second hand =elektra HL1-whats it worth

System

could someone in the industry tell me what a second hand ELEKTRA HL1 is worth.  ?????????

I have the chance to buy one, its a few years old in excellent condition.

One sold recently for a high price, not sure exactly,, and another one is for sale.

Its all brass and 2 group semi automatic ???

cant seem to find an answer

thanks jenn

FreshCoffee2

This is a tough question. Speaking as a past importer, reseller and service provider of Elektra brand machines.... This type of thing is nothing more or less than any other espresso machine, but with a fancy body. You have to be careful therefore to pay a fair price dependant on condition. This is usually dependant on age/use. In the trade, we sometimes see how some members of the general public pay very inflated prices for run down or old espresso machines, on the basis of some kind of perceived antique or specialty value, usually dependant on the fact that the particular model may have a body made of brass, copper, chrome or glass, or has "levers". Trouble is, the equipment may well be on its last legs in terms of actually being a functioning espresso machine...and or may not have been a particularly good espresso machine to start with. As a functioning used espresso machine, you have to decide what the value might be. Dependant on age and condition, you could be looking at anywhere between say $1500 to $3500. You might decide to pay over and above that because of the fancy presentation. If to you, the piece has some kind of other value (ie other than as a straight esp machine) then I'm afraid you are in the realms of paying whatever it takes for you to secure the item, and this is what the vendor will be reyling on, in order for him to maximise his return. Then he is not selling an espresso machine, but something that apparently offers potential buyers some kind of addition to their lifestyle. This is straight out "selling". So all I can say is, treat it as an espresso machine. That's what it is. If you pay too much, you could be the last owner as you will never get your money back for it as a straight out espresso machine. Being pragmatic, FC.

Unknown

thanks FC JUST found out more about the machine that sold.  It was a two group with lever actuated steam and water. 60 's retro look i guess. (im sure you know the one )) it was made in 2002 and in very good condition except the dual guage was out, ie one dial wasnt centred on 0 anymore. Anyway its a dual boiler compact model, 3700 watts.  It apparently sells for between 8000-10500 depending on the deal. but get this, it sold for 5800.00      that seems like a lot to me for a machine which is probably great inside but maybe not.   ie he bought it at auction with no papers etc no guarantee, sitting in a dusty corner. I understand what you mean about whats it worth to somebody, if you have a cafe I guess if you want the brass look you have got a cheap machine, but it still seems steep to me.   I would have thought 3000 was a fair price at auction and would pay that. anyway I will pass on the other one for that inflated price. (my thought anyway) Being in the trade FC I appreciate your advice. Im in italy in 2 weeks and my friend there (italy) said there are lots of second hand machines around similar to the Elektra etc for half that. love to ship one home, im told import tax is 5 percent, gst 10 percent.. and freight shipping about $200. He has sent one over to a friend before which is running well 1 yeare later and been serviced locally with gaskets etc. trying to find a similar brass machine. So long as its a major brand, (like the 60 ELEKTRA  in brass or silver manual or auto) the store there thats sells it turns it on and shows you it running. what do you think ??  did he overpay ?? cheers jenn

FreshCoffee2

Answering you in point form: Elektra pressure guages have always been a weak point; Are you sure about "dual boiler"? Unless this company has undergone a radical change in design philosophy since we stopped importing them, they never did dual boiler machines; Elektra like to keep their prices high (atleast when they are new) on the basis of them being a manufacturer of small volume but special bodied machines; NEVER buy any espresso machine from an auction, for many machines this is the last port of call because a trader has been unsuccessful in attempts to sell. Very often, these machines dont work at all (dont need to, not able to be demonstrated "working" for auction), and sometimes the cost of repair outstrips the purchase price (this makes the purchasers very angry as they though they had bought a bargain, misdirecting their anger at the "innocent" service provider); Remember, these are commercial espresso machines with a removable fancy body, no more, no less; Why import someone elses second had rubbish from Italy when you can get your own here without the hassle of the import, and still get it serviced locally. I have never imported anything for $200.00. There are hidden costs like all the port fees,

john

Jenn I agree all the way with FC. I have purchased a number of older second hand machines (auction style) and they have been a nightmare. Will not do it again. It ended up costing more than they were worth to fix. Some we did not even bother fixing. I suggest that you start a-FRESH. JD 8)