US used car market confusion

[4N MISSL]

I’m in the market for a used Emira, but I’m confused on why the prices of these cars are so vastly different here in the states when it comes to the mileage/ price. I know that once a car drives off the lot it depreciates 10-20% Which is understandable. However, it seems like it has no effect on these cars and the price vs mileage on each one are so different it’s hard to know how much leverage I actually have when negotiating a good price. There’s cars that have around 1,000 miles that are going between $92k-$98k, and there are cars that have 2,000-7000 miles that are $93k-102k.

I feel that used with 1,000 miles should fall between 93-96k and anything with 3,000+ miles should be in the high 80’s and get lower as mileage goes up. These cars also sit for an average of 160 days before being sold, so I feel like there’s a lot of room to negotiate a slow selling car, but I feel like if I find one cheaper for less miles they will say ‘buy it from them instead’ anyone have insight on what might be the best practice/ negotiation I can have when buying one?

 

[PatrickJS]

for the good deals you have to look at the dealerships that aren't Lotus. any Lotus dealership will purposely hold onto the value. any other dealership that has a lotus will definitely go lower and I seen it happen. but also keep in mind the MSRP price went up for these cars so its a bit mixed and thats what you're seeing. and the 2026 modal likely will cost more since there is more safety-tech/cooling compared to 2024/2025

 

[geoffbland]

The differences in prices might be as some of the cars have issues, as unfortunately it seems around 30% of Emiras have the bubbling issue. Make sure you inspect the cars first car fully all over for paint issues especially. There is a good buyers check list here. As Patrick states, dealer prices are considerably higher same here in the UK. Your US prices seem very close to UK prices though; in the UK the number of used cars has been steadily dropping over the last 6 months and so second-hand prices are now increasing.

 

[NJemira85]

Part of issue is no new supply arriving due to tariffs. Another issue is lotus has raised base msrp twice since launch in US, welll over 10%. So used 2024s are being compared to new replacement cost, not just their own msrp

 

[NJemira85]

I too have been shopping last 2 weeks. It’s a real show.

 

[RoryBellows]

Every dealer is still starting high. If you want a good market of what you should be paying check the prices on cars and bids and bring a trailer. A number of Emiras have been sold on those platforms. Dont forget those values are also a little low because the buyer has to pay fees on top so they account for that in bidding. Lotus also didnt restrict options combos and there are some weird combos out there that are priced to sell and some safer combos holding higher values. Depending on what you want it could be hard to find. If you are open to color choices then you should have no problem getting a good deal. It may work out to your advantage to wait a few more months though. Once cars are coming into port they cant use tariffs as a negotiating tactic, although the MSRP is likely going up too. Id say if you can find what you want now under around 93k you are getting a good deal.

 

[DerTheDer]

Mines for sale no dealer fees.

 

[wcat]

Mines for sale no dealer fees.

What’s the detail on yours? I’m looking for a Seneca Blue I4 with black pack.

 

[DerTheDer]

Check out my posting on Built For Backroads. All the details there, unfortunately not Seneca or I4.

2024 Lotus Emira for Sale | Built for Backroads

Showing just over 500 miles on the odometer, this First Edition Emira is finished in handsome Nimbus Gray over red leather.

www.builtforbackroads.com

 

[allenyao09]

Car prices vary a lot by location. Basically all cars at the dealerships near the Seattle area are priced higher than everywhere else.

 

[robrmon]

I’ve a friend who is selling a magma red one in the tri-state area (NY). PM me if anyone wants an intro. 700 miles as far as I know.
V6 manual

 

[Kalel]

My dealer is offering me a Meridian blue, 2024 i4, with full Black Pack for 99K. It's basically 5 thousand off sticker. I have been planning on ordering and was excited about the new drivers aids but with price increases and tariffs, the next batch will likely be closer to 115K for the same car.

I am tempted!

 

[Read T]

There was an MSRP increase between the years between FE1 and FE2 if I'm not mistaken, and I've seen some dealers adjust price due to that even if on paper the are the exact car. I bought mine used at an Acura dealership, best deal I could find for the spec I wanted.

 

[Jinba ittai]

My dealer is offering me a Meridian blue, 2024 i4, with full Black Pack for 99K. It's basically 5 thousand off sticker. I have been planning on ordering and was excited about the new drivers aids but with price increases and tariffs, the next batch will likely be closer to 115K for the same car.

I am tempted!

I wouldn’t pay an extra 16K for drivers aids and a model year newer.

 

[benjh1028]

Given it's a six-digit car, not really a huge spread in costs or mileage. Find the one spec'd to your liking and make an offer of what you think is fair. Not certain I would quibble too much over a few thousand - just make sure its the right one.

 

[benjh1028]

And Danny's linked above is an amazing example for the money: https://www.builtforbackroads.com/listing/2024-lotus-emira-4