Truth about leaks?

[SpikesTVR]

I have heard stories of the Lotus Elan 1990's versions leaking badly and getting the interior (and occupants) wet when it rains. Is this true? I am considering buying one and would appreciate any guidance on whether these leaks are due to poor design or poor maintenance.

[smeagol]

I had no leaks in my M100 elan. I think the main reason for leaks was people not reading the instructions! The roof is put up by lowering the windows first, putting on the roof and then raising the windows into the rubber edge. I've evne watched dealers put up the roof without lowering the windows so the roof effectively sits on top of the windows and there is no seal.

If you are going to get any ingress it is where the windscreen meets roof meets window (ie top corner), evidently some vaseline or gaffer tape cured this. I never needed it and I drove in all weathers all year round.

THe m100 roof was one of the best I've seen. It can be put up in a matter of seconds (I could do it at red traffic lights before they had changed).

I have heard that the roofs can perish on the rubber seals and they are expensive to replace. I would recommend a drive around with the roof up, if you can feel excessive drafts then that will leak.

Hope that helps.

[elanturbo]

I'm afraid mine is a bit leaky. I get a little bit in heavy rain from the top of the screen. Also a bit of water sits on the door sills and falls into the car when you set off. I have considered changing my car but after thinking long and hard about what would be a decent replacement, gave up. I'm sticking with the m100. Top car!

[JonRB]

We haven't had ours long enough to comment, but the previous owner assures us that it doesn't leak.

And before you say "he would say that", I've confirmed that he has said that in the past on a number of Lotus forums way before he put the car up for sale. So hopes are high!

>> Edited by JonRB on Friday 27th September 16:47