WTB: Lotus Elise/Exige

[Jackal]

I've been looking at a change in cars again and have determined that a BMW Z4MC is just too practical for me.  I'm looking (provided timing and cost line up),  in a change to a Lotus Elise/Exige. 

If you see or know of any coming up, I'd be happy to hear about them.  The Z4MC is also up for sale or trade towards my newest targeted car....

[nnywg]

I've wanted an Exige in the worst way for a long time. 

Two things worth noting: 
1. The vast majority sold in North America were 2006 & 2007 models.  At 15 years old, they become eligible for import from the US & Japan.  That's only a few years away.  Generally I think the Canadian vehicles have been at a premium to the US market.  Lotustalk forums are a good resource for price checking.

2.  If you want a track-only exige, there is a guy in Saskatoon trying to sell one that was written off.  Quite a lot of detective work went in to the comments section of his BAT sale effort, and ultimately the car didn't sell.  Motivated seller with lots of history on the car available.  I linked the BAT auction a few weeks ago in the cars for sale part of this forum.  Might be a good option.  With actual race tracks being built you'd have no trouble selling it locally I think.  Current seller probably paid too much for it.

3. Dibs on a ride along.

[Jackal]

... Generally I think the Canadian vehicles have been at a premium to the US market.  Lotustalk forums are a good resource for price checking.

The US is unable to import the Elise or Exige from Canada.

2.  If you want a track-only exige, there is a guy in Saskatoon trying to sell one that was written off.  Quite a lot of detective work went in to the comments section of his BAT sale effort, and ultimately the car didn't sell.  Motivated seller with lots of history on the car available.  I linked the BAT auction a few weeks ago in the cars for sale part of this forum.  Might be a good option.  With actual race tracks being built you'd have no trouble selling it locally I think.  Current seller probably paid too much for it.

That car is well known on lotustalk forums and the car was misrepresented in a couple threads,  buy both a seller and a consignment seller out of the states. It was tagged not as a rebuild,  but flagged as unrepairable. Both the threads it is on have been locked.  I have talked to the dude and he seemed to be face value from the start.

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/2011-lotus-exige-260s-final-edition-sale-437953/

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/sale-2011-final-edition-lotus-exige-s260-stealth-3-0f-25-a-432577/

My goal is to enjoy the car on the street as well,  and maybe even daily it during the summer months.  I'm open to ones with a salvage ticket,  as these cars tend to be written off by insurance for reasonably small amounts of damage. I'm a pass once the chassis needs to be repaired or reglued.

[nnywg]

Totally fair on the salvage one.  My point on the Canadian vehicles being at a premium is that in a few years, there will be a much larger pool of vehicles available at any given time since we can import them from other markets.  At that time the Canadian vehicles will reset to whatever the US market is at.  So don't over-pay now is what I'm suggesting.

[Jackal]

Totally fair on the salvage one.  My point on the Canadian vehicles being at a premium is that in a few years, there will be a much larger pool of vehicles available at any given time since we can import them from other markets.  At that time the Canadian vehicles will reset to whatever the US market is at.  So don't over-pay now is what I'm suggesting.

Ahh... now I got ya. 

[SKI-R]

Another one on BAT, in Seattle...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-lotus-motorsport/

[Jackal]

Another one on BAT, in Seattle...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-lotus-motorsport/

Unfortunately the Dealerships have a bit of protection from importing these to Canada...  as we aren't able to.

[PedalFaster]

Jeff Janzen, a really fast autocrosser based out of Winnipeg, manages a high-end used car dealership. One of the services his dealership offers is locating, refurbishing, and shipping rare sports cars.

Consider getting in touch with him, as he might be able to help you out . His email is jeff-at-nottautocorp.com. If you do reach out, let him know I sent you.

[PedalFaster]

Also, Ambrose has repeatedly refused to sell me his Elise, but it couldn't hurt to ask him.

[nnywg]

Another one on BAT, in Seattle...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-lotus-motorsport/

Unfortunately the Dealerships have a bit of protection from importing these to Canada...  as we aren't able to.

That one is old enough - you can bring it in.  Looks like it's got a Honda motor but I didn't look in to it.

[Jackal]

Another one on BAT, in Seattle...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-lotus-motorsport/

Unfortunately the Dealerships have a bit of protection from importing these to Canada...  as we aren't able to.

That one is old enough - you can bring it in.  Looks like it's got a Honda motor but I didn't look in to it.

No, as I understand it, you cannot import any Elise or Exige,  regardless of age.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE - TRANSPORT CANADA AND THE REGISTRAR OF IMPORTED VEHICLES DOES NOT GUARANTEE ITS ACCURACY. Mar/23/2018 Edition

ADMISSIBLE   INADMISSIBLE   NOTES
2003 AND 2004 Esprit V8

All other Lotus models are inadmissible.

See EXPLANATIONS section.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles/importation/usa/vafus/list2/LOTUS.htm

[nnywg]

It's a freeforall after 15 years.  Got a VIN?  Good to go.  That's how we get these wacky things from Japan. 

[Jackal]

It's a freeforall after 15 years.  Got a VIN?  Good to go.  That's how we get these wacky things from Japan.

I read somewhere on LotusTalk that the Lotus Elise and Exige have limitations even after 15 years.  The Elise S1's have been difficult to get as I understand and every one of them is over 15 years old.

Of course im willing to look into it if it can be done.

[nnywg]

I will send you a contact via bookface that does imports of specialty cars from Japan (quality over volume).  Probably the right person to talk to. 

Check your bookface messages.

[94boosted]

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/2005-lotus-elise-coupe-2-door/1341941482?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Definitely not street-able but looks like a fun track car