"Totally standard mate"

[dragstar]

i've noticed that many of you have mentioned and even state in your profiles that your car is "totally standard".

Also when selling it, many state that it is "totally standard". Is this a valid selling point? I can see how a standard liz (or any other car for that matter) is *less* likely to have been abused, however some of the best kept elises have been dedicated track toys which are modified to

So. the question is, why do you insist on stating it is "totally standard". Isnt this implicit by the lack of mods mentioned? Do you prefer to buy standard cars? Would some modification make you walk away?

Not me. I approach each car with the same attitude. If its a dog then me no buy if good, then me number 2 time sucky y

Also, if somebody else has modded it, it saves me money

[Martin_S]

Interesting question, Drag.

Lotus is unusual in that mods aren't usually regarded as devaluing the car (with the possible exception of the M100). Even Esprits...can you imagine trying to sell a modded Ferrari or Porsche 911, in comparison?

[james24]

I was happy to buy a modified Elise cos I knew I'd be wanting the sports exhaust and induction after hearing a standard Elise It's saved me time, money and hassle of having to get them after

[beechy]

I think most people put that kind of thing to save people from ringing up to ask if it's got various things.

I was keen to only get the standard issue modle because I wasnt sure how much the insurence would be on modded cars.

[ayjay]

Having bought and sold a "totally standard" Elise,,, I can shed light on a few things.

1.) whilst some insurers don't charge extra for the most common mods like s/s exhaust and filter, many do and bearing in mind that many young people are now buying Elises, this can necessitate the sourcing of a standard car.

2.) The standard car is soooo fluid and complete that many people want to start off with the original and then perhaps embark on a few choice upgrades as time goes by. It was recommended to me to buy as standard car as I would then appreciate the eventual mods far more.

3.) Standard cars are viewed by many as being a little less abused as others (not always the case). I certainly got a premium when selling mine as it was an unmarked original example.

Having had one, I would certainly now go for a modded example for my next car (if it wasn't for the fact that I'm thinking of going the whole hog and getting an Exige)

[dragstar]

ayjay said:

It was recommended to me to buy as standard car as I would then appreciate the eventual mods far more.

good point.

[wendyg]

I can give you a perspective from where I am.- I freely admit my ignorance, although I'm keen to learn.

The 'standard' badge is reassuring - not necessarily that the car's been looked after, as even a standard car can be abused - but because I am not experienced enough to distinguish between serious performance modifications, and bolt-on tat.

If you were advertising El'Beast for sale, I really would not know if that was worth paying the extra for.

Best of luck though.......
W

[bogie]

Im on the other side of the fence - never owned a standard car (or bike) in my life!...Im always tinkering and adding my own personal touches

To me if I was buying a car and considering a list of mods that Id like, I would try and look for a car that already had at least some, and save myself some dosh in the long run.

I guess some people find a std car more of a 'safe bet' as the previous owner has likely been more of a GJOB than a track day superstar ....one persons ideal 2nd hand buy is a mint condition,low mileage car thats been polished every weekend and still has the bobbles on the tyres...anothers is a car with 3 way suspension, Honda lump in the back, full harnesses, and spare wheels with slicks on ....horses for courses really