Wanted - Late Lotus Excel SE
Discussion
Texas2201 on www.lotusexcel.net has one for sale right now. Had some major work done not long ago. Pop across and make contact. Details : http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=23...
ETA : it's an '89 - but that's the last revision year anyway.
ETA : it's an '89 - but that's the last revision year anyway.
Edited by marshalla on Monday 9th February 23:08
Depends how you define high mileage. The Excel underpinnings are Toyota and probably the most reliable ever put into a Lotus through the 80s and 90s. The engine is not exactly overstressed and many are well over 100k without any signs of problems. (my own is an almost daily driver with about 114k on it so far, no sign of a rebuld needed and averaging another 12k per year). I'll quite happily use it for runs down to the south of France or beyond and the only time I've had trouble has been because of outside factors (e.g. exhaust grounded on raised ironworks and fractured).
Properly looked after they can go almost forever - even Mike Kimberlery says its the best car they ever made. The electrical system is probably the weakest point because of the stupid position of relays (they can collect water) - but a few spares in the glovebox or boot is a small price to pay.
Fortunately - if anything major does go wrong, it's a damn sight easier to work on than an Esprit and we have some very very good specialists available.
(and 149k miles over 20 years is only 7.5k per year - not a huge mileage, but enough to keep things moving properly. I know texas2201 and how he looks after his cars - I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't think it was a good car)
Properly looked after they can go almost forever - even Mike Kimberlery says its the best car they ever made. The electrical system is probably the weakest point because of the stupid position of relays (they can collect water) - but a few spares in the glovebox or boot is a small price to pay.
Fortunately - if anything major does go wrong, it's a damn sight easier to work on than an Esprit and we have some very very good specialists available.
(and 149k miles over 20 years is only 7.5k per year - not a huge mileage, but enough to keep things moving properly. I know texas2201 and how he looks after his cars - I wouldn't have suggested it if I didn't think it was a good car)
Edited by marshalla on Wednesday 11th February 23:09
Edited by marshalla on Wednesday 11th February 23:10
Condition is more important than age on these cars IMHO although with very high miles comes the issue of wear on the nikasil liners, which is what I suspect killed my previous car.
I agree with what Angus says about the electrics being the biggest pain in the bum in daily use, but you also need to be aware that a blown engine can be very expensive to rebuild. (Approx the same as the cost of a really good replacement Excel, speaking from experience!)
They do make good daily drivers BTW - I'm doing 400 miles a week in mine.
Rob.
I agree with what Angus says about the electrics being the biggest pain in the bum in daily use, but you also need to be aware that a blown engine can be very expensive to rebuild. (Approx the same as the cost of a really good replacement Excel, speaking from experience!)
They do make good daily drivers BTW - I'm doing 400 miles a week in mine.
Rob.
Hi Midge,
I've had a SA for a few years now.
Don't discount the autos.
The box is a ZF 4spd and any reputable autotranny place will
have the knowhow.
Apart from a filter and fluid change mines got 175K on and runs a dream.
Well balanced change points to engine load and revs.
If you need anymore on the SA you can contact me though here or on
www.lotusexcel.co.uk
Plent of technical history build up here sine 2003, or there abouts.
There's also also lotus4seaters on yahoo groups, although a bit harder to search, just my opinion.
Regards
Dave
I've had a SA for a few years now.
Don't discount the autos.
The box is a ZF 4spd and any reputable autotranny place will
have the knowhow.
Apart from a filter and fluid change mines got 175K on and runs a dream.
Well balanced change points to engine load and revs.
If you need anymore on the SA you can contact me though here or on
www.lotusexcel.co.uk
Plent of technical history build up here sine 2003, or there abouts.
There's also also lotus4seaters on yahoo groups, although a bit harder to search, just my opinion.
Regards
Dave
Edited by dpr59 on Thursday 12th February 17:42
Edited by dpr59 on Thursday 12th February 18:09
Hi Midge,
I've had a SA for a few years now.
Don't discount the autos.
The box is a ZF 4spd and any reputable autotranny place will
have the knowhow.
Apart from a filter and fluid change mines got 175K on and runs a dream.
Well balanced change points to engine load and revs.
If you need anymore on the SA you can contact me though here or on
www.lotusexcel.co.uk
Plent of technical history build up here since 2003, or there abouts.
There's also also lotus4seaters on yahoo groups, although a bit harder to search, just my opinion.
Regards
Dave
I've had a SA for a few years now.
Don't discount the autos.
The box is a ZF 4spd and any reputable autotranny place will
have the knowhow.
Apart from a filter and fluid change mines got 175K on and runs a dream.
Well balanced change points to engine load and revs.
If you need anymore on the SA you can contact me though here or on
www.lotusexcel.co.uk
Plent of technical history build up here since 2003, or there abouts.
There's also also lotus4seaters on yahoo groups, although a bit harder to search, just my opinion.
Regards
Dave
Edited by dpr59 on Thursday 12th February 17:42
Edited by dpr59 on Thursday 12th February 18:10
I have had two Excel SE's in the past, can confirm they are superb cars, in fact, to date its probably the best balanced car I have driven, its ability to carry speed through the twisty stuff is superb
However, its crucial to buy one with an extensive service history and dont expect to do anything cheaply
At one point I was covered 200miles a day in my old one and it was totally reliable after many minor niggles were sorted
However, its crucial to buy one with an extensive service history and dont expect to do anything cheaply
At one point I was covered 200miles a day in my old one and it was totally reliable after many minor niggles were sorted
there is a white one for sale just outside Oxford at a local garage, been there for a couple of years. If you are interested I can pop in and have a look as I live very close. I used to have a blue Excel SE and can confirm they have great balance, definitely better than any of the other Lotii I have had. Only problem I had with mine was a leeky clutch line.
cheers
C43
cheers
C43
The members of http://www.lotusexcel.net/ will be at Donington this weekend for the Club Lotus Festival - drop by and say hello - we can show you the differences properly then.
Gassing Station | General Lotus Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff