About to buy an Elan

[negenelf]

I have a huge dilemma cause I have the choise out of 2 lotus elan both are of yellow colour and both have pro and contra help me decide...
First elan 1991
129000 km the paint is in a good condition, it has an open exhaust and a chiptuning, it feels like the engine is going faster to the redline then the other, the interiour has the same condition for both cars, the hood has a small cut in it (where most hoods have it) ,and the seals at the windows arent in a very good condition, there is no history known from the car (for sale by a non-lotus carcompagny), car started perfectly
second elan 1992
135000 km the paint is in less good condition then first, but the seals and hood are in excellent condition, only thing it wouldnt start without the charger then I drove around the corner and putted out the engine, he restarted but after I tryed it again it didnt started anymore (is that a big problem or only the battery), the car has a full history and alot of bills for replacements like the clutch the airco and so on...
help me out because I am not a mechanic at all (i will be soon )
thx
stefelan

[Ekapol]

The 1st one was resprayed while the 2nd one had new hood and seals fitted? With the milage they have, both seem to be daily driven. Nothing can be really excellent after all those years.... with one exception eh?

Did the 2nd one drive well when you testdrove it? Could be just the battery but you can ask the dealer to quickly swap the battery to test it out. I would go with the car with reasonable service records, not necessary longer list of everything cause the car was beaten up more

A well taken care car should look simply clean all around. The sign of aging should be all around the same for every parts of the car - either newer or older.

Cheers,

[negenelf]

I didnt drove the first one only heard the engine running thats the one at dealer
The second one is from a lady that sells it and the nearest dealer is like 2 hours away...and its 500 euro cheaper

[Ekapol]

No 3rd option? Then I'll take a lady's car with service records. Perhaps all she needs is just a new battery and some waxing. Anybody else that might be able to help you inspecting the car? Please read everything you can and proceed with caution.

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