Help, Advice, Do's and Dont's

[hoddo]

Hello to everyone. Obviously I am new to this board as this is my first post.

I am presently looking to buy a lotus Elise. This decision has been a long time in coming but I am decided and have strated the search for a good second hand one.

My problems is I do not know what I should be looking for? All i know is that I am after the new styled model and initially have thought about the basic 111.

What adice would can you give me?

Thanks in advance

[wacattack]

Firstly hello and welcome!

There are loads a sources of information, either here, other forums or websites.

Try [url]www.elises.co.uk/[/url]

Also, do searches on the forums, theres loads of information here

HTH

[hoddo]

Thanks very much. I will give them a look and lot you all know how I get one

BUT if anyone here does have points they feel are useful I would love to read them.

Thanks

[s works]

Have a search on this forum using the PH search tool. Practically anything you can think of has been covered before!

The best advice I can give is do your research on elises.co.uk and elise-faq.info for buyers guides and tips, and then set about getting test drives in the variants which interest you.

This is also useful www.midlandslotus.co.uk/wiki/index.php/MLOC_Lotus_FAQ_Wiki

Don't be afraid to buy privately, just be sure to get any prospective purchase checked over (cost will be around 100 quid) by a Lotus Specialist - don't get an RAC or AA check as they're not worth the paper they're written on.

For servicing history familiarise yourself with the names of the good specialists (Horizon, Sinclaires, Maidstone Sports Cars, Lakeside, Steve Williams, Jude Performance Services etc.) and don't be put off by cars which don't have Lotus official dealer service history... most of the specialists are cheaper and better than the franchised dealerships!

I'd recommend joining your local club too - SELOC is the (inter)national club and it's membership is huge. For a small joining fee (28 pounds) you also get loads of discounts on spares, servicing, insurance etc. www.seloc.org for info - the forums http://forums.seloc.org also have a plethora of advice and knowledge, with a few characters thrown in for good measure too. Can appear cliquey at first, but once you get to know people you realise it's just banter (like on here).

If you have any specific questions use the search function as they are really good (here and on SELOC) for finding things out, and then if you're still stuck drop us a line on the thread. Always good to see newcomers to the fold! Getting an Elise will change your life!

>> Edited by s works on Thursday 25th May 16:33

[StuartB]

When you buy one:
Do spend some time practicing getting in and out, do it somewhere private - there is a nack to it and you will not get it straight away, you don't want to look like an arse at the petrol station when you turn up the first time

[philygumbo]

Welcome. You won't regret owning an Elise.

[Hollywood Wheels]

StuartB said:

When you buy one: Do spend some time practicing getting in and out, do it somewhere private - there is a nack to it and you will not get it straight away, you don't want to look like an arse at the petrol station when you turn up the first time

[hoddo]

s works said:

Don't be afraid to buy privately, just be sure to get any prospective purchase checked over (cost will be around 100 quid) by a Lotus Specialist - don't get an RAC or AA check as they're not worth the paper they're written on.

If you have any specific questions use the search function as they are really good (here and on SELOC) for finding things out, and then if you're still stuck drop us a line on the thread. Always good to see newcomers to the fold! Getting an Elise will change your life!

>> Edited by s works on Thursday 25th May 16:33

Thanks for all this infomration, it will prove useful.

There is one more point I would appreciate your thoughts on, is it noticably more expensive (and pointlessly expensive) to buy a second hand approved elsie from a dealer rather than a private seller?

Thanks

[mr_c]

hoddo said:

There is one more point I would appreciate your thoughts on, is it noticably more expensive (and pointlessly expensive) to buy a second hand approved elsie from a dealer rather than a private seller?

Thanks

Welcome.

To answer your question, usually, yes, however there are some good deals to be had, and from a Lotus dealer you should get a years warranty.

If you make them some fairly low offer (what you think the cars worth) they occasionally accept as some of the dealers don't tend to move many cars.

One lad on here bought a car (can't remember if it was a 340R or and Elise Sport 190 now) and got about 2 grand off it at Peter Smith Sportscars in Derby.

[hoddo]

That sounds like a grand deal

As you mentioned in your reply the warranty is the drawing factor in this decision. As a first time buyer I want to ensure I am getting everything I want.

I will have to employ some haggling tactics

[mr_c]

the thing to remember is don't be affraid to walk away. You may REALLY like the car, but you must play games with them.

The worst they can do is say 'No'.

[S Works]

hoddo said:

That sounds like a grand deal

As you mentioned in your reply the warranty is the drawing factor in this decision. As a first time buyer I want to ensure I am getting everything I want.

I will have to employ some haggling tactics

In which case read the warranty and find out exactly what is covered and more importantly, what is not.

Don't forget you can buy a parts & labour warranty for a private purchase from the AA for around £60/year which will cover something like upto 4 claims a year at a max of £500 per claim.

You will always pay a reasonably hefty premium for a dealer supplied car, don't assume that it means you'll get better service, or a car which will get sorted no matter what goes wrong. Very often not the case!

[sarkmeister]

I recently bought my first Lotus and i'd definitely recommend test driving a few before you make a decision. All the Lotus dealers I visited were extremely friendly and willing to let me test drive anything (even though im only 25).

Nick Whale virtually begged me to take a Exige for a spin, despite the fact it was 12k over my budget.

[beachbum]

On the subject of warranties. Does anyone know if Lotus do an optional 3rd year warranty to tag onto the end of the Statutory 2yr one ??

I know a lot of other manufacturers do, so am hoping Lotus do too

Edited by beachbum on Thursday 22 June 10:31

[hoddo]

sarkmeister said:

I recently bought my first Lotus and i'd definitely recommend test driving a few before you make a decision. All the Lotus dealers I visited were extremely friendly and willing to let me test drive anything (even though im only 25).

Nick Whale virtually begged me to take a Exige for a spin, despite the fact it was 12k over my budget.

My local dealer: Christopher Neil have been very helpful and agreeable and I am only 23, this is the nice thing about an Elise, its affordable and enjoyable motoring.

I am just really toying with the idea of getting a new motor. You do see so many people who have bought them new but I dont want to loose money as soon as i drive away from the garage!

[stsly]

Welcome Hoddo

Recently got my S1 111s and can't recommend Elise ownership enough.

This thread was useful for me and covered lots when looking at a S1

[url]www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=15&t=267664[/url]

Got mine from a garage only because I liked the car so much (love at first sight!) and yes you pay more but the warrenty is a nice to have.. I am learning alot about the Elise through owning one and with more experience would feel more confident about buying private.

Good general advice seems to be buy on condition not age or miles and drive a few (so you know what feels good).

You won't look back

Doohh!! Just re-read and your after an S2!!! probably not much help the above then

Edited by stsly on Thursday 22 June 11:55

[Sublime]

hoddo said:

There is one more point I would appreciate your thoughts on, is it noticably more expensive (and pointlessly expensive) to buy a second hand approved elise from a dealer rather than a private seller?

Like others have said it's definitely worth making them an offer. In my experience most car dealers tend to not own their used stock but rather borrow from the bank. They therefore need to turn over the stock on a regular basis to make money and not pay too much interest. I've found that the end of the month is the best time to get a deal and if your really lucky the end of their financial year. As long as it's a sensible offer you'd be surprised at what they will do.

[Janitor]

hoddo said:

[quote=sarkmeister]I am just really toying with the idea of getting a new motor. You do see so many people who have bought them new but I dont want to loose money as soon as i drive away from the garage!

Welcome Hoddo

Well the scant truth is mate, you watch £5K fall slide off the back as you exit the dealer forecourt! That is the case with any new car and that is that. BUT, if you're cool with that, then no worries!

I did exactly that. No I can't afford to lose money, but I was prepared to cut that loss as I really wanted a Lotus and really wanted a new one having never had either! It doesn't make financial sense, so don't even hope that it will... just revel in it as its difficult to out a price on that feeling

Enjoy looking