Used Elise - Dealer inspection?

James_Dee said:

Hi,

My miata's on its last legs (and I'm tired of it) and I'm considering a used Elise from San Antonio Auto Group of San Antonio. I live in the FLA panhandle, and that's about the best Lotus (for me) that I could find on ebay. If I were buying new, I wouldn't opt for the touring package, and probably would opt for the limited slip diff.

I noticed there is a Lotus dealer in San Antonio. (Lotus of San Antonio)

How do you recommend setting up an inspection (contact Lotus dealer directly without talking to the seller?) and what's the typical cost?

Thanks for any help!

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You would need to coordinate the seller getting the car to the dealer. That would be pretty hard to do without talking to the seller about it. You would pay dealer service shop rates for the inspection. Around here that is $110-125/hr.

I haven't looked at this car, but it seems like from "If I were buying new, I wouldn't opt for the touring package, and probably would opt for the limited slip diff" that it isn't really what you are looking for? Why not wait for the right car?

I would recommend getting a pre-sale inspection from a dealer who specializes in those cars. I did it with my lotus at the dealer and it cost about $150. It's not super in-depth, but they give the car a good once over and should be able to tell you a lot about it. You should also specically ask them for an ECU dump...that'll tell you a lot about the cars history

There's also a thread here with a used elise buyers checklist...(found via the search feature above) or directly here

Touring basically is the base package, nothing to do with engine, suspension, or wheels are different. You do get some nice things like a cargo net and leather interior, though. I have seen very few Elises without the touring package.

FWIW, I just bought a 2005 Elise, and I am selling the Miata (with LSD) that I've enjoyed for 10 years. While the LSD is considered a big plus for the MX-5 there does not seem to be the same consensus for the Lotus... Just something to check.

I've read a bunch of the limited slip threads tonight; now I'm not so sure... but what good is a sportscar if you can't wag the rear end when you want to?

I'd love to be able to abuse one with the limited slip and one without to see what I like.

James_Dee said:

I've read a bunch of the limited slip threads tonight; now I'm not so sure... but what good is a sportscar if you can't wag the rear end when you want to?

I'd love to be able to abuse one with the limited slip and one without to see what I like.

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I haven't had the time or the weather to explore the limits of the Lotus yet, so I can't really comment on that aspect firsthand.

I do notice a big difference in the relative lightness of the front end and steering. The Miata's front end feels heavier and seems to have more bite, while the Lotus front feels even more lively with absolutely no need for power steering. Perhaps the lack of PS is responsible for much of this difference in the first place. It's an adjustment phase, and I'm sure I'll appreciate it more as I build experience.

As for the rest, WOW, the Lotus is much more than an already-very-good sports car in the MX-5. No regrets so far.

P.S. Get an ECU dump. Anyone selling the Lotus should be willing to comply.

James_Dee said:

I've read a bunch of the limited slip threads tonight; now I'm not so sure... but what good is a sportscar if you can't wag the rear end when you want to?

I'd love to be able to abuse one with the limited slip and one without to see what I like.

Click to expand...

LSD -- don't have it. Don't need it. I don't autocross.