Newbie Advice for Elan impulse buy. What should I do?

[RogueTrooper]

Hi, yesterday out of the blue my friend who is a car dealer rang me up saying he'd took a 1991 Elan SE Turbo in part-ex. Asked me if I was interested as he wanted it shifted quick. I did the deal at 1600. The car is metallic blue, all the electrics work fine, a few minor cracks on body. Tons of service history etc and MOTs.
Driving wise it's pretty rough. Have to put foot heavily on accelerator or you'll stall. At standstill it does idle well but I daren't take her out for a drive as I'm afraid she'll stall at some awkward place. she needs a good service and probably some attention.
She's currently in my garage. As winter is coming would it be best to store her till spring then get her looked at OR get it done now. I won't be using her over Xmas so would it be advise able just to start her every few days?
Also I live in Sheffield so does anyone know any decent garages around that service Elans? Previously I had a Noble M12 and used to go to a certain specialist in Chesterfield but fell out with them over their lack of service. Being charged for spark plugs which weren't changed and then being told certain things were wrong with the car when they weren't left a sour taste in my mouth.
Any help appreciated thank you .

[muley]

Hi, and welcome.

If you don't particularly need it until Spring then there's no hurry to fix it.

I would start it every so often though and let it get to operating temperature.

There's guides here on how to check the timimg - I'd do that first.

It might be worth having a compression test to check the engine is basically sound. Then new plugs oil change etc.

Then see if you still have challenges with it..

Good luck
Jim

[GeoffSmith]

Setting the base timing is in the Wiki.

[rip]

Impulse buy? Once you get it fixed, I hope you enjoy it.

Metallic blue SE?
Take it to Saddleworth & swap it for Dico's Elan. He drives it so infrequently that he'll never notice
I would ensure it has fresh coolant. You don't want a weak mixture to freeze over the winter before you've had the chance to get it running.

[epipete]

Welcome.

Assuming nothing serious is amiss then at that price you can't go wrong, yeah it isn't a car for the depths of winter but, aside from snow, ice or torrential rain I drive mine throughout all seasons, so although you could repair in slow time, why deny yourself, there are some great sunny winter drives to enjoy

[epipete]

Oh, after checking the electrics etc as wisely suggested above, you might check the fuel pump is delivering sufficient pressure since it idles but fails on acceleration, just a thought!

[RayD]

And as you're in Sheffield ... See Here

Ray