Excel as everyday car?

[tvrheart]

I am looking to change my BMW and have always been after a Lotus Excel, just wondering how feasible it might be as an everyday wagon. I have <£5k budget wise, I do about 350 miles a week, some of that is stop/start M25 stuff. Firstly, roughly what mpg could I expect, around 20, or less/more? How much is maintainance on average? Finally, can anyone give any first hand experience, i.e. Are they reliable, overheat in traffic, general views etc.
Appreciate this is a bit of a how-long-is-a-piece-of-string question but comments will be most welcome!
Thanks in advance,
Chris

[Lenny Nero]

I have used my Black 1984 Excel 2.2 as a daily driver for a few years on and off.

I must say it has been never let me down. Running costs are good, around 25-30 MPG if you dont boot it around everyware. I give it an oil change twice a year and it all ways been fine. It's never overheated, never failed to start and has never played up.

I can't say the same for my Elise or my Elan, but the problems with them have only been small problems like a flat tyre on the elise and a broken Cam Angle Sensor on the Elan.

As with all Lotus cars, the key to keeping them in good order is to drive them.

Go on, get an Excel and enjoy one of the cheapest and most underated Lotus's Ever.

[ianwayne]

I've owned 3 Excels in the past and there were quite reliable as they stand as a low volume car. Main pain in the a**e though was that they never made them fuel injected. In cold weather, they're a pig until warm, especially the SE models, so peaky.
Other weak points - door beam himges seize, especially if you rarely have passengers, pre-'90 pas pumps, tyres don't last if you have fun (8,000 miles from a set of rear Goodyears once!!)
If you DO get one, join club lotus. Only 4 magazines a year but its only £25 p.a. and you'll get good classic insurance cover with Footman James as a member. My last Excel was stolen and burnt out and they paid up within 6 weeks!!

ianwayne

[LeszekG]

Perfectly usable as a practical daily car providing you buy a reasonable one.

I have been using my 1987 SE as a daily car for about 5 years, I do about 8K miles per year. I bought it with 40K on the clock and it's now done 85K with no significant problems. Other than problems that you'd get on any other car eg fuel pump failure it's not let me down. Providing it's kept well maintained it should be reliable. Does about 25mpg, sometimes more.

I'm about to advertise mine, having recently bought a TVR Cerbera. Can't justify keeping both! Valued at £8,500 but will be selling for £6,250.