Checking it over...

[melw]

Getting a car checked out before parting with the readies has to be sound advice, but how easy is it in practice?

I remember way back there used to a couple of visiting specialists advertising in Club Lotus mag, sadly no longer. There's always the RAC/AA but any Lotus requires specialist knowledge. I'm thinking early-ish S4 and I'm happy to buy from one of the few classic Lotus dealers, but from what I've heard it's worth checking their cars out too! Short of persuading a seller to haul his car to the nearest trusty specialist I'm not to sure how best to go about this? Any ideas??

Edited June 4, 2005 by melw

[Paul C]

Right...

I'm in oxfordshire

Firstly, Esprits, both good and bad, are located all over the country.

This meant that although i had a trusted specialist ready to look over

cars for me, there was always a chance it would be too far for him to

do it. (or for the seller to take it to him, which they did!).

This, my second Esprit, was for sale up manchester way. This was too

far for Steve to go and inspect, so i called Pete from PNM engineering

who was about an hour from the seller, and he inspected it for me.

So i'd wait until you have found one, then see who is nearest.

Secondly, The good cars can go pretty quick. SE's for example change

hands for as little as ten grand, ok some will be needing work, but i have

seen some really nice ones slip at around that figure. Cars that are asking

[melw]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for that, stacks of good advice there! I looked at a couple of Esprits before I bought my Liz, also a couple of Excels too as the +2 would avoid a divorce! In the end I got bored of travelling a lot of miles only to discover what was promised wasn't always strictly the truth. I'm in SW London and around this time I found myself passing Bell & Colvill..... that was 5 years ago and remarkably stress free!

I'm happy to take a little time and find the right car, I've a good idea of budget, age, etc, etc. I just want to be able to act quickly when I find a decent example!

[Paul C]

Ta!

SW london?, Steve Williams at maidenhead aint to far then, he knows his Esprits

too. but owning an Elise i'm sure you would have heard of him, because he has the

Elise owners on Seloc practically eating out his hand, they praise him so much!

TBH, as you already own a lotus, and are asking the

right questions, i'm sure you're gonna be OK

[melw]

TBH, as you already own a lotus, and are asking the

right questions, i'm sure you're gonna be OK

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I hope you're right, but I'm looking at a earlier car and there's pitfalls a plenty out there! For the record I've become a big fan of Morland Jones in Hammersmith. They don't seem to be that well know in modern Lotus circles although they seem to get a few S1 Elises their way. They usually have an Esprit around as well as some early classics. I'm hoping they'll keep any future purchase of mine on the straight and narrow!

[s4simon]

You're more than welcome to drop in and see mine.

Although Paul has given you the 'Top Info', I can show you exactly where to look and what to listen for.

My location is M3, J1 (Sunbury) - available most weekends, any time + most evenings.

Just drop me a line.

[melw]

Thanks Simon, I'll be in touch!

[WayneB]

Paul C ,you appear have found your true vocation in life, wandering U.K. like a gypsy inspecting Lotuses for forum members (in return for beer and crisps)

[Paul C]

Paul C ,you appear have found your true vocation in life, wandering U.K. like a gypsy inspecting Lotuses for forum members (in return for beer and crisps)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fit's in nicely with my wandering U.K. , ripping the lead of churchroofs

and hare coursing business pursuits. Wanna buy any pegs wayne?

note*

By agreeing to buy pegs, you agree to buy my sherpa, sister and dag.