Elan M100 - am considering buying one
Discussion
Hi folks
Cosmic (my wife) is looking at getting a small, fun convertible. We've been looking at the new MR2 up to now but she's just confessed that she's always wanted a Lotus and that she's always liked the Elan M100.
A bit of digging around and reading the PistonHeads road test have convinced us that the car would be ideal.
There are a few questions we need answers to like:
* What's insurance like?
* Are they expensive to service? (I'm guessing not as its an Izusu engine)
* Are there any good independants in Hampshire / Berkshire?
* I've read about leaking hoods on them. Is this easily curable by using Fabsil & replacing seals like on my Chimaera?
* Are they reliable?
Sorry if this are all very much FAQs. As I said, I have had a look around for info first, but perhaps I was looking in the wrong place.
Thanks in advance
Jon
Cosmic (my wife) is looking at getting a small, fun convertible. We've been looking at the new MR2 up to now but she's just confessed that she's always wanted a Lotus and that she's always liked the Elan M100.
A bit of digging around and reading the PistonHeads road test have convinced us that the car would be ideal.
There are a few questions we need answers to like:
* What's insurance like?
* Are they expensive to service? (I'm guessing not as its an Izusu engine)
* Are there any good independants in Hampshire / Berkshire?
* I've read about leaking hoods on them. Is this easily curable by using Fabsil & replacing seals like on my Chimaera?
* Are they reliable?
Sorry if this are all very much FAQs. As I said, I have had a look around for info first, but perhaps I was looking in the wrong place.
Thanks in advance
Jon
Jon,
I would be interested to hear any responses on this. I had a look at one for a friend this weekend, although the garage were particularly unhelpful, and would not even turn the tribute to Richard Burton down to discuss the car. It was a 1995 S2, in wine, which looked quite nice.
Try www.lotuselancentral.com for info on these, it is american, but covers some of the things to look out for.
Hope this helps,
Chris
(ex-CPN)
I would be interested to hear any responses on this. I had a look at one for a friend this weekend, although the garage were particularly unhelpful, and would not even turn the tribute to Richard Burton down to discuss the car. It was a 1995 S2, in wine, which looked quite nice.
Try www.lotuselancentral.com for info on these, it is american, but covers some of the things to look out for.
Hope this helps,
Chris
(ex-CPN)
Haydon Cars of HMM group. Not sure about your other referance.
They used to be a main dealer, but now have reverted to specialist status.
I think they have got back to doing warranty work for Lotus.
Good bunch of guys, in my opinion. In the last 3 and a bit years I have had no problems with them.
Plus their hourly rate is significantly less than a lot of the main dealers, and prices are not too far away from Lakeside.
I have not bothered to go elsewhere, as they know me and my car.
They used to be a main dealer, but now have reverted to specialist status.
I think they have got back to doing warranty work for Lotus.
Good bunch of guys, in my opinion. In the last 3 and a bit years I have had no problems with them.
Plus their hourly rate is significantly less than a lot of the main dealers, and prices are not too far away from Lakeside.
I have not bothered to go elsewhere, as they know me and my car.
quote:
Not sure about your other referance.
From their website:
"Vincent Haydon founded Vincent Haydon Cars in 1998 after selling his interest in the Haydon Group, which has the Lotus Cars franchise in Salisbury and Cambridge"
www.vhcars.co.uk/
So I guess that clears that little mystery up.
www.bell-colville.co.uk in surrey nr guildford
1st rate lotus garage - usually have an m100 knocking around.
1st rate lotus garage - usually have an m100 knocking around.
quote:Oops - www.bell-colvill.co.uk/
www.bell-colville.co.uk
Thanks for the tip-off. I'll have a look.
Cheers
Jon
quote:
There are a few questions we need answers to like:
* What's insurance like?
* Are they expensive to service? (I'm guessing not as its an Izusu engine)
* Are there any good independants in Hampshire / Berkshire?
* I've read about leaking hoods on them. Is this easily curable by using Fabsil & replacing seals like on my Chimaera?
* Are they reliable?
Hi Jon just got back from hols (Manx GP
) I had m100 for 4.5 years here are my views. 1) Insurance is fine, as expected for a sports car. My last years quote was £650 (£200XS, Full NCB, no points etc.)
2) I would say yes they are expensive to service as they are quite complex. The Isuszu engine is turbo charged don't forget and so regular servicing is required. Other things to note are the rear disks are prone to corrosion (most braking is done on the front). Rear suspension arms are also prone to rusting from the top and need checking.
3) Don't know
4) The roof does have some ingress but certainly its not a "leaking roof". In fact its far far superior to the Elise. The secret is to ensure that you lower the windows before puttting the roof up then wind the windows up. If water is going to leak in it wil be at the top of the windscreen where the roof, windscreen and window meet and some duct tape evidently will fix it (although I didn't have a problem with it)
5) They are very reliable. In the 4.5 years I had it it never let me down and I drove it in all weathers all year round (it was my only car).
I sold it eventually due to finances and running my own business. If I hadn't "had" to sell it I would still hav it now. Its an excellent car.
Hope that lot helps, let me know if you want other info.
Hello all!
New member.
JonRB, I will second Smeagol's comments. I am here in the States and a M100 owner for the past two years. My everyday driver. It is a fantastic automobile. Been among my most reliable vehicles, and fun as hell. The B+C maintenance is a tad painful, but overall running costs will be cheaper than an Esprit, or a Porsche or BMW.
>> Edited by Supernaut on Monday 2nd September 19:10
New member.
JonRB, I will second Smeagol's comments. I am here in the States and a M100 owner for the past two years. My everyday driver. It is a fantastic automobile. Been among my most reliable vehicles, and fun as hell. The B+C maintenance is a tad painful, but overall running costs will be cheaper than an Esprit, or a Porsche or BMW.
>> Edited by Supernaut on Monday 2nd September 19:10
Well I've just taken the plunge!!!
Had it less than a week though,
Insurance with footman james agreed value limited mileage aged over 30 (no no-claims as classic policy) £316 for 4500miles a year, or £360 or 6000miles
Things that are expensive hopefully are few..... cam belt change not that cheap and rear wishbones check them carefully as £500-£1000 depending one where you get replacements from.
Fuel ecomony seems pretty good so far... only really been on a fast motorway run bringing it home yet though (cruise 100 odd miles at 'fast motorway speeds' shall we say!)
The one I just bought is a '91 H one owner, full lotus history serviced every 6mths (every bill, and I mean every bill!!) 71k miles and feels very solid and rattle free in Calypso Red with the full leather... a porsche main agent p/x
PS... black does seem very rare(not shown as being available in brochure dated 18.10.89) most seem to be Calypso red, the Pacific blue follwed by brgreen, norfolk mustard, monaco white with silver and steel blue also being rare
>> Edited by lotusnobles on Wednesday 24th September 21:17
Had it less than a week though,
Insurance with footman james agreed value limited mileage aged over 30 (no no-claims as classic policy) £316 for 4500miles a year, or £360 or 6000miles
Things that are expensive hopefully are few..... cam belt change not that cheap and rear wishbones check them carefully as £500-£1000 depending one where you get replacements from.
Fuel ecomony seems pretty good so far... only really been on a fast motorway run bringing it home yet though (cruise 100 odd miles at 'fast motorway speeds' shall we say!)
The one I just bought is a '91 H one owner, full lotus history serviced every 6mths (every bill, and I mean every bill!!) 71k miles and feels very solid and rattle free in Calypso Red with the full leather... a porsche main agent p/x
PS... black does seem very rare(not shown as being available in brochure dated 18.10.89) most seem to be Calypso red, the Pacific blue follwed by brgreen, norfolk mustard, monaco white with silver and steel blue also being rare
>> Edited by lotusnobles on Wednesday 24th September 21:17
billb said:
I too am looking at buying one - does anyone know any good sites where they're for sale- ideally want a black one which seems to be v rare
thanks
I was down at Bell & Colvill last week and they had 3 in. None in black though. Web reference is in one of JonRB's posts earlier.
Best of luck
Chris
Yes, Calypso Red was extremely popular and many examples are in that colour (including ours).
From experience, I would say you should expect your tank average fuel consumption to be in the high 20's. Obviously that depends on driving style and journey profile - "your mileage may vary", as they say.
Your insurance cost is consistent with our own experience, BTW.
From experience, I would say you should expect your tank average fuel consumption to be in the high 20's. Obviously that depends on driving style and journey profile - "your mileage may vary", as they say.
Your insurance cost is consistent with our own experience, BTW.
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