conservative people in my office think it's a little bit lairy though. So in theory that would reduce the amount of possible buyers when i come to sell. I went hunting with a mate of mine for an S1, 2 or 3 months ago. I would suggest not getting red leather interiour if the milegae is creeping up as it seems to bleach or loose it's colour. Blue leather needs to be looked after well too as seems to dull down. Black and Grean seem to ware well. He eventually got a Titanium one with black leather, a good combo.
I was looking originally for Titanium Grey but with the brighter colour you tend to see the shape of the car more.
I would also say you should check out the S1 111S. You'll get additional performance over the standard car. and better seats than the standard. This will use up your budget though, for a good example.
75% of the cars out there have a sports exhaust on them now. This makes it sound like a sports car and not a Rover 418i. This can only be a good thing! Induction kit makes it louder and deeper sounding too and you get the sound of a racing car, at full chat. I love it, but may not be to all tastes. Can easily be swapped back to standard.
I'm gonna get an S2 111s next spring and would most likely want Silver or Ardent Red as that seems to look good on the S2. (only my opinion of course). Black is a bugger to keep clean as with any car, So is Purple. Yellow's not too bad with dirt but bugs show up badly!
If i were you i'd get as good condition and as low mileage as you can for your money and not worry too much about colour. I'll stop waffleing now, Good hunting.
D4V KC
Check out www.lotuselise.at/ I found it while I was looking for mine and it might give you a first impression of the different colours before you go and look at them.
I looked at loads before I got my 2000 Type 49, glad I did. Get loads of looks. Red over Gold over White with matching red/black seats and steering wheel. Mine is completely standard and FLSH, only 14000 miles. I'm now looking at adding mods, I think adding mods yourself is better, because you know exactly what you've got.I do like the more lairy colours, Orange, Lime Green.
In the end its down to personal choice, if you like it buy it!
Has anybody on here got the S1 in Met Blue over Gold over White (old Elan Sprint colours)? Seen in Norfolk a couple of times. Special order I think.
In the end its down to personal choice, if you like it buy it!
Has anybody on here got the S1 in Met Blue over Gold over White (old Elan Sprint colours)? Seen in Norfolk a couple of times. Special order I think.
Lots of good advice. As one poster said earlier, probably key is finding a good example. If it is in a colour you like, that's a bonus. Another poster (sorry to lazy to look back to see who) mentioned that their yellow/mustard car turns a lot of heads. I don't necessarily think this is down to the colour. I have the common silver colour - albeit mine is quicksilver which is slightly different from new ali - but I find it is the car that turns the heads, not the colour.
Leather seats are nice and wipe dry if you get caught in a shower, and you will, but I know that most S1's suffer from a lack of padding. I have a the Cobreau 135 seats which are cloth, but very comfy.
In short have a look at a few cars and decide what you like. Of course you'll probably be like me and like the first one you see!
Leather seats are nice and wipe dry if you get caught in a shower, and you will, but I know that most S1's suffer from a lack of padding. I have a the Cobreau 135 seats which are cloth, but very comfy.
In short have a look at a few cars and decide what you like. Of course you'll probably be like me and like the first one you see!
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