Opinions on this car

[MLCELICES2!]

Far away unfortunately
https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/ ... 11s-gDmO2n

Maybe worth an investigation

Thanks for the heads-up.

I had spotted this and asked a couple of questions. AC is working, still has original radiator and no upgraded head gasket. Will Blackham put it through a service and pre-sales inspection in June so not as much of a risk doing the distant buying.

Was hoping with the time of year it would go under the radar and for a very decent price but a couple of bidders already showing their intention to win!

[MLCELICES2!]

Far away unfortunately
https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/ ... 11s-gDmO2n

Maybe worth an investigation

So was out bid on the night, the highest bid was £18,250 (I went to £18,000) but it didn't meet the reserve. So today I got an email saying I could make an offer of £18,500 and it would be a deal. I chickened out and said no thanks. Having slept on it, I had already decided £18,000 was too much for a car I hadn't seen in person so was OK on missing out. Might regret it but wouldn't be worth the divorce. Right?

[Stu160]

That car did look very nice ...was tempted myself .

[campbell]

Seems ok at £18k for a long term hold.

Put that back to them and see.

After all if it’s properly “as-described” then you won’t need your Year 1 maintenance budget of £2k. So nett it’s really only costing £16k right

Pop that into the breakfast table negotiations with the Missus and let us know how you get on …

[douglasgdmw]

Maybe an opportunity to see whether the price could be subject to inspection then you have more peace of mind or opportunity to walk away.

Know that is not how normal blind auctions but worth a try

[MLCELICES2!]

Good suggestion guys!

The car has gone now. Someone paid the £18,500.

I have this knowledge for the next time negotiations (with seller and wife) are required!!

Numbers of cars for sale has dropped in the last few weeks so might be into next year now.

Cheers

[campbell]

Keep your eyes open

Always a chance of a “distress disposal” now or early January …

[rossybee]

you won’t need your Year 1 maintenance budget of £2k

Curious with this - surely this isn't an annual requirement?

In 4yrs of Cerbera ownership, the most I had was just over £1k for a 12k service (reputable TVR specialist not far from me - TVR Ecosse) and the 6k services were ~£400

Still toying with the idea of an Elise, yes even after all these years

[campbell]

I generally went with £1k a year

It went up gradually.

Then there’s inflation …

Albeit I did real miles in my Elise which just seemed to … er … wear things out

[renmure]

Still toying with the idea of an Elise, yes even after all these years

[ScottJ-PS]

I have a 2003 that has gone from 4000-65000 in the 6 years I have had it, and worth around your budget.

CMC has serviced it every year and averages about £1000 p.a. though with inflation expect to rise. Touch wood no major failures. in 6 yrs 2 x C service, annual A service, tyres etc.

if you budget £100 month in the piggy bank hopefully you will not be far out .

[campbell]

Preventive Maintenance proving its worth here I think

You just can’t leave these cars lying around or they go south very quickly.

[philthy]

Preventive Maintenance proving its worth here I think

You just can’t leave these cars lying around or they go south very quickly.

Spot on, for what it costs it pays in the long run