1991 M100 Elan - Buyer's advise needed - LotusTalk

Dave · 01-06-2007, 05:48 PM

I'm looking at at '91 Elan, 16K miles, no claimed accident history, to add to the barn with the Elise & Esprit V8. I have very limited experience with this model/year (aka Elan noob/idiot). What should I be asking the seller - seems like there are mods for the shifter and brakes? What should I take special note of on a visual inspection? The car is mostly stock BTW, price a negotiable 17K.

JLSELISE · 01-06-2007, 06:02 PM

This is the site you want to check out carefully for all M100 questions/issues:
http://lotuselancentral.com/index.htm
Price sounds OK if car is clean--you might want to confirm with a carfax report, though.
I had mine for over 5 years and only gave it up reluctantly to make space for the Noble. I have driven all Lotus models, current and "classic" and, IMO, the M100 is by far the most underrated car the factory ever designed/produced.

cjay · 01-06-2007, 06:08 PM

Hey Dave

If you have not had a look at Lotus Elan Central already it's a great site with lots of information. The brakes are not great and you will probably want to upgrade them. The gear cables can break if they are abused. It would probably need a new timing belt and a few other little things but overall they are a tough little car and very hard to kill. You can also get an excellent chip for them to up the boost

I had an S2 and sold it to get the Elise, I have missed it every day since.

Nobuyasu · 01-06-2007, 06:38 PM

It’s kind of funny that you ask today. I meet a few M100 buddies for lunch today. One of the club members at www.lotuselancentral.com flew out from your neck of the woods, well near by at least from Michigan, to pick up a M100 in the San Francisco Bay Area.

As a note, there are a couple things that may seem odd about the M100, but are perfectly okay. The first is the steering noise. When you turn the wheel, the steering pump make a pretty loud whistling sound, especially when held fully turned. The sound is kind of like what you would hear from a 70’s Olds or Cadillac when turning the wheel to make a u-turn. Also, the idle on the M100 is a bit high even when warmed up (about 1k, accordingly to the tack). Lastly, the temperature gauge will register ¾ mark before the fan kicks on, or at 210 degrees.

With 16k on the clock, it seems like the M100 was pretty pampered and probably never seem water. Nonetheless, take a close look at the suspension arm/components to make sure there is no corrosion. Look at the CV boots carefully. Due to its age, they may start to dry out and crack. Make sure the windows work properly (go up and down with no noise). Inquire about the gas tank recall. The CAS (Cam Angle Sensor) is known to fail in these cars giving it a rough idle. Inspect the top carefully! There are two spots on the top where it’s known to rip. When the top is stored in the boot improperly, the fabric rubs on the top mechanism that causes it to wear then rip. Make sure no oil is leaking around the turbo. I know, I may be forgetting some items. Check out http://lotuselancentral.com/repair/index.htm#info and http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/index.php for more details/information.

I wish I was able to keep my M100 when purchasing my Elise. Good luck, and let me know if you have any more Q’s.

sparecr · 01-06-2007, 07:43 PM

Everyone above seems right on the key points. My Elan still needs the gas tank recall preformed but Lotus still will pay for it so that is not a big deal for down time. The temp gauge thing gets a little bothersome but fan always kicks in and never overheats. My Elan is down now because of shifter cable (and yes Mark R. I will be taking in to be repaired next month with inspection) I have got the upgraded shifter cable from overseas uses steel ends instead of the plastic Geo/Isuzu ones. Otherwise not a problem in two years 6,000 miles. Your price seems correct for a clean car. Just do hoses and belts when you get it as parts will not be at AutoZone (nor a computer listing for the car). Dave Bean has everything you need (they bought the inventory when Lotus unloaded it).

Do order a shift cable when you get the car unless the upgrade has been done, this will break and if you are traveling you are SOL. Just toss in the spacious trunk.

Toad · 01-06-2007, 11:07 PM

Also if you want to do any mods check with Charlie on the other site. The Isuzu engine is bombproof, and easily tunable to wring out more PSI and HP.

lotuscar · 01-07-2007, 05:34 AM

Maybe you should have your local dealer go thru the car.

srwhitman · 01-08-2007, 10:50 PM

That seems like a lot of money for a 15 year old car - I don't care how many miles are on it. Its still pretty old. My car just went over 90K and while the top fabric tensioners are a bit worn and the obvious need for maintenance, its still fun to drive around. But, that really is just too much in my opinion. Think about it - thats just over 1K miles a year. Why did this person drive it so little? I'd almost think you'd have more problems with less driving than more. I like my M100 and my Elise but I'd never buy a car with so little mileage thats so old that you'd want to keep around and drive regularly. It is easier to live with than the Elise and gas mileage is better but low end torque is non-existant and the interior is a bit dated. That said, if you do get it - definitely upgrade the brakes. If the person didn't have the gear change cable replaced, my suggestion is to walk away from this deal. They just didn't drive it enough to maintain it.

Dave · 01-09-2007, 05:47 AM

Well, the low-mile Elan sold before I could get to it...bummer. I'll be keeping my eyes open for another (looking for yellow/black). I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions!

AV8NDOC · 01-10-2007, 03:09 PM

Ryan has a lovely Norfolk Mustard (yellow) M100 in Topanga (Los Angeles), CA for sale. I can vouch for it being upkept to high standards. Can't find the info at the moment on it, but I would guess mileage around 70K and price around 15K or a bit more. PM me if you want his contact info.

His is the yellow without the chrome wheels in these pics

here's me and him on a topanga canyon drive:

Dave · 01-10-2007, 03:21 PM

Appreciate the info...guessing it may be this one?
http://adcache.collectorcartraderonl...5/86944565.htm

85K is a pushing my threshold for mileage, looks in great condion though.

AV8NDOC · 01-10-2007, 06:18 PM

well that's only a bit over 5K miles a year = hardly excessive!!

These are not track use only cars -- they are daily drivers usually.

I can tell you that the key to a good M100 is one that has been well kept up and cared for, and Ryan's would fit this description.

LotusElanM100 · 01-10-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

85K is a pushing my threshold for mileage, looks in great condion though.

WHAT?

WOW! You are talking about a well maintained 16 year old car with only 5K per year?

I would hate to buy the same age car with only 14K on it. I am sure a car that old with that few miles (14k) will have some issues from not being driven enough, also an Elan that has been driven surely has had its problems worked out of it but one that has been sitting has not and could end up costing a lot more than you expect.

AV8NDOC · 01-10-2007, 08:32 PM

Dave, excuse my personal bias here--but after looking at your cars and seeing what kind of guy I expect you are, I am willing to bet that you will not be getting an Elan . . .

tvacc · 01-10-2007, 09:41 PM

I dont know which one you are looking at.

We have one on the www.lotusowners.com website. On the For Sale page.

It has like 16K miles. The car is perfect. I was the second owner having purchased it from a lawyer in the Poconos with 11K miles on it in Fall1999. I had a BRG one as well at the time and I wanted my wife to drive the Red one. It sat in my garage all winter and never was never on the road. In the spring my wife told me to sell it as she just was not into driving anymore. I think she used stronger words along the line of "why are you making me do things I dont want to do?"

I sold to my best friend (the guy who has it for sale). He has only put really pampered miles on it. He really takes care of his cars. It has never been driven in rain...much less anything worse.

We know the history of this car from the beginning. A really great M100 and it is only up here in Buffalo and could be had for the price range you are talking about.

Email me off list if you want more info tvacc@lotusowners.com

oh...seeing the above posts. There are NO issues with this car. Bob drove it in the summer just to LOONY breakfasts. Car is really nice. You will have no issues with it.

Toad · 01-13-2007, 12:04 AM

I would look for an excellent condition model regardless of color. There are some considerable variances in terms of feel, build q...etc. Some people don't want the red Elans because they are more "common". However after driving Jack's (was Mini55's) I would have picked it up in a heartbeat.

Tony..can I trade my brg for the red one up there

....Jeff

Systemz · 03-22-2007, 12:42 PM

i bought my elan with 91,000 miles. replaced the tubing and belts and never had another problem with it untill some ******* backed into my front left quarter panel =*(

god i miss my elan

two-M100s · 03-10-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srwhitman

It is easier to live with than the Elise and gas mileage is better but low end torque is non-existant and the interior is a bit dated. That said, if you do get it - definitely upgrade the brakes.

I've owned 3 M100s all told & currently have two. I scratch my head as to why the Elise, a much lighter car with no turbo, gets poorer gas mileage. Anyone have a true technical answer?

Agree about the brakes. The torque issue however, is easily solved with a 2.5" exhaust.

Lastly, will any owners who switched from an M100 to an Elise give me their thoughts please?

Minnis · 03-10-2008, 01:09 AM

octagonauto.com has 2 for sale. one scratch n dent for $9k - 20k miles + one with 16k miles for $17.5k - same car?

gtlotus · 03-10-2008, 04:54 AM

IMHO it is an excellent car. I just rebuilt the engine in a friends car that had 230k on the clock and the cylinders were still perfect. The biggest problem is some of the parts are hard to source and some you just can not get. The top problems are because the car was built 2" shorter then designed.
Great car, I mite buy another one.
Gene

01-06-2007, 05:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dave Mods are good for you Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,616	1991 M100 Elan - Buyer's advise needed I'm looking at at '91 Elan, 16K miles, no claimed accident history, to add to the barn with the Elise & Esprit V8. I have very limited experience with this model/year (aka Elan noob/idiot). What should I be asking the seller - seems like there are mods for the shifter and brakes? What should I take special note of on a visual inspection? The car is mostly stock BTW, price a negotiable 17K. __________________ Mod Maniac: '05 SY - Supercharged (3.2") TVS soon! . EFI Engine Management . ACT HD Clutch . FF Cold Air . Center Fed Fuel Rail . Catch Cans . PPE FI Headers w/ 2Bular 6" . FF Damper . Ported Throttle Body . Black LSS . Braille 9.5lb B129 . Boot Lid Pin . LED Tail Lights . CF Console . CF A/C Surround . CF Diffuser . FF Half Lip Spoiler . Custom Gut Wing . B&M Shifter . Painted Stripes . Rubbertite Mats/Buttons . S111 Booty. HIDs . LED Lighting . VonHep Dash Bag . Tinted Glass . Tesprit Mirror

01-06-2007, 06:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
JLSELISE Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Livermore, CA Posts: 398	This is the site you want to check out carefully for all M100 questions/issues: http://lotuselancentral.com/index.htm Price sounds OK if car is clean--you might want to confirm with a carfax report, though. I had mine for over 5 years and only gave it up reluctantly to make space for the Noble. I have driven all Lotus models, current and "classic" and, IMO, the M100 is by far the most underrated car the factory ever designed/produced. __________________ Joel '67 S3 Elan dhc (owned since 1970) '06 Audi A3 3.2 '04 Noble M12 (380 rwhp)

01-06-2007, 06:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
cjay Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Australia Posts: 46	Hey Dave If you have not had a look at Lotus Elan Central already it's a great site with lots of information. The brakes are not great and you will probably want to upgrade them. The gear cables can break if they are abused. It would probably need a new timing belt and a few other little things but overall they are a tough little car and very hard to kill. You can also get an excellent chip for them to up the boost I had an S2 and sold it to get the Elise, I have missed it every day since. __________________ Elise S - 2004 Sold Elan S2 - 1996 Fiat 500 - 2008 Klein Attitude Comp with 2 flat tiers, dust and spider webs - 2000 2 feet - 1962

01-06-2007, 07:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
sparecr Yes, I restore Lotus cars Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central Alabama Posts: 127	Everyone above seems right on the key points. My Elan still needs the gas tank recall preformed but Lotus still will pay for it so that is not a big deal for down time. The temp gauge thing gets a little bothersome but fan always kicks in and never overheats. My Elan is down now because of shifter cable (and yes Mark R. I will be taking in to be repaired next month with inspection) I have got the upgraded shifter cable from overseas uses steel ends instead of the plastic Geo/Isuzu ones. Otherwise not a problem in two years 6,000 miles. Your price seems correct for a clean car. Just do hoses and belts when you get it as parts will not be at AutoZone (nor a computer listing for the car). Dave Bean has everything you need (they bought the inventory when Lotus unloaded it). Do order a shift cable when you get the car unless the upgrade has been done, this will break and if you are traveling you are SOL. Just toss in the spacious trunk. __________________ John 91 Elan M100 78 Caterham SuperSeven S3 Twin Cam President USA7s.org

01-06-2007, 11:07 PM	#6 (permalink)
Toad A lot of stickers! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 30 miles due east, take a right Posts: 1,602 Images: 9	Also if you want to do any mods check with Charlie on the other site. The Isuzu engine is bombproof, and easily tunable to wring out more PSI and HP. __________________ Jeff Formerly known as brgm100 1991 Lotus M100 Elan 2005 Lotus Elise 2008 Saturn Astra XR 3 door 5 Speed

01-06-2007, 06:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nobuyasu Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belmont, CA Posts: 21	It’s kind of funny that you ask today. I meet a few M100 buddies for lunch today. One of the club members at www.lotuselancentral.com flew out from your neck of the woods, well near by at least from Michigan, to pick up a M100 in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a note, there are a couple things that may seem odd about the M100, but are perfectly okay. The first is the steering noise. When you turn the wheel, the steering pump make a pretty loud whistling sound, especially when held fully turned. The sound is kind of like what you would hear from a 70’s Olds or Cadillac when turning the wheel to make a u-turn. Also, the idle on the M100 is a bit high even when warmed up (about 1k, accordingly to the tack). Lastly, the temperature gauge will register ¾ mark before the fan kicks on, or at 210 degrees. With 16k on the clock, it seems like the M100 was pretty pampered and probably never seem water. Nonetheless, take a close look at the suspension arm/components to make sure there is no corrosion. Look at the CV boots carefully. Due to its age, they may start to dry out and crack. Make sure the windows work properly (go up and down with no noise). Inquire about the gas tank recall. The CAS (Cam Angle Sensor) is known to fail in these cars giving it a rough idle. Inspect the top carefully! There are two spots on the top where it’s known to rip. When the top is stored in the boot improperly, the fabric rubs on the top mechanism that causes it to wear then rip. Make sure no oil is leaking around the turbo. I know, I may be forgetting some items. Check out http://lotuselancentral.com/repair/index.htm#info and http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/index.php for more details/information. I wish I was able to keep my M100 when purchasing my Elise. Good luck, and let me know if you have any more Q’s.

01-07-2007, 05:34 AM	#7 (permalink)
lotuscar Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 424	Maybe you should have your local dealer go thru the car.

01-08-2007, 10:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
srwhitman srw Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Saratoga, CA Posts: 172	That seems like a lot of money for a 15 year old car - I don't care how many miles are on it. Its still pretty old. My car just went over 90K and while the top fabric tensioners are a bit worn and the obvious need for maintenance, its still fun to drive around. But, that really is just too much in my opinion. Think about it - thats just over 1K miles a year. Why did this person drive it so little? I'd almost think you'd have more problems with less driving than more. I like my M100 and my Elise but I'd never buy a car with so little mileage thats so old that you'd want to keep around and drive regularly. It is easier to live with than the Elise and gas mileage is better but low end torque is non-existant and the interior is a bit dated. That said, if you do get it - definitely upgrade the brakes. If the person didn't have the gear change cable replaced, my suggestion is to walk away from this deal. They just didn't drive it enough to maintain it.

01-09-2007, 05:47 AM	#9 (permalink)
Dave Mods are good for you Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,616	Well, the low-mile Elan sold before I could get to it...bummer. I'll be keeping my eyes open for another (looking for yellow/black). I appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions! __________________ Mod Maniac: '05 SY - Supercharged (3.2") TVS soon! . EFI Engine Management . ACT HD Clutch . FF Cold Air . Center Fed Fuel Rail . Catch Cans . PPE FI Headers w/ 2Bular 6" . FF Damper . Ported Throttle Body . Black LSS . Braille 9.5lb B129 . Boot Lid Pin . LED Tail Lights . CF Console . CF A/C Surround . CF Diffuser . FF Half Lip Spoiler . Custom Gut Wing . B&M Shifter . Painted Stripes . Rubbertite Mats/Buttons . S111 Booty. HIDs . LED Lighting . VonHep Dash Bag . Tinted Glass . Tesprit Mirror

01-10-2007, 03:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
AV8NDOC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 127 Images: 3	Ryan has a lovely Norfolk Mustard (yellow) M100 in Topanga (Los Angeles), CA for sale. I can vouch for it being upkept to high standards. Can't find the info at the moment on it, but I would guess mileage around 70K and price around 15K or a bit more. PM me if you want his contact info. His is the yellow without the chrome wheels in these pics here's me and him on a topanga canyon drive: Attached Images

01-10-2007, 03:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
Dave Mods are good for you Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,616	Appreciate the info...guessing it may be this one? http://adcache.collectorcartraderonl...5/86944565.htm 85K is a pushing my threshold for mileage, looks in great condion though. __________________ Mod Maniac: '05 SY - Supercharged (3.2") TVS soon! . EFI Engine Management . ACT HD Clutch . FF Cold Air . Center Fed Fuel Rail . Catch Cans . PPE FI Headers w/ 2Bular 6" . FF Damper . Ported Throttle Body . Black LSS . Braille 9.5lb B129 . Boot Lid Pin . LED Tail Lights . CF Console . CF A/C Surround . CF Diffuser . FF Half Lip Spoiler . Custom Gut Wing . B&M Shifter . Painted Stripes . Rubbertite Mats/Buttons . S111 Booty. HIDs . LED Lighting . VonHep Dash Bag . Tinted Glass . Tesprit Mirror

01-10-2007, 06:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
AV8NDOC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 127 Images: 3	well that's only a bit over 5K miles a year = hardly excessive!! These are not track use only cars -- they are daily drivers usually. I can tell you that the key to a good M100 is one that has been well kept up and cared for, and Ryan's would fit this description.

01-10-2007, 08:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
AV8NDOC Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 127 Images: 3	Dave, excuse my personal bias here--but after looking at your cars and seeing what kind of guy I expect you are, I am willing to bet that you will not be getting an Elan . . .

01-10-2007, 09:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
tvacc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 1,761	I dont know which one you are looking at. We have one on the www.lotusowners.com website. On the For Sale page. It has like 16K miles. The car is perfect. I was the second owner having purchased it from a lawyer in the Poconos with 11K miles on it in Fall1999. I had a BRG one as well at the time and I wanted my wife to drive the Red one. It sat in my garage all winter and never was never on the road. In the spring my wife told me to sell it as she just was not into driving anymore. I think she used stronger words along the line of "why are you making me do things I dont want to do?" I sold to my best friend (the guy who has it for sale). He has only put really pampered miles on it. He really takes care of his cars. It has never been driven in rain...much less anything worse. We know the history of this car from the beginning. A really great M100 and it is only up here in Buffalo and could be had for the price range you are talking about. Email me off list if you want more info tvacc@lotusowners.com oh...seeing the above posts. There are NO issues with this car. Bob drove it in the summer just to LOONY breakfasts. Car is really nice. You will have no issues with it. __________________ Tony Vaccaro 2005 Ardent Red, Touring, Hardtop, Driving Lights, HIDs, Rear Window Shield. www.lotusowners.com LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York) and the Church of the Holy Lotus Supplier of the Polycarbonate Shield for Rear Window and Sachs Coil Over Suspension Drive Fast Take Chances

01-13-2007, 12:04 AM	#16 (permalink)
Toad A lot of stickers! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: 30 miles due east, take a right Posts: 1,602 Images: 9	I would look for an excellent condition model regardless of color. There are some considerable variances in terms of feel, build q...etc. Some people don't want the red Elans because they are more "common". However after driving Jack's (was Mini55's) I would have picked it up in a heartbeat. Tony..can I trade my brg for the red one up there ....Jeff __________________ Jeff Formerly known as brgm100 1991 Lotus M100 Elan 2005 Lotus Elise 2008 Saturn Astra XR 3 door 5 Speed

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03-22-2007, 12:42 PM	#17 (permalink)
Systemz Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: san antonio, tx Posts: 206	i bought my elan with 91,000 miles. replaced the tubing and belts and never had another problem with it untill some ******* backed into my front left quarter panel =*( god i miss my elan

03-10-2008, 01:09 AM	#19 (permalink)
Minnis Air Power! Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 381 Images: 1	octagonauto.com has 2 for sale. one scratch n dent for $9k - 20k miles + one with 16k miles for $17.5k - same car? __________________ Don Rosen Audi/Porsche Audi Brand Specialist 610-272-9200 x 170 sminnis@donrosenimports.com www.donrosenimports.com Last edited by Minnis : 03-10-2008 at 01:21 AM.

03-10-2008, 04:54 AM	#20 (permalink)
gtlotus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 96	IMHO it is an excellent car. I just rebuilt the engine in a friends car that had 230k on the clock and the cylinders were still perfect. The biggest problem is some of the parts are hard to source and some you just can not get. The top problems are because the car was built 2" shorter then designed. Great car, I mite buy another one. Gene