Number of owners

[miniandy]

Hi,

Looking to make my first step on to the Lotus ladder and I have seen some fine examples around. However, would the number of owners affect the price when I come to sell the car? I have seen a gorgeous 03 plate car with 2 owners, and an equally gorgeous 51 plate car with only the 1 owner - both for the same price, both with the same mileage. Which to choose?! Any advise appreciated.

Cheers

[Davey S1]

Buy on condition & service history rather than mileage or the number of owners.

I know people who buy them at the start of the summer then sell them in October so a few owners is not unusual.

Good luck with the search

[jke11y]

I looked at a few before buying my one last week, and some had a lot of owners. These were admittedly older cars, but I am sure its the same for newer ones - it didnt make much differece I was told at the time.

The guy I bought mine from only did 400miles in it before selling it, its the kind of car I think folk dont have for long. Condition / history / spec are probably more important.

I looked at one which had 8 owners previous

[miniandy]

Thanks for the replies. However, if you had to choose based on the two cars and only the information i've given, what would it be?!

[miniandy]

Good man! That's the general concensus around the office here aswell! However it is 250 miles away..

[jke11y]

The newer one.

I want that one.

If they are identical, then one is either cheap, or one is overpriced.

>> Edited by jke11y on Monday 25th April 17:13

[NJS25]

miniandy said:

Good man! That's the general concensus around the office here aswell! However it is 250 miles away..

That means you get to drive it back

Yep, I'd choose the one furthest away too!!

Regards,
Neil

[miniandy]

But now a spanner's been thrown in - £500 off the 51 plate, a free service inc cam belt, MOT, 6mths tax.. Only thing is I think it might be slightly too expensive for what it is. Man im so confused! Also seen a lovely one advertised on here, but the private sale scares me slightly!

[Davey S1]

What cash are they up for?

Dont discount private sales, there are lots of cars around, admitedly a few dogs but some very well looked after cars with the right mods on them.

If you do go privately make sure you have the car checked over by a main dealer or a well respected specialist. Dont bother with the AA inspection.

As far as choice goes now is the time to buy so take your time and find the right one.

[miniandy]

Well the 51 plate has 14,800 miles on it and is in Ice Blue with Sports Pack, one owner, FLSH. £18,495

The 03 plate has 14,800 miles and is in Aubergine with Sports Pack, two owners, FLSH. £18,495

Neither have been tracked, and both are completely standard.



>> Edited by miniandy on Tuesday 26th April 09:18

[malbon]

dont worry about owners. i sold my last one with 12k miles on and it had 5 owners inc. being a demo and it was the best condition s1 ive seen.

buy on condition.

[Davey S1]

Its a bit hard to make a decision if we dont know how much they are asking for them.

[Lotusnick S2]

Assuming that you find the cars equally good I would go for the newer one.
Being 03 it would have the short roof as well.

When I bought mine I followed everyones advice and bought on condition, not mileage or number of owners.
These cars are not everyones cup of tea so some people only keep them for a few months.

As David said why dont you go private?
If you buy from an enthusiast owner and have it checked at a specialist you can save yourself ££££

[xxplod]

These delaer prices certainly seem high. I sold my 2002/52 111S privately 2 months ago for £17250. It had 32K on the clock, and it was due an A service and rear tyres, plus VEL, but thats still change from £18K, and I'd owned the car from new.

I was offered £14.5K for mine from a very reputable specialist dealer, who would have done what needed doing and put it on his forecourt for circa £18.5K.

If you go to a dealer, haggle hard and be prepared to get up, politely thank the salesman for his time, telling him the deals not quite good enough and you'll have a look at a few others. There are lots of cars out there, it is a buyers market.

[miniandy]

Thanks PLod, on reflection I think i will go back to the dealer and decline his offer, as it does seem quite high. With the Mini scene buying privately from an enthusiast is much better than a dealer, as you know the car (most of the time) has been looked after. There are a few fine examples in the for sale section, so i think i will go down that route.