Advice Sought

[robin495uan]

Hi MLOC

 

I'm new to the adictive world of Lotus Elises and I'm looking for some help. I'm considering buying a S2 111s I've found http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=39988&s=12 however it's been regitered as cat D after an accident in Oct 03. The current owner was not responsible for the damage but sais it has been proffesionally reparied by the last owner himself (not at a specialist).

 

It's last service was done by AW Automotive a lotus specialist in Burnley (who don't seem to exist). The guy selling the car seems genuine and if it was panel damage only I'm happy to purchase at the right price. Does anyone have any advice and has anyone heard of AW Automotive, am I best to consider this or just walk away?

 

Many thanks

[Gareth]

Yeah, you get an Elise cheaper than normal price but you are really asking for problems. You may find this car harder to sell on.

 

IMO it's not worth it. If you can't afford a S2111s without damage then buy a standard one or maybe a S1 111s

[Jonathan E]

Robin,

On an Elise there is no such thing as panel damage,basically the car has two clamshells ie, front and rear plus bootlid doors and sills,if the clams have been damaged they can be repaired, although personally I would want to know who did the repair and also get some advice off people who have had work done by the company concerned.Furthermore any Elise thats been in any kind of shunt can be a potential problem regarding the chassis.The chassis is very strong but sadly does have weaknesses and unless the company who have done the work can give you a 100% garantee that the chassis is ok then I'd walk away.I admit that I'm not really up to speed with insurance categories but if you decide to buy it make sure that you get a very reputable company to check it out first.

btw a new chassis can cost upwards of 9k,so its not a risk worth taking.

Can you contact the person who owned the car when it got damaged,he has nothing to lose regarding info about the car,the price will "always" be reflected in the fact that it was at one point Cat D.

hth

Regards

Jon

[Jonathan E]

BTW,

That link isn't for a 111s,its a S2 st.

Hope you are aware of this.

Regards

Jon