Auction RecapOctober 19, 2026

2005 Lotus Elise sells for $35,750 on Bring a Trailer — was it a deal?

low-mileageone-ownernaturally-aspiratedrwd

Sold for $35,750, this 2005 [Lotus Elise](https://fridayswatchlist.com/search?make=Lotus&model=Elise) fetched strong money, reflecting its low mileage and desirable specs.

This Elise is a lightweight sports car that showcases British engineering. It’s powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine paired with a six-speed manual transaxle, which is what makes it so engaging to drive. With only 36,000 miles and a single owner, this car is in excellent condition. The vibrant Saffron Yellow paint is eye-catching, while the Sport Pack enhances the driving experience with improved performance dynamics. The black leather interior adds a nice touch, and features like air conditioning and a CD stereo make it more comfortable than one might expect from a pure sports car.

The price of $35,750 is market-correct. The bidding was competitive, with 22 bids indicating strong interest. The final sale price came in just 1% below the fair value estimate of $36,233. Given the mileage, transmission type, and overall condition, this price is fair for a well-maintained Elise.

The community took note of the sale, with one commenter expressing interest in finding a similar car for daily use: "Looking for a nice daily, maybe the next one!" This indicates that there’s still demand for low-mileage Elises, especially with this spec.

For buyers on the hunt for a Lotus Elise, keep an eye on service records. This particular car had a clean title and documented maintenance, which adds significant value. A well-maintained vehicle often translates to fewer headaches down the road, so don’t overlook the importance of a solid service history when evaluating potential purchases.

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2005 Lotus Elise sells for $35,750 on Bring a Trailer — was it a deal? | Friday's Watchlist | Friday's Watchlist