Newbie Going to look an Elise..

[Sim North East]

I am going to look at a 51 plate with 16k tomorrow at a garage. Can you give me tips on what to look out for? I had the top gear (a few issues back) with all the advice in, but cannot seem to locate it. Any advice would be appreciated. Also where is the best place for cheap insurance?

[bogie]

usual stuff really - does it need new tyres, good service history, any play in the steering rack etc - lots of info on www.elises.co.uk

there is no real 'cheap' insurance for a group 19 car - Im 34 and pay £1300 with 6 yrs NCB (mostly due to mods and 25K business miles) - depending how old you are/where you live/how many miles you intend to drive then it could be anywhere from £400-£2500...even heard of one guy with no NCB, 30, 2 prangs against him who paid nearly £4K to drive one

usual suspects for insurance to ring around (some are better for certain circumstances/age/history/mods etc)

Tesco
Norwich Union
AON/Lotus Esteem
Liverpool Victoria (mod friendly)
Barclaycard

they all change in price every year - each year Ive been with a different one....sure others will be along with some more recommendations.

[Sim North East]

Thanks. I am 31 and live in Sedgefield. I was quoted £900 today so that does not seem too bad. £100 more than my R32 though.

[bogie]

thats not too bad really - I doubt you will get much cheaper, unless you limit the mileage to like 3 or 6K miles a year etc...I think the R32 is GP17? so £100 more seems about right

[S Works]

6k per year, 28, 3yrs NCB, no points, no claims, parked on road in low risk area:
£800 with NIG via Adrian Flux

Bogie's advice is sound. Also check:
- the clams carefully for any crack or paint bubbling,
- check under mats for corrosion in the tub (know issue, Lotus recall can be done for free at a main dealer so don't panic if you see it!),
- tyre brand as well as wear (Are they P Zero's? If so budget £450 for a replacement set of Yoko Advans to replace them - the Pirelli's are useless in the wet)
- hood/window fit (chuck water at it if you have to to see how bad it leaks or doesn't!)
- disks & pads, should be fine at that mileage
- warm it up and make sure it idles cleanly and the fan kicks in as it reaches the upper 90's in temp (97 I think is the key one.
- check for mayo in the oil and any oil in the rad reservoir
etc. and all the other things you'd check with any other car... all electrics work ok, heater (eventually) heats up , blah blah.

If you decide to buy make sure you get it checked by a specialist for things you may not see or won't know about... will cost £150-200 for the check but worth every penny in the long run.

>> Edited by S Works on Saturday 11th December 10:52

[Sim North East]

Thanks for all the help and advice. I pick her up on Thrsday

[Davey S1]

Dont forget to post some pics.

Enjoy

[Sim North East]

Will do thanks!