Can this be a daily driver?

[cbnspanky]

This may have been addressed in some other forum, so please forgive me if I have overlooked it. I am currently trying to decide on my next daily driver. I have had the pleasure of driving (2) 1991 Alfa Romeo Spiders daily for the last 11 years. Going against stereotype they have been relatively reliable in my 50 mile daily commute. Please understand that I would never be considered mechanically enclined. I have a very general knowledge of car mechanics, and have actually learned most of it by driving my Alfas. I rely soley on my Alfa mechanic for repair, with my guestimates on the problems becoming increasingly reliable over the years. Now that you know I am a novice I will ask the masters in these forums to give me a 1-10 vote on using the elan as a daily driver. 1 being heck no..and 10 being sure...jump on I95 and enjoy! Let me add to your complexity by stating I live at the beach. Again going against stereotype my alfas have not dissolved into heaping mounds of rust. I wash them weekly and take general gook care of them. Not to say I dont have the odd bit of rust here and there, just no more than my neighbors with BMW's, Toyotas, Jeeps, and on and on. So what do you think? I live in Hollywood Florida and have seen the listing for the silver Elan in Cocoa FL. What do u think of it? If you guys dont agree that the Elan would be good for me daily or that it would quickly die at the beach, or that I could find a good, reasonable(price wise) mechanic nearby please let me know. Otherwise I may wait a bit and get a used Elise. What are your opinions on that as a daily driver? Same problems? I assumed the Toyota engine and tran would propel it to daily reliability and affordability but I have yet to find a great deal of long term drivers who can say yes or no. Sorry the post was so long and thanks in advance for any and all opinions.

[tweetdriver63]

I'm not what you would call an expert, but here's my two cents.

First, I use my Elan as my daily driver. I feel like anything else would be like buying your little girl that special Barbie she wants, then telling her she can't play with it because it will lose its value. The Elan is just too good on the road, and too much fun to drive. The Isuzu drivetrain is pretty much bulletproof, as long as you take reasonable care of it, like any other car. I had an Isuzu Impulse (same engine and tranny, and Lotus "tuned" suspension) for almost ten years, and it was 100% reliable. I have every confidence in my Elan's mechanics. The Elan has plenty of quirks, but that's what makes it special.

Second. Watch out for a car that has been at the beach for a long time, just like one that has been up North. You definitely want to carefully inspect it underneath. (Mine was a northern car, and I have to replace the wishbones due to rust) You've made the right move asking for help here before buying. That silver car you mentioned is in a thread on here in the U.S. Elans - For Sale section (here). You can get a lot of good info there. If it's the one I'm thinking of, it belongs to an LEC member.

Third. Based on what I've read, having never driven one myself, an Elise would probably not be as good a daily driver as an Elan, because the Elan is more comfortable. Oh, and an Elan will turn just as many heads, in case you're wondering.

Simple answer to your question: Yes. You can certainly use an Elan as a daily driver.

[Sy V]

What he said.

Oh, and 8-9.

[dapinky]

I'd agree with them 2

I live by the sea in a rainy environment (England). As long as you keep the car clean(ish) and treat any rust as soon as posible on the chasis/suspension, there should be no worries.

[cbnspanky]

Thanks to all for the speedy replies! Now I've got to consider all the facts and make the decision.

[MattDon]

i drive mine every day, if you think of it as a handmade sports car then that should prepare you for ownership, its very rewarding but is rarely simple. Im not suggesting its not reliable but its does have its quirks, id imagine not a millions miles from your alfa's. if you get one make sure its a good example and im sure you wont look back.

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[nitroman]

One other thing which must be mentioned is that in comparison to your Alfa Spider (designed in the 1960's!) the Elan is a nicely modern car, not only from the point of general technology advancements through the passage of time, but also due to the overwhelming resources of the GM/Lotus link which existed at the time. After having owned MGs, Triumphs, and Maseratis, the Elan is thoughly reliable; and you will think so too.