Anybody know anything about this car?

[alienbob]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/841397.htm

Wondering if any of you chaps/chapesses know anything about the history of this car? I know that it looks like a bit of a dodgy one but have been able to confirm all but the latest service history and would certainly get it checked over by an independent source (Murray Motors have been recommended) before committing to anything.

Any suggestions on what else to look for when viewing the car or any other checks to consider aside from the HPI check?

or would it perhaps be better to spend a bit more and then take the hit on the service a couple of months sooner and go for something like this?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/848099.htm

Cheers!

Edited by alienbob on Monday 19th January 22:32

[MrP80]

Check for any chassis damage at the suspension mounting points is an obvious one. Then HGF checks on the engine as it's a rover engined car.

Well worth getting checked over like you said, hopefully they may be able to spot anything that is hidden like the crash structure. Also give stratstone a call to back up service history, most dealers would be happy to confirm, you may also get some background to it.

It doesn't look like it's the love of his life though, not many cherished Loti run around with Halfords universal mats that are too big in!

[MrP80]

Just seen your edit, if it was me I would be looking at the second one out of preference. It just looks better, looks much more like a loved car and would be easier to sell on when the time comes for you to do so. Have a look on Scottish Elises, it's owned by a guy on there and I think others will know it. Have a look around their forum and may find some references to it.

Edited by MrP80 on Monday 19th January 22:43

[Super Bad]

Go for the second one, He may even be open to negotiation in regard’s to the price

[Super Bad]

MrP80 i like the exige!!

[alienbob]

Thanks, already been in contact with Stratstone, they where very helpful which was good. Even if the car hasn't covered 9K in a year is it still expected to get a service in that period?

[MrP80]

alienbob said:

Thanks, already been in contact with Stratstone, they where very helpful which was good. Even if the car hasn't covered 9K in a year is it still expected to get a service in that period?

Yes, a year or whatever the mileage gap is on the rover cars, whichever comes first. A years gap should mean it's still serviced, give or take a month.

[MrP80]

Super Bad said:

MrP80 i like the exige!!

Cheers

[ROSSGR]

alienBob

PM sent...........

[noodleman]

I spotted the mats immediately too. Shows a lack of care IMO.

[alienbob]

Thanks for the replies, planning to have a look at it at the weekend, will see what it looks like in the flesh.. problem is though that every one I look at just make me go all wobbly at the knees and all sense out the window...

Which is I guess why I'm looking to by an Elise rather than an Escort

must..focus...must...think..with..head...

[anonymous-user]

noodleman said:

I spotted the mats immediately too. Shows a lack of care IMO.

Quite. As it's SORN it shouldn't be test driven on public roads and if you decided to take the risk you probably wouldn't be insured.

[SeanyD]

If it were me I'd be going for the second one, looks like its been much better looked after.

As others have said, the first one, the mats indicate its not been lovingly cared for, and mis-placing the service-book??? Most people looking after such a car would take the time and effort to have all paperwork and service book in order in a safe place. Might be innocent enough, but an indication of neglect.

Second ad is much more detailed and much more honest. Mentioning things like the windscreen being repaired would appear very honest, and the description would suggest its been lovingly cared for. Plus having recently had belts, rear tyres, disks, pads sorted, that'll reduce your maintenance bills for a while.

Just my opinion for what its worth.

Edited by SeanyD on Wednesday 21st January 16:02

[TOENHEEL]

Avoid the first car like the plague, theres plenty examples for sale that dont have missing service books etc, why buy a car that could be a potential money pit when there is other examples that seem sound.