How Big A Bash Should Be Worrying Me?

[Troisieme]

Just had a chat with a fella (dealer, but not a lotus garage) regarding a rather nice looking aqua S2 up Bradford way. It's a bit of a trip, so for the sake of making it worthwhile for both of us I thought it best to ask regards the car's history.

Couple of owners, not many miles for its year, (51 reg). Mechanically sound - so I'm told! - and FLSH.

 

But... has been involved in a low speed bump, causing a bit of a scuff on the near side rear wheel arch, and a crack approx 1/4 inch in length.

 

Now as I mentioned the other day, I'm no mechanic. Does this seem like a reasonable cause for the crack? And is it something that's likely to either a) get worse over time or suggest that there may be other problems lurking beneath?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Steve J]

There's a lot out there without any damage.

 

What's your budget? I assume you want an S2?

[dobbo]

If it's recent, the crack could continue growing, but it doesn't sound serious.

 

Some cracks don't even appear for months (speaks from experience !)

 

If it's that small a crack, it's virtually impossible for there to be anything seriously wrong underneath.

[Greg.g]

I dont really understand why a dealer would sell a car with a small minor crack in a clam

Surely it would be better for them to get a small repair done ( £200-£400 ) and sell the car as perfect at a higher price.

 

 

 

Thats of course if its a minor ding

[Martin R]

Sounds a little suspect Personally unless you are in a big rush, i would wait for a " known " car to come up for sale on either MLOC or SELOC. You will get a car with all the history etc Also i would not buy an Elise without getting it checked over first by someone you can trust ( Mike at Horizon ? ) if the car is ok the seller will have no objections, i would have thought. If you update your profile for your location, im sure you will get some more help on here