Friend interested in 90's Elan SE - LotusTalk

Predator · 10-21-2009, 03:16 PM

Hey guys, was wondering if any of you modern Elan Guru's can help me out here. Although I'm quite avid with the Esprits, not so much whatsoever with Elans. I have a friend who perked an interest in a '91 Elan and is looking at 2 thus far. He's not in any hurry, but these are the two so far he's just reviewing... (Anyone know or have any info on these??)

1991 White Elan SE

1991 Red Elan SE

Any buying pointers are very welcome as well so that I can forward. Thanks!

tvacc · 10-21-2009, 05:23 PM

I have just sent you a PM. I have my old Elan out in Los Angeles. Have already made a deal to buy it back. I was going to have it transported to Buffalo, but could have it transported to Florida or wherever your friend is.

Red. 22K miles. Fantastic shape. Almost like new.

One of the best Elans in the country.

edit..I have owned 5 of them. Not many know as much as I do about the car.

JLSELISE · 10-21-2009, 05:32 PM

Hard to beat this site:
Lotus Elan Central

for all things M100.

wallabyguy · 10-21-2009, 06:31 PM

Tony is a great asset regarding any lotus but especially the m100 élan. They tend to be highly undervalued and are exceptional a to b cars. Very refined. I would offer my help as I am an avid fan but my knowledge pales in comparasion to Tony.

tvacc · 10-21-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wallabyguy

Tony is a great asset regarding any lotus but especially the m100 élan. They tend to be highly undervalued and are exceptional a to b cars. Very refined. I would offer my help as I am an avid fan but my knowledge pales in comparasion to Tony.

Thank you! I only know two things in life....computers and Lotus cars. I am a very shallow individual....or so they all tell me.

tvacc · 10-21-2009, 08:33 PM

i dont know what your friends budget is, but the price difference between a low mileage car and a high mileage car is not that much dollar wise. Not much when you consider this is a turbo engine and to fix a turbo will cost you $1000..

When you consider that an engine replacement costs about $1500 now if you can find one and the cars interior really does not hold up that well over lots of miles, I would go with a low mileage one if you can find it. There is also the issue of the cam belt. This is an interference engine. Blow the belt and you ruin the engine.

Several of the parts have gone to " unbotainium" like the bumpers and the stub axles. Combine that with the fact that the frames were really not set to handle any kind of wetness or salt...and that is another reason to go for a low mileage one.

Now I know it sounds like I am pushing the one I have, and perhaps i am, but the info I am telling you is true. I will sell it to somebody. Nice cars do sell. Just have to find the person that appreciates it.

Predator · 10-21-2009, 10:28 PM

Thanks Guys! Tony, I PM'd you. Any more info is welcome.

10-21-2009, 03:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
Predator Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Miami Beach, FL Posts: 128	Friend interested in 90's Elan SE Hey guys, was wondering if any of you modern Elan Guru's can help me out here. Although I'm quite avid with the Esprits, not so much whatsoever with Elans. I have a friend who perked an interest in a '91 Elan and is looking at 2 thus far. He's not in any hurry, but these are the two so far he's just reviewing... (Anyone know or have any info on these??) 1991 White Elan SE 1991 Red Elan SE Any buying pointers are very welcome as well so that I can forward. Thanks! __________________ The Predator "To Hear is to Doubt, To See is to Deceive, but to Feel is to Believe..." Rossion Q1 MINI Cooper S Custom Mercedes CLK-430 Conv. Nissan Pathfinder (The 'Clark Kent' car) Anniv. Ed. Lotus Esprit V8 #094/100 - DECEASED

10-21-2009, 05:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
tvacc Head LOONY Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 2,223	I have just sent you a PM. I have my old Elan out in Los Angeles. Have already made a deal to buy it back. I was going to have it transported to Buffalo, but could have it transported to Florida or wherever your friend is. Red. 22K miles. Fantastic shape. Almost like new. One of the best Elans in the country. edit..I have owned 5 of them. Not many know as much as I do about the car. __________________ Tony Vaccaro 2005 Ardent Red, Katana Supercharger, Touring, Hardtop, Driving Lights, HIDs, Rear Window Shield, Red Mounts, Laser Shifters, V1, LETSLA Shifter, www.lotusowners.com LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York) and the Church of the HolyLotus Supplier of Polycarbonate Shield for Rear Window IN STOCK , Drive Fast Take Chances

10-21-2009, 05:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
JLSELISE Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Livermore, CA Posts: 489	Hard to beat this site: Lotus Elan Central for all things M100. __________________ Joel '67 S3 Elan dhc (owned since 1970) '06 Audi A3 3.2 '04 Noble M12 (380 rwhp)

10-21-2009, 06:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
wallabyguy Not Dead Yet Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,892	Tony is a great asset regarding any lotus but especially the m100 élan. They tend to be highly undervalued and are exceptional a to b cars. Very refined. I would offer my help as I am an avid fan but my knowledge pales in comparasion to Tony. __________________ former Lotus Sales Robert (aka Sith Lord of LBL) 74 Elite 502 05 Elise (Snuffalupagous..RIP : Laser Blue, Black Leather, Touring Pack, Hardtop ) The Wallaby Will Ride Again

10-21-2009, 08:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
tvacc Head LOONY Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 2,223	i dont know what your friends budget is, but the price difference between a low mileage car and a high mileage car is not that much dollar wise. Not much when you consider this is a turbo engine and to fix a turbo will cost you $1000.. When you consider that an engine replacement costs about $1500 now if you can find one and the cars interior really does not hold up that well over lots of miles, I would go with a low mileage one if you can find it. There is also the issue of the cam belt. This is an interference engine. Blow the belt and you ruin the engine. Several of the parts have gone to " unbotainium" like the bumpers and the stub axles. Combine that with the fact that the frames were really not set to handle any kind of wetness or salt...and that is another reason to go for a low mileage one. Now I know it sounds like I am pushing the one I have, and perhaps i am, but the info I am telling you is true. I will sell it to somebody. Nice cars do sell. Just have to find the person that appreciates it. __________________ Tony Vaccaro 2005 Ardent Red, Katana Supercharger, Touring, Hardtop, Driving Lights, HIDs, Rear Window Shield, Red Mounts, Laser Shifters, V1, LETSLA Shifter, www.lotusowners.com LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York) and the Church of the HolyLotus Supplier of Polycarbonate Shield for Rear Window IN STOCK , Drive Fast Take Chances

10-21-2009, 10:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
Predator Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Miami Beach, FL Posts: 128	Thanks Guys! Tony, I PM'd you. Any more info is welcome. __________________ The Predator "To Hear is to Doubt, To See is to Deceive, but to Feel is to Believe..." Rossion Q1 MINI Cooper S Custom Mercedes CLK-430 Conv. Nissan Pathfinder (The 'Clark Kent' car) Anniv. Ed. Lotus Esprit V8 #094/100 - DECEASED

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