Buying an S1 elise

[Shug]

Good car - if it's a genuine 135 conversion, you could ask him to email/fax a copy of the invoice?

135 head was an option as an upgrade and a bloody good one. Some maintain that it's one of the best K series engines they did. Probably the sweetest, without having reliability worries.

Looks lovely.

[s29ttc]

What you think then is it a good to have a swatch at??? Does state he has the sales invoice from 2000.

[Shug]

Yip - at that price, hopefully he just needs a quick sale. Be very careful checking it out, but if it's kosher, it'll be a cracker IMHO

[Mike Scib]

i would say that if you dont have a 2 or 3K contingency fund then you shouldnt be buying an elise, but maybe i am just unlucky with cars breaking down on me.

Hence why i bought a Honda

You remember you're on a Lotus forum, right?

Sorry boss

[s29ttc]

Yip - at that price, hopefully he just needs a quick sale. Be very careful checking it out, but if it's kosher, it'll be a cracker IMHO

He does it was up for 9995 a few weeks back and I emailed him regarding it because it stuck out but he was firm with his price. he emailed me saying he had reduced it which was good because I think I should go for one about 8 now to have a bit of spare cash to help me through. I am in talks with him the now so we will see. Its only 100 miles away or so in Newcastle so mabye worth having a swatch if its a steal at that price. What sort of things should I look out for!

[meatball]

Take a mechanic if you are unsure?

[jj]

If its in Newcastle either Dan (of http://www.judeperformance.co.uk) may know the car if its one of his customers or you could get him to give it a once over? 1 or 2 hours of labour charge could save a fortune in the long-run.

[Andy G]

good idea!

There are a good few S1's about on PH today at sensible pennies

[Shug]

Everything that's been listed on the thread so far.

Just make sure the chassis is undamaged, the engine doesn't make funny noises (they are a bit tappety from cold, so don't be paranoid) or piss oil and it drives well. Probably a bit cheeky to jack it up in his drive, but you can still tell some big issues from wiggling the wheels (esp fronts) when it's on the deck. Figure that it might need the odd wheelbearing and balljoint, but just be wary and make sure there's no alarm bells that ring when you give it a good once over.

[s29ttc]

If its in Newcastle either Dan (of http://www.judeperformance.co.uk) may know the car if its one of his customers or you could get him to give it a once over? 1 or 2 hours of labour charge could save a fortune in the long-run.

Good idea, I am taking one of my mates who is a good mechanic though so he should be able to spot any problems with it. Cheers for the idea

[Shug]

If its in Newcastle either Dan (of http://www.judeperformance.co.uk) may know the car if its one of his customers or you could get him to give it a once over? 1 or 2 hours of labour charge could save a fortune in the long-run.

Good idea, I am taking one of my mates who is a good mechanic though so he should be able to spot any problems with it. Cheers for the idea

No offence to your mate, but Dan lives and breathes Elises, so could probably look at it from 100 yards and say yes or no. Could save you time & money in the long run... Bloody good guy too.

[s29ttc]

o yeah and I am not jumping about with anything folks. The purple one from EMC performance sold on the Wednesday, guy was coming yesterday to pop a deposit on it. Some ye win some ye lose

[s29ttc]

Guys just spotted one thats been reduced in price and really considering it. Phoned the guy he has done a lot of work. 57mm aluminum throttle body, full new disks and pads, fully adjustable suspension, new battery, iridium plugs, induction kit, sports exhaust, all reupholstered inside. What you thinking guys....? Yeah I did jump a bit but this one really caught my eye and after a talk with the guy seems really knowledgeable, be greatful of your opionions

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/475785.htm

[Shug]

Not sure what suspension he's got? Probably Gaz or some other pish. Paperweights, in other words - probably have ruined the ride and handling. Also Continental tyres - never heard of Continentals on an Elise, but my insticnt would be to throw them away for a proven option.

TBH, I'd much prefer the previous one.

[j2 lot]

Newcastle car looks better