Looking to buy in kent

[Bigmatt]

Good afternoon all, hope you're well.

I currently own a porsche 924 and had a 924 turbo. I'm now looking for an s1 Elise or an m100 elan.

Without wanting to start the elan fwd elise true sports car debate, are there any major pro or Cons to each? Any parts no longer available etc?!

The spanner in the works is that I'm 6ft7 so think I'll fit better in the elan but for both I can get quick release steering wheel etc to help.

Main questions will be running costs, major weaknesses or huge costs/ issues to avoid.

Is anyone in kent Ashford/ canterbury available for me to pop over for a chin wag? Matt

[rip]

The Elan & Elise are very different cars. Try them both & I'm sure you will no longer want one of them.
I am a leggy 5'11" & am on the limit for leg room. I've not tried an Elan with the seat spacers removed but I know removing these is an easy task.

There is a big Lotus meet in Brooklands on Sunday. Not quite your area but it is the best opportunity you will get to have a good look around both cars & chat to their owners.
Some parts are obsolete but the community is good at sourcing & manufacturing alternatives. I don't know of any Elan which is off the road because it has a broken part which is unavailable. The Elise is newer so I am sure the same is true of that too. Remember that Lotus don't make anything if they can use someone else's. The do get some of their parts in exchange for development work on other cars. The down side is that these are often old stock which are no longer used for their original vehicles.

Quick release steering wheel...I have never heard of that outside of F1.

Well maintained examples of each car should not be particularly problematic.

[Rice crispy]

As Rip says above both cars are different. The Elan is more comfortable and youcazn happily drive one for a few hours and get out and feel fresh wheras the Elise is less refined. I live in Brentwood Essex, just over the bridge and am happy to meet up and have a chat and take you for a ride. Mine has a few mods but will give you a good idea.
David

[Bigmatt]

Thanks guys. I know I am a little optimistic in wanting either car what with my height but for a weekend toy I'm happy to sacrifice comfort for pain and smiles.

Quick release are cheap and easy to install, fitting an aftermarket wheel is very easy too and no wheel to block you when you get in may help. Adjustable spacers also can bring the wheel closer and avoid the knees... (Years of experience here!)

Think I need to get out to some meets, this weekend is a no go unfortunately, just moved house so have a weekend of DIY but soon

Also great to hear about parts, one less worry

[Rice crispy]

I have a quick release for the wheel but I don't use it as I find the wheel is a tad to close so they are available. I've got a friend who is an inch or so shorter who I could ask to see if he fits.
David

[Gazza]

I had Elans for 16 years and my brother has had an S1 Elise for the same period.
Totally different cars, the elan is far more comfortable, has a far bigger boot and the biggest thing for me is the easier roof that folds down completely. The Elise is amazing to drive and puts a huge smile on your face but motorway driving is so noisy with the engine in your ear, meaning you can't hear the stereo or even the passenger talking.

[TrevorB]

Whereabouts in Kent are you? I have a spare seat going to Brooklands tomorrow if you wish otherwise can meet up another day? Send me a pm if you are interested.

Trevor

[Enright]

I would've thought you'd need to be able to just about fold yourself in half to get in an Elise - the Elan should at least be a slightly easier prospect!
And as Rip says, you can always remove the spacers under the seat runners, which can free up an inch of headroom and possibly an inch of legroom too.
Our Sy is about 6'3" and he manages, but you'd have to try one to see for yourself before committing.
We've lost a few owners to Elises being as they are the newer model, but a surprising amount have returned, citing the creature comforts and torquey turbo engine of the Elan as being reasons for coming back.

[Bigmatt]

Thanks Trevor, very kind of you.

Apologies for the delays in replying, just moved house and still have no broadband- nightmare!

I will def look more into the elan, I loved my 924 turbo for the boost, wheel spinning in 3rd and 4th was always a smile maker!

[dmc_firstlotus]

Any joy in your search for an Elan? You don't see too many of them about on the Kent roads and I often get people walking over to me to talk about the car. There are some great roads around Canterbury too to drive on!

I've had mine for two years and it's been perfectly reliable. Having said that it's still cost about £3k in that time on fixing niggles (fans, horn, door problems) and it just had to have two wishbones replaced which was £1,500. So I'd recommend buying one as they are great cars - perhaps just get an S2 or an S1 with new wishbones!

[novacaine]

S2 tend to be harder to find in a good condition now.

UK Sports Cars in Wingham (nr. Canterbury) has a couple, but they tend to over price the majority of their cars.

It would be niceto see some more Elan in the east Kent area

Good luck with your search