[111ltwt]

So at the risk of starting a huge flame throwing contest, I have a question.

I have an 05 Elise with 11k miles. Saffron Yellow. Someone else has a 99 Esprit with 36k miles. Metallic Yellow (forget the proper color name)

Both cars have been properly cared for and have a bunch of upgrades. Records. Etc.

This is a very subjective price decision I realize, but all things being equal, if you can imagine an objective decision on the value of each car based upon average prices (or even average high price for cars of equal condition and upgrades relative to the model), where do you peg a trade?

• Even?
• Elise + $ (how much?) for the Esprit?
• Esprit + $ (how much?) for the Elise?

I think I have a good handle on this, but a Esprit seller and I can't come to terms. I want to be fair so I need more input.

Please do not digress into which car is better or more reliable. Been there personally, so I know the benefits and detriments of each first hand. Focusing on the question should also avoid flames anic:

I am simply looking for more input. No debate. Just your sense of where things are. Thanks in advance All!

Andy

 

[Simba]

I would say Elise + 4-5k would be realistic for the current market of both cars.

 

[cornbeef]

I would say Elise + 4-5k would be realistic for the current market of both cars.

i agree thats a good average. i'd say the difference between the worst 05 elise (ie repaired title) and the most pristine 99 esprit probably 10-12k. i'd figure the values of a decent 05 elise will fall between 25 and 31 and a decent 99 esprit 33-39.

 

[111ltwt]

That's 3 of us now

I think the Esprit owner has it flipped flopped.

Anyone else ...please chime in.

Thanks!

 

[swaq]

I think the Esprit owner has it flipped flopped.

Anyone else ...please chime in.

Thanks!

So you're saying the Esprit owner wants to do a Esprit + $4-5k for your Elise and you want to convince him to take money from you instead?

 

[Green Rat]

So you're saying the Esprit owner wants to do a Esprit + $4-5k for your Elise and you want to convince him to take money from you instead?

+1 :huh:

 

[Demonized]

So you're saying the Esprit owner wants to do a Esprit + $4-5k for your Elise and you want to convince him to take money from you instead?

lol :wallbang:

 

[111ltwt]

LOL

So you're saying the Esprit owner wants to do a Esprit + $4-5k for your Elise and you want to convince him to take money from you instead?

No no....sorry. Lunch makes me drunk.

To be clear: He wants me to pay him $6k and give him my Elise. I get the Esprit and a lighter wallet.

'Seems I should be about even when the deal is done, me paying a bit, or with him paying me a bit. It looks like + or - $2k or $3k is the middle point on the cars. That would have both of us feeling deprived.

But me paying him $6k just seems way too high. Keep in mind his Esprit has 36k miles, and that is not a Toyota motor and trans. Services, however, are up to date.

 

[ewalberg]

i think if both cars have modifications then you really need to look at how the cars were used and what was modified and how that affects the value.

 

[111ltwt]

Agreed

i think if both cars have modifications then you really need to look at how the cars were used and what was modified and how that affects the value.

I know what you are saying. I think that cars' respective mods put them on par in each of their peer groupings. So with that in mind, how do you peg their relative values?

 

[Simba]

...and that is not a Toyota motor...

And thank god for that.

Seriously though, why don't you provide a few advertisements for other Esprits in the market? There are a few on ebay, dupot, etc. Should help you shave a few grand, and have both parties happy.

 

[dickedup]

The Esprit owner does have a valid point amigo!

'Seems I should be about even when the deal is done, me paying a bit, or with him paying me a bit. It looks like + or - $2k or $3k is the middle point on the cars. That would have both of us feeling deprived.

But me paying him $6k just seems way too high. Keep in mind his Esprit has 36k miles, and that is not a Toyota motor and trans. Services, however, are up to date.

That Esprit is a true Lotus thoroughbred while Buzzy could almost be compared to a "white box" PC. Almost...

As the owner of a '98 Esprit I place great stock in mine. Your proposal of the Buzzer plus $2000 - $3000 cash to him sounds like more than a fair trade.

Make it happen.


:up:

 

[FIL]

That Esprit is a true Lotus thoroughbred while Buzzy could almost be compared to a "white box" PC. Almost...

Looks like somebody failed to read the NO FLAME disclaimer. :wallbang:

As the owner of the '98 Esprit, you should keep a car cover on it and hope that they don't design the new model with an Etch-A-Sketch.

 

[Demonized]

Looks like somebody failed to read the NO FLAME disclaimer. :wallbang:

As the owner of the '98 Esprit, you should keep a car cover on it and hope that they don't design the new model with an Etch-A-Sketch.

wow.. haha opcorn:

 

[111ltwt]

Looks like somebody failed to read the NO FLAME disclaimer. :wallbang:

Hadda happen... I'll save my opinions, having owned both. They are each real Lotus with wonderful, careful design.

Anyway.....thanks for the reality check. I am close to, if not spot on, with my thoughts based on this group.

'Reckon I should just send the Esprit seller an email to this link, to be followed by a meeting.

Thanks gang. AND please do keep the votes coming if you are reading this for the first time.

 

[dickedup]

That's hardly a flane Herr Hoople!

Looks like somebody failed to read the NO FLAME disclaimer. :wallbang:

As the owner of the '98 Esprit, you should keep a car cover on it and hope that they don't design the new model with an Etch-A-Sketch.

Hope you mix drinks better than you mix metaphors amigo.

Plan on keeping the baby. She just turned 11.


:shift:

 

[dickedup]

Why is this so difficult for you hombre?

Hadda happen... I'll save my opinions, having owned both. They are each real Lotus with wonderful, careful design.

Anyway.....thanks for the reality check. I am close to, if not spot on, with my thoughts based on this group.

'Reckon I should just send the Esprit seller an email to this link, to be followed by a meeting.

Thanks gang. AND please do keep the votes coming if you are reading this for the first time.

The Esprit will be more of a classic in the years to come. Not to mention that it's a 110% better looking vehicle.

Does anyone yet know what the life-span of that glue they use to bond Buzzy's chassis together is?


:huh:

 

[Vulcan Grey]

You should look on cars.com autotrader.com, places like that... In order to get a value for each.

Though here on Lotus talk, the '05 Elise tend to go from $24.5k to ~$30 asking prices.
The 99 Esprit, from what I have seen, have all been easily over $35k

 

[dickedup]

Very true compadre!

You should look on cars.com autotrader.com, places like that... In order to get a value for each.

Though here on Lotus talk, the '05 Elise tend to go from $24.5k to ~$30 asking prices.
The 99 Esprit, from what I have seen, have all been easily over $35k

******** tend to forget that the Esprit's MSRP back then was around $75,000 or so.

 

[swede]

Ever seen an airplane fuselage? :thwack:

The Esprit will be more of a classic in the years to come. Not to mention that it's a 110% better looking vehicle.

Does anyone yet know what the life-span of that glue they use to bond Buzzy's chassis together is?


:huh: