Elan, should I, shouldn't I???

[marl x]

Hiya,
just joined here to get a bit of advice,
looking for a wee fun soft top as second car, but also for track days a few times a year, join a club etc.!!
I don't have an endless bank account for repair and running costs, ( shame i know!! ) only have about 31/2 - 4K to spend initially,
However i have pretty much set my wee heart on an elan!!! am i being daft as i have so little to invest? am i just going to end up with endless problems? is there something more sensible i should be looking at??

anyway, hope you can help me out with a bit of advice on both car purchase and where to find info on track days etc.!!
cheers guys
Marl x

[Sam_68]

I assume we're talking about the front wheel drive M100 Elan from the 1990's rather than the original '60's/70's version?

Even so, I'm afraid your budget would only be likely to buy you a pretty ropey, high mileage example of the car. Whilst they're relatively reliable, things like dampers, suspension bushes steering etc. are all likely to be past their best on a high mileage version unless it has been scrupulously maintained, and the limited production means that there issn't been much by way of aftermarket spares suppliers for the M100, so some spares can be pricey. There is a downloadable spares catalogue and price list on Paul Matty Sportscars website that might give you some idea of potential costs.

To be perfectly honest, with your budget and limited scope for repairs and running costs, I'd have thought you'd be better off with an MX5/Eunos - still a great, fun little track and road car car but plenty around means much lower purchase price, lower insurance and much more extensive aftermarket support.

[marl x]

hey thanks for that sam,
i do agree with you, i just find mx5's so common, however it is the sensible thing to do!
Marl x

[PANTZ]

Hi i had my elan for two years.(about3 years ago) I bought at rock bottom price.

i maintained and serviced it myself. so apart from servicing parts it cost me nothing.nothing went wrong.

i was probably lucky. what used to scare me was the price of some of the parts that could go. like starter motor £500 , steering rack £1300 .alternator £500 rear brake disks £133 each there are loads of specialist suppliers.Theres rubber trim and body parts you cannot get.

the turbo se is so tunable and quick.still getting up to 42 mpg they are fantastic cars. engines last 200k+ gearboxes last 200k+ chassis is galv so dont rust body fibreglass so dont rust. suspension parts are made of the cheapest metal ever and rot and cost a fortune.
.They are proper enthusiast cars. If your on a budget i would probably get the mx5 or barchetta .get an elan when your better prepared.