Lotus Excel...
Discussion
Hi all,
Unfortunately due to the search function being unavailable I cannot check if this question has been raised before!!
Anyway here goes...
I may have the opportunity to purchase a 1989 Lotus Excel. It has about 50K on the clock and as far as I am aware it is pretty much immaculate.
Can anyone give me any pointers on what to look out for? - any known problems, etc.
What would be a reasonable price to pay?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Stu
Unfortunately due to the search function being unavailable I cannot check if this question has been raised before!!
Anyway here goes...
I may have the opportunity to purchase a 1989 Lotus Excel. It has about 50K on the clock and as far as I am aware it is pretty much immaculate.
Can anyone give me any pointers on what to look out for? - any known problems, etc.
What would be a reasonable price to pay?
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Stu
the price will depend on the condition so without seeing it its hard to say but good pointers to look for are (here goes)
has the cambelt been done (they need changing every 3 years or so an its a engine out job so will be 200 or more on top of the service)
has the clutch been done its another engine out job an costs around 700 - 800 so make sure its not on the way out i'e very high biting point
the interior what's the condition of the leather this needs to be good theres so much of it a full re trim will cost 3000+ (unless u do it yourself but some parts seats etc will likly be very dificult)
chassis any damage or rust here spells trouble forget the car if theres anything wrong with this bit of it
a full service history an a lotus oil filter (if it doesnt have a lotus filter its cos its been run by a cheapskate an trouble with these cars is 9 out of ten donw to poor maintenance so avoid)
look at the generla condition of the car an acompanying doc's if its got loads of bills etc with the history an is a pristine car chances are its been looked after a good sign
the footwells on the passanger side these can get damp if the cars been left outside to stand in the elements without a cover if there damp its not the end of the world but it leads into the above point on weather the cars been loved or not
check all the electrics work and if your buying privately get a lotus garage to check it for you, an if your buying from uk sports cars excise care i've seen a fair number of moans on a few forums re them
has the cambelt been done (they need changing every 3 years or so an its a engine out job so will be 200 or more on top of the service)
has the clutch been done its another engine out job an costs around 700 - 800 so make sure its not on the way out i'e very high biting point
the interior what's the condition of the leather this needs to be good theres so much of it a full re trim will cost 3000+ (unless u do it yourself but some parts seats etc will likly be very dificult)
chassis any damage or rust here spells trouble forget the car if theres anything wrong with this bit of it
a full service history an a lotus oil filter (if it doesnt have a lotus filter its cos its been run by a cheapskate an trouble with these cars is 9 out of ten donw to poor maintenance so avoid)
look at the generla condition of the car an acompanying doc's if its got loads of bills etc with the history an is a pristine car chances are its been looked after a good sign
the footwells on the passanger side these can get damp if the cars been left outside to stand in the elements without a cover if there damp its not the end of the world but it leads into the above point on weather the cars been loved or not
check all the electrics work and if your buying privately get a lotus garage to check it for you, an if your buying from uk sports cars excise care i've seen a fair number of moans on a few forums re them
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