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Things to look out fo when buying!!


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Hi all,

 

Just sold my lotus elise and hopefully picking up my 350 this weekend - just wanted to know what to look out for when buying? The car has service history,30k on the clock (2003) 12 months MOT and has recently had the clutch replaced and upgraded. I knew all there was to know about the Lotus and no I am in new teritory and feeling a little lost if i'm honest!!!

 

All suggestions/advice very much appreciated from a nervous 350 buyer!! ;)

 

Cheers

 

Nick

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If it has only done 30k in 8 years then I would check the service history very carefully, has it been serviced every 12 months regardless of mileage. Also expect it to be on its first clutch/flywheel & rotors etc so if you buy it and do a fair bit of mileage it could be expensive... not trying to put you off, enjoy it :drive1

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Ask to see as many of the service invoices as possible.

Check them to see what work has been done, and what the gararge has advised should be done but has not yet been done.

Make sure you get 3 keys, the master plus 2. I understand that the master is expensive to replace.

Find out if a UK or import car.

Ask if ever used on the track.

Fully test and make sure everything works- if it comes with no warranty, parts can be expensive.

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Welcome to the forum.

 

 

Zeds seem be hit and miss when it comes to clutch.

Some have done 100k on the original, some didnt make it past 20k.

 

 

There are many factors that decide how long your clutch will last . Do you drive mostly in heavy stop/start traffic, do you rest your foot on the clutch while in motion? How smoothly do you change gear, are you in the habit of slipping your clutch during the traffic light GP or holding it on the clutch on a steep hill when you should be using your handbrake? Even on the flat and when stuck in a queue a lot of people just leave it in first with the clutch pedal depressed, Caroline does that :shrug: ......Then as you say there's the hit and miss aspect or maybe just pure luck :shrug:

 

Some people are incredibly heavy on clutches, changes should be seamless, my ex used a technique that threw you forward with every gear change, no wonder she only used to get 30k or so out of hers :lol:

 

Pete

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