Hi,
I'm considering purchasing a 2-Eleven. At the outset, I'll admit I don't know much about them, so please indulge my ignorance. (And, yes, I have done some searches.)
1. (a) I'm trying to determine what these cars are currently selling for, but this is not so easy to ascertain due to the fact that so few cars were imported and, correspondingly, there are not many resales. Obviously, the value depends on history, options, upgrades, etc., but what is the ballpark price for a well-sorted, well-documented, low mileage car?
(b) I know original sale price has no direct correlation to current market value, but what did these cars originally sell for? A dealer here says $90,000, but that seems high to me. A January 2008 Autoweek article says $78,500. Even that seems high to me in light of the fact that Exiges of that era sold for at least $10K less than that.
2. What options were there on the early cars -- 2007/2008? I have a 2010 brochure which lists big brake kit, rigid tonneau, removable steering wheel, FIA bag fuel tank, and two LSDs (torsen and plate), but the dealer was no help in telling me what options (if any) existed earlier on.
3. What are the track "need" upgrades as opposed to "want" upgrades. I've been told you need to change the oil pan, rear toe links, front camber plates. Anything else that should be done at the getgo?
4. Is there a consensus as to whether an open diff or LSD is better on a typical 2-3 mile road course? In other words, does the increased ability to put down power outweigh the adverse effect on handling (understeer)?
5. I currently own a closed cockpit track car and therefor I'm able to get by with an open trailer. Does anyone tow their 211 with an open trailer and, if so, is there an effective way to keep the cockpit dry in the even of adverse weather? I'd prefer not to buy a new trailer right now.
6. Lotus advertises that (in contrast to the Elise/Exige) the 211 uses multiple, relatively inexpensive body panels that are easy to change out. Is there any sense that these body panels will remain available over the next 10 years or so? Are there aftermarket panels? I am prompted to ask this question because an independent shop owner said that Lotus told him they do not have new front clams for his client's Exige.
7. How much of the front and rear structure are replaceable/repairable in the event of crash damage? I understand that the aluminum bonded tub is pretty much toast if damaged, but I'm wondering how much intrusion is possible to repairable structures before that happens.
Thank you for your help and advice.
Andy
I'm considering purchasing a 2-Eleven. At the outset, I'll admit I don't know much about them, so please indulge my ignorance. (And, yes, I have done some searches.)
1. (a) I'm trying to determine what these cars are currently selling for, but this is not so easy to ascertain due to the fact that so few cars were imported and, correspondingly, there are not many resales. Obviously, the value depends on history, options, upgrades, etc., but what is the ballpark price for a well-sorted, well-documented, low mileage car?
(b) I know original sale price has no direct correlation to current market value, but what did these cars originally sell for? A dealer here says $90,000, but that seems high to me. A January 2008 Autoweek article says $78,500. Even that seems high to me in light of the fact that Exiges of that era sold for at least $10K less than that.
2. What options were there on the early cars -- 2007/2008? I have a 2010 brochure which lists big brake kit, rigid tonneau, removable steering wheel, FIA bag fuel tank, and two LSDs (torsen and plate), but the dealer was no help in telling me what options (if any) existed earlier on.
3. What are the track "need" upgrades as opposed to "want" upgrades. I've been told you need to change the oil pan, rear toe links, front camber plates. Anything else that should be done at the getgo?
4. Is there a consensus as to whether an open diff or LSD is better on a typical 2-3 mile road course? In other words, does the increased ability to put down power outweigh the adverse effect on handling (understeer)?
5. I currently own a closed cockpit track car and therefor I'm able to get by with an open trailer. Does anyone tow their 211 with an open trailer and, if so, is there an effective way to keep the cockpit dry in the even of adverse weather? I'd prefer not to buy a new trailer right now.
6. Lotus advertises that (in contrast to the Elise/Exige) the 211 uses multiple, relatively inexpensive body panels that are easy to change out. Is there any sense that these body panels will remain available over the next 10 years or so? Are there aftermarket panels? I am prompted to ask this question because an independent shop owner said that Lotus told him they do not have new front clams for his client's Exige.
7. How much of the front and rear structure are replaceable/repairable in the event of crash damage? I understand that the aluminum bonded tub is pretty much toast if damaged, but I'm wondering how much intrusion is possible to repairable structures before that happens.
Thank you for your help and advice.
Andy