Sold My Elise Now on the Lookout for a GS

[simonc]

Hi All

I posted a while ago but have only recently sold my modded S2 Elise to a nice man who also has a GT3 and a Caterham Duratec, actually very quickly and painlessly, always nice to deal with another enthusiast.

The plan is to find a late model GS LE with lowish miles, it seems like 30K is about top dollar for these.

It would seem sensible to wait until the spring as I suspect if the winter is anything like last year, any purchase now is going to sit in the garage for quite a bit of time over the next few months

Just a heads up to those potentially looking to sell, and hopefully I'll join the fold soon

Simon

 

[Maser Sod]

36-38K GBP is about the absolute tops that v low mileage late GS LE's will be advertised for. You could try offering 30K but most sellers will try to hold on for close to asking price, esp with so few Gransports available (usually about one GS for every eight GTs on the 2nd hand market).

30K GBP should get you an 06 LE in reasonable nick with 25-30K on the clock.

 

[Maser Sod]

36-38K GBP is about the absolute tops that v low mileage late GS LE's will be advertised for. You could try offering 30K but most sellers will try to hold on for close to asking price, esp with so few Gransports available (usually about one GS for every eight GTs on the 2nd hand market).

30K GBP should get you an 06 LE in reasonable nick with 25-30K on the clock.

 

[conaero]

Hi Simon, best time to buy any prestige car is at xmas or Jan so I think you are doing the right thing.

You would be best to buy an enthusiast car off here, obviously making sure its a good one, but I dont think we have any bad ones.

£25k should get you a 30k miler 06, £30k for the top enders and as low as £20k for the leggy ones.

Good luck, Ill keep my eye out for you, and I think you are making a wise choice going for the LE low miler.

 

[conaero]

This is being sold by Fluxy at the moment, a real steal if you dont mind the miles, its a great colour combo too:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3383748.htm

 

[simonc]

This is being sold by Fluxy at the moment, a real steal if you dont mind the miles, its a great colour combo too:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3383748.htm

I noticed that Matt, I'm sure its a good one but looking for a lower mileage example.

I know the clutch life is very variable with the CC, but if the reported 30k miles figure is to be believed would buying a car with about 30k and no recent clutch be unwise?

This looks nice: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3359505.htm

As does this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2996371.htm

And if this had different carpets I could be tempted: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3212316.htm

All are about the same mileage but no mention of the clutch, I assume because it hasn't been changed

Simon

 

[conaero]

Simon

I personally would not buy from ADG, too much history there with dodgy cars.

Nuvola though, sure, Narman is one of us, so if you are buying trade, definitely go there.

As for clutch, its a difficult one. I have heard between 12 and 24k miles is the norm, but I know cars that are still on their original clutch.

From a personal perspective, I bought a 2.5 year old GS with 21k on the clock. It had its first clutch at 13k miles then my cover plate went bang at 24k miles...in the middle of France.

The previous owner drove in AUTO mode all the time and this is highly regarded to be at the root of premature clutch failure.

So from that I would say, 12k miles and upwards if the car uses AUTO on a regular basis, circa 24k miles if using the CC only and longer if you stay in SPORT and gun it everywhere (its the slow starts and reversing up hills that slip and wear the clutch)

 

[Parisien]

Spot on Matt....knowing how to handle an Italian mistress is what its all about................DONT PU55YFOOT ABOUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P

 

[simonc]

Thanks for the advice Chaps

I did wonder about ADG

Been in touch with Nareman a while ago who struck me as a good option

The car is going to be a 2nd vehicle and thus won't do lots of miles, and I can't see me using the auto function at all, in fact I'm already thinking a FD DBW unit may be an early purchase.

I suppose the wise choice would be an inspection and negotiate price if the clutch is nearing the end of its life.

I may ask for some advice from the board when the time comes, of course if fantastic deal comes up in the meantime.....

Simon

 

[Parisien]

Yes Simonc, do pore over the service schedule ideally an annual service PLUS a mileage service, though with low mileage cars they can be combined.


An indie inspection for £200-300 is a MUST, plus bargain off a new clutch if not done in last 15K miles, plus the usual, tyres ( check brand), brakes and if F1 pump replaced recently.


P

 

[conaero]

Always the way to go re the inspection.

 

[Parisien]

Only way Matt..........................can save 2/3/4 thousands.........as we know only a full inspection plus SD readout will do........cheap to buy.....but cost a pretty penny to put right


P

 

[Andyk]

I noticed that Matt, I'm sure its a good one but looking for a lower mileage example.

I know the clutch life is very variable with the CC, but if the reported 30k miles figure is to be believed would buying a car with about 30k and no recent clutch be unwise?

This looks nice: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3359505.htm

As does this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2996371.htm

And if this had different carpets I could be tempted: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3212316.htm

All are about the same mileage but no mention of the clutch, I assume because it hasn't been changed

Simon

Hi Simon and welcome.....There are some who would not buy from ADG but they are still here after many years and still selling Maserati.......FOr me they have the three nicest GS for sale at the moment....the two blue and red one......If I was in the market I would have to go and see these......and theya re at the right price for you................I would go and make your own mind up.

 

[dem maser]

Well if your not going to use it often you could buy one with 50k??

They can be had for 20k, a very good saving.....

When im ready for the GS it wont bother me as i only do 3k a year in it....after 3 years ownership ill sell with 59k, not that bad.....

 

[Grinzzz]

Been in touch with Nareman a while ago who struck me as a good option

I'll second that - very straight forward to deal with and a nice bloke too.

Personally if there is no hard evidence of a very recent clutch change I'd negotiate anyway. The wear measurements sound a bit hit and miss plus if it's had a few miles on since the clutch you've no idea how it's been driven. I err'd on the side of caution and assumed it would need a clutch now when I bought mine. Every day is a bonus

 

[YHTM]

I bought my first Maserati from ADG with no issues at all. If you have a thorough inspection done that will cover most concerns.

I bought my GS without an inspection because it would have been snapped up while arranging it - I've done 2,000 miles and it needs its first clutch at 29k, cost £1,700 and if driven as advised above that should be clutch sorted for another 30k - swings and roundabouts!

 

[Andyk]

Good to hear a positive....

 

[Maser Sod]

I'll second that - very straight forward to deal with and a nice bloke too.

Personally if there is no hard evidence of a very recent clutch change I'd negotiate anyway. The wear measurements sound a bit hit and miss plus if it's had a few miles on since the clutch you've no idea how it's been driven. I err'd on the side of caution and assumed it would need a clutch now when I bought mine. Every day is a bonus

Yours should be pretty fresh, I had a new one put in around 12 or 13K miles IIRC. Didn't really need it, I just wanted the car to be tip top.

 

[simonc]

Mmmmm......just been reading about ADG on the other forum, I generally have an open mind about these things but it is concerning

Other dealers are available is my conclusion

Thanks for all the comments

One other thing is where would be a good place for servicing near Oxford?

Simon

 

[dem maser]

You could try auto sportiva or DK......