Thought i might try an Elan M100 what to look out for?

[Type 49]

SWMBO had indicated in the past that she likes the shape of the Elan.

I noticed that prices were generally low so wondered what to be aware of and look out for.

Was considering a turbo version?

All opinions greatfully received, even rude ones relating to FWD!

[Furyous]

Nasty things in my view, but seek out WillB on Seloc.

He is the Elan master.

[Gooby]

I also want one for the little lady.
From my understanding the non-turbo are rare (with good reason). The engine is an isuzu lump that will go on forever and the switchgear is the usual GM stuff.

Having driven one they are only surpassed by the liz.

[RobM77]

A friend of mine has one. She loves it, but has had terrible problems with the hood leaking, so it's probably worth checking that.

[Gooby]

RobM77 said:

A friend of mine has one. She loves it, but has had terrible problems with the hood leaking, so it's probably worth checking that.

When we say leak do we mean "elise s2" roof, few drops on the floor when it rains, "yota elise" - 2 drops because someone dropped the channel on the car or "s1 elise" a light summer shower means wet suit, mask and snorkel.

[RobM77]

Gooby said:

RobM77 said:

A friend of mine has one. She loves it, but has had terrible problems with the hood leaking, so it's probably worth checking that.

When we say leak do we mean "elise s2" roof, few drops on the floor when it rains, "yota elise" - 2 drops because someone dropped the channel on the car or "s1 elise" a light summer shower means wet suit, mask and snorkel.

The latter, although sadly I've yet to see my friend in a wetsuit

Incidentally, my '04 spec S2 doesn't leak at all. I've driven it in all weathers as my everyday car for two years without a single drop getting in.

[Gooby]

RobM77 said:

Gooby said:

RobM77 said:

A friend of mine has one. She loves it, but has had terrible problems with the hood leaking, so it's probably worth checking that.

When we say leak do we mean "elise s2" roof, few drops on the floor when it rains, "yota elise" - 2 drops because someone dropped the channel on the car or "s1 elise" a light summer shower means wet suit, mask and snorkel.

The latter, although sadly I've yet to see my friend in a wetsuit

Incidentally, my '04 spec S2 doesn't leak at all. I've driven it in all weathers as my everyday car for two years without a single drop getting in.

Ok this is all good - Mrs Gooby looks great in a wet suit. (Stop it twinpipe)

[midas029]

I had one for two years, Yeah the roof leaked like a river, terrible when the weather went sub zero and the seats froze, other than that great car.
lots to upgrade with.
try http://www.lotuselancentral.com/
good site with all the info you`ll need
HTH

[rfoster]

midas029 said:

I had one for two years, Yeah the roof leaked like a river, terrible when the weather went sub zero and the seats froze, other than that great car.
lots to upgrade with.
try http://www.lotuselancentral.com/
good site with all the info you`ll need
HTH

Seconded - I had one for over a year - bulletproof engine (definitely go for the turbo - avoid N/A models). Hood was appaling but this was improved with the S2 model - I'd expect a lot of SE models will have had the roofs replaced - if you can find one with the seals done as well it may be a better buy. Other than that just the usual things to check for, service history / badly repaired accident damage etc. Brakes aren't good compared to Elise.

[*Al*]

Barely a drip comes in my S1.

[David Segal]

I've had my M100 for 10+ years and its a great and very underrated every day car especially once you've uprated the front brakes to give some feel and perhaps also chipped the engine for a bit more grunt.

Only problems other than a leaky roof (seals currently on offer from Lotus Cars and other specialist spares sales) have been:

gear linkage cable failure and
headlight motor failure (repair kit available from US if not UK supplier)
cooling fan failure - are OE spec replacements now available?
Window clips which need to be replaced if you have to access door internals - though i cant remember why i needed them now

They do use a bit of oil esp when driven enthusastically so you need to ensure its been kept topped up and run on fully synthetic!

Mine (and i think most) runs quite cool and the heater's not too effective without a bit of (easily removable) blanking over the radiator grill ONLY in winter.

Given the newest of these cars will be 10 years old I would recommend checking the chassis and suspension for rust especially if its not been garaged though I've not heard of any problems there

good luck & enjoy

[lincoln lad]

I had one for two years and enjoyed owning it. However, expensive in terms of:

1. Replacing lower suspension wishbones (they are waxoiled originally but don't last forever). Check these are not rotten before you buy.
2. The roof tendered to leak around the door hinge posts - header windscreen rail was ok.
3. The rear windscreen visibility deteriorated (yellowed) over time - difficult to replace.
4. O2 sensors prone to moisture due to their location
5. Springs in seats went


Other minor issues to mention, but don't get me wrong, I loved the car !

Took in to Christopher Neils in Derby once - that was the only mistake I made and regretted. Certainly not buying the car.

Road handling is superb given wide wheel base and FWD.

Edited by lincoln lad on Tuesday 30th October 13:50

[RobM77]

Whilst we're on the subject of the Elan, does anyone know why it was designed as a front drive car? Yes, I realise that it is hailed as one of the best handling front wheel drive cars ever, but to design a sports car from the ground up as FWD is a bit unusual - in fact as far as I know it's unique in this respect.

[kambites]

According to wikipedia:

According to Lotus sales literature, "The ride and handling engineers at Lotus found that for a given vehicle weight, power and tire size, a front wheel drive car was always faster over a given section of road."

I suspect that's Lotus speak for "it was cheaper".

[RobM77]

kambites said:

According to wikipedia:

According to Lotus sales literature, "The ride and handling engineers at Lotus found that for a given vehicle weight, power and tire size, a front wheel drive car was always faster over a given section of road."

I suspect that's Lotus speak for "it was cheaper".

Hmm:

Lotus Elan M100: 160bhp, 990kg
Lotus Elise S2 111S: 156bhp, 800kg

Bit of a U turn then?

[Type 49]

Thanks everyone for the responses, it has pointed me in the right direction next thing is to go see one.

[LivinLaVidaLotus]

lincoln lad said:

Took in to Christopher Neils in Derby once

Can only assume that: a) They have moved in the past (>2-3 years), or b) You mean somewhere else. As they are most deffinately not in Derby

[lincoln lad]

LivinLaVidaLotus said:

lincoln lad said:

Took in to Christopher Neils in Derby once

Can only assume that: a) They have moved in the past (>2-3 years), or b) You mean somewhere else. As they are most deffinately not in Derby

Sorry - meant to say Peter Smiths (you can see how the incident has scarred me !)

[malbon]

i've had one. Its erm...yeah...ok. Nothing to get excited about IMHO. What ive put in my profile review pretty much sums it up. Decent speed with an Ev. chip but the brakes are dreadful and the fuel economy can also be when caning it. still worth I look i guess for the money.

[lincoln lad]

malbon said:

i've had one. Its erm...yeah...ok. Nothing to get excited about IMHO. What ive put in my profile review pretty much sums it up. Decent speed with an Ev. chip but the brakes are dreadful and the fuel economy can also be when caning it. still worth I look i guess for the money.

Ah yes, forgot about the brakes. They really were cr*p !