[MonkeyKing]

Hi,

I've been searching for a polar blue elise/exige for a while and came across this car: Lotus Elise

I just talked to the seller who seems like a nice guy, but he doesn't seem to be an enthusiast and doesn't know about a lot of the details.

Does anyone know this car, or have any opinions? Somewhat high mileage, and it's a pretty crappy for sale ad. Looks like it has touing pack but no sport pack (based on the seats and wheels). Just wondering if anyone here recognizes the car.

Seller said it has curb rash on the wheels, needs 2 front speakers, has small minor rock chips in paint, and front clam was recently replaced because of fiberglass damage from a parking curb, and clear bra was reinstalled on the new clam. Also, it has all-season tires... so definitely not enthusiast-owned. Not perfect... but what do you all think?

The seller says he already has a lot of interest, so I'm going to send a deposit soon!

Can somebody please recommend someplace around Houston for a pre-purchase inspection. OR, would anyone be willing to check out the car for me? I will pay for your time, of course. Thanks!

 

[LotuShii]

Would you mind if I ask how much the seller is asking?
Is it a salvage title? Have you seen the pictures with damage?

 

[MonkeyKing]

$25k, clean title. I haven't seen detailed pictures yet. He is supposed to send me more pictures tomorrow. But, it would really help me if someone local could check it out for me. I want to put a deposit on it soon once I see the additional pictures from the seller.

 

[Nessal]

Never buy one of these cars sight unseen....I don't even trust pictures.

 

[andy7777]

Is it being sold by someone who will let you take it for a 30 minute drive? You can tell an awful lot from that alone. The cars are actually pretty simple mechanically, and often the value comes down to cosmetics and faith backed by receipts or other proof that there were regular fluid changes done on the car.

That having been said, if you have never driven another one for comparison, it does get tough to know whether the one you're thinking of buying shifts, brakes and steers right.

I'm in the Midwest and as it happens will be in Houston on Thursday on other business, but will only have a couple hours free. If the car is near downtown I'd be happy to try and help you look it over in the morning. At least I'm pretty sure I could tell you how it drives compared to a well-sorted NA '05.

The color is relatively rare BTW and looks great. Mileage is a bit high but nothing to get wound up about.

 

[sturgeongeneral]

Try sending a pm to ithurtus. He is in Houston and may look at it for you.

 

[MonkeyKing]

Thanks guys. It seems like andy will be able to look at it for me. I'll update this thread with how it goes.

 

[GR82DRV]

Never buy one of these cars sight unseen....I don't even trust pictures.

I totally disagree. A few folks in Socal might have the luxury to visit multiple sellers in person, but the rest of us have to be more practical. This doesn't mean that you should just look at a snapshot with the seller's description and click "buy it now" either. Buying at a distance requires lots of communication and due diligence. If a seller doesn't cooperate fully with all your reasonable requests, or if he doesn't check out, or seems the least bit shady, just walk away.

Many of us have purchased our Loti from far away with great results.