S1 160 Cat D ?
Discussion
Cat D is the lightest level of damage ,so it shouldn't be that bad. Most likely clam damage that may have been replaced with new items or used parts. Ask for some 'before' pictures of the damage to know exactly whats taken a hit and inspect properly. Personally, for any cat damaged car like an Elise with a chassis that can't really be repaired, I would take it to a garage (ideally Lotus knowledgeable) and have it up on a ramp with the undertrays off and check it over properly around the suspension mounting points etc.Having said all that, it shouldn't ( I think ) have any chassis damage and be a cat d.
Check prices of other S1 160's on the market so you don't pay over the odds and remember when you come to sell it, it may not sell that quickly as people will have the same doubts about a Cat D car.
Basically, if it checks out ok and is priced right, why not ? There's plenty of cars out there with cat d damage and more that never got the title but went back on the road.
Check prices of other S1 160's on the market so you don't pay over the odds and remember when you come to sell it, it may not sell that quickly as people will have the same doubts about a Cat D car.
Basically, if it checks out ok and is priced right, why not ? There's plenty of cars out there with cat d damage and more that never got the title but went back on the road.
I guess it all depends on what "rebuilt to the highest level by an enthusiast" means.
It will have a very limited market, so I would expect to pay a substantial discount vs. a non listed one. I.e. less than the £9-ish k that the one you're thinking about is advertised at.
I would also make any offer conditional on a thorough check from a place like Sinclaires who repair Elises all the time.
It will have a very limited market, so I would expect to pay a substantial discount vs. a non listed one. I.e. less than the £9-ish k that the one you're thinking about is advertised at.
I would also make any offer conditional on a thorough check from a place like Sinclaires who repair Elises all the time.
That does look like a nice car but I think it may be overpriced when you bear in mind that most potential buyers would probably want a full inspection carried out (I know I would) which could cost a couple of hundred quid. If the car is as well repaired as stated, I would have said that £9k would be a reasonable price. Bear in mind that selling on will always be headache.
Gad-Westy said:
hueandcry71 said:
There is a 98 Sport 160 at Pure Lotus for £9995 although it is in a hideous green colour (IMO) and doesnt look anywhere near as nice as the CAT D one.
That one isn't a Sport, its just got a 160 conversion and unless its very low mileage I'd say its quite overpriced.My mistake.
If you like the car, buy it. Nothing boils my p1ss more than people going on about damaged and repaired cars being worth so much less. Yes, of course it will affect value compared to an original car, but if it's been repaired many parts will be new. My car was in that front end smash last year. It was repaired to the highest standard by Sinclaires, had new front clam, new oil cooler etc. A repaired car wouldn't put me off at all. To suggest that a repaired car is worth 40% less is ridiculous, we're talking cat D here. An insurance company will write cars off for feck all nowadays. Get the car checked by a specialist and enjoy it mate.....
Hollywood Wheels said:
If you like the car, buy it. Nothing boils my p1ss more than people going on about damaged and repaired cars being worth so much less. Yes, of course it will affect value compared to an original car, but if it's been repaired many parts will be new. My car was in that front end smash last year. It was repaired to the highest standard by Sinclaires, had new front clam, new oil cooler etc. A repaired car wouldn't put me off at all. To suggest that a repaired car is worth 40% less is ridiculous, we're talking cat D here. An insurance company will write cars off for feck all nowadays. Get the car checked by a specialist and enjoy it mate.....
A fair point made, but the last sentence says it all. The advert is not clear and as such, my advice would be approach with caution and be sceptical, until someone whose reputation can be laid on the line tells you it's straight, or it's not.Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff