The Lotus Cars Community banner
  • Hi there! Why not register as a user to enjoy all of the benefits of the site? You may register here. When you register, please pick a username that is non-commercial. If you use a name that appears on any search engine commercially, you must pick another name, whether it applies to you or not. Commercial usernames are for supporting vendor use only. If you want to become a supporting vendor and grow your business, please follow this link. Thanks!

Opinion needed: Salvaged 2006 Lotus Exige

3K views 19 replies 16 participants last post by  bucket 
#1 ·
A friend of mine selling his 2006 Lotus Exige, it has salvaged title due to rear end hit. Chassis looks straight, suspension looks good, it has track pack Bilstein adjustable suspension. The front clam & hard-top has been removed as well. Base on the pictures, can you give me estimate on what's the fair price to purchase?
Tire Wheel Vehicle Automotive tire Hood

Motor vehicle Car Automotive design Automotive air manifold Automotive tire

Tire Wheel Motor vehicle Automotive tire Tread

Tire Wheel Vehicle Car Hood

Tire Wheel Automotive tire Hood Tread

Tire Wheel Car Land vehicle Vehicle

Tire Wheel Car Land vehicle Vehicle

Tire Wheel Car Vehicle Hood

Car Automotive tire Hood Motor vehicle Automotive design

Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Hood
 
See less See more
10
#2 ·
Are the front clam and roof included with the sale and in good condition? That looks like a mess, to be honest. Looks like a few different projects were started and then abandoned. Factory rad is a ticking bomb. No info on miles or interior condition. I’d say $25k is generous in light of all the unknowns and with a present market adjustment.
 
#4 ·
Rough
 
#6 ·
Not enough information to tell what’s it’s worth.
No pictures of rear clam?Does it run,is transmission ok. The muffler mounts are undamaged so it may not have been hit hard.You need to do your due diligence before posting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Harix
#8 · (Edited)
A bit of insight here to help @Harix. For those that may not know, Harry is a highly recommended repair destination for Eliges in So Cal. However, Harry may not have his fingers on the pulse of values as much as he is usually repairing them mechanically, not trading them.
The only thing I can "see" that looks odd to me is the base wheels on it and I believe Exiges never came with them.

I ask, as I don't know, but are the 06 N/A Exiges identical to LSS Elises other than the clams? (Under the skin)
 
#10 ·
A bit of insight here to help @Harix. For those that may not know, Harry is a highly recommended repair destination for Eliges in So Cal. However, Harry may not have his fingers on the pulse of values as much as he is usually repairing them mechanically, not trading them.
The only thing I can "see" that looks odd to me is the base wheels on it and I believe Exiges never came them.

I ask, as I don't know, but are the 06 N/A Exiges identical to LSS Elises other than the clams? (Under the skin)
Yes, those wheels were only on the Elise.

Yes, they are pretty much the same except for a couple minor differences. You can tell this was/is an Exige because of the plastic piece below the rear window. The seats would obviously be different too, but we can't see those.

That thing is a right mess, but fixable. The plastic radiator is the least of that car's probs.
 
#9 ·
Front crash box is cracked driver side top
Clams
Rear subframe looks bent at the rust/corrosion spot
Hardtop

if you have these parts, it’s a simple repair, just time.

paint will be 3-7k at a shop like LTMW.

if you factor it going for ~45k when repaired, work backwards on the above parts and see if your friend will give you a decent enough price on it all.
 
#13 ·
My $0.02...

As many know all too well, the pricing on used cars has gone insane lately. Unless you're planning to QUICKLY flip this car or can get it for the old salvage yard pricing ~25k I would steer clear. Otherwise by the time you're done, you might have as well bought a used Lotus and just driven it instead of wrenching for 100s of hours.

Forgot to ask.. I noticed the coolant expansion tank and exhaust are removed and, I think, the fuel line is disconnected. Seems odd, I would ensure you have the full story on the extent of the damage including that which took place after the wreck.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Catsailr27
#14 ·
I know who Harry is and what he's capable of and the way it came across was he was asking for someone to get opinions other than his. Maybe a friend? Too many unknowns as others pointed out plus the known issues. Without knowing more <$20k
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top