Thinking about buying an Elan

[skattrd]

I'm a bit of a car nut and considering buying Elan, so convince me to do so before I do something really stupid ... again.

I bought a z3 a few weeks ago, and am beginning to wish I hadn't. Theres nothing wrong with the car, its a nice car, its solid, reliable but just not me. I've now decided its going to go and my current shortlist for a replacement consists of an Elan or a Renault GTA - the only thing they have in common is plastic, turbo and cars I've always liked.

If you've seen the username before its prob me as I use the same one and frequesnt a few car forums.
My current fleet:
1999 BMW Z3 - to be sold to pay for ...
1993 Range Rover Classic - 3.9 v8 lpg - Big, green and semi-sensible/practical.
1990 VW Scirocco - slightly modified
1986 VW Scirocco - heavily modified and in pieces
1986 Porsche 944 - I keep saying I'm selling it then drive it and decide to keep it a bit longer

So I may be in the market soon for a cheapish (£4k max) turbo .... after I sell the z3

Chris

[GeoffSmith]

I Elan or a Renault GTA - the only thing they have in common is plastic, turbo and cars I've always liked.

And the rear lights!

[keithlard]

I'd say try and find an Elan for sale near you in reasonably good shape (even if it's above your price range) and try it out. Cars towards the bottom end of the market (say 4K) can be either pretty high mileage, or have various nagging mechanical or cosmetic problems, or both, so unless you're in it for the fun of fixing it up, I reckon it's worth spending a little more (5-6k) to get a car that's been well looked after.

In either case, if someone from LEC is in your area and is willing to come with you to see the car, that would be very helpful. An Elan owner will know exactly what to look at, what to be suspicious about, and what questions to ask the seller. Also, if you're considering a car for sale, post the details here and ask if anyone knows about it. There are databases of both SEs and S2s which may be helpful, and several people keep a watch on cars for sale and auction, and note which cars have been offered for what price, and whether or not they sold, and have been re-advertised at a new price.

[skattrd]

And the rear lights!

I didn't really notice that ... can't say I'm a fan of them on either.

Cheers for the advice keithlard.
I've had a look on autotrader and there aren't any elans (or GTA's) for sale locally so this weekend I'm going for a bit of a drive and will be having a look and hopefully a drive in both. I've pretty much decided I don't want either of the ones I'm going to see so there should be little chance of an impulse buy.
The elan is the one in Wellingborough and has been mentioned on here as having dodgy paintwork and a dodgy roof I think.

Budget - £4k is about all I've got, or will get from the sale of the z3, so I'm going to have to take my luck and hope for a good one
I don't really have time for another project as my Sciroccos take up any spare garage time I have.
I am not too bothered about cosmetically challenged as long as it isn't an absolute pig, I have a good local bodyshop but tbh I'm unsure about his work on plastics. Minor work (brakes, suspension, servicing etc.) is fine as I have access to a fully equipped garage inc lifts ... which makes most jobs alot easier.

[rip]

I'm only about 45 minutes from Wellingborough & would be pleased to meet up & let you look over mine (which isn't for sale ).
Mine has a few minor mods but should still be good for a comparison.
Snag is that I'm part way through installing upgraded gear cables at the mo. Nearly done but I'm stuck on an awkward bit Hope to have it done by Saturday though.
Edit:- Completed the above. Working properly now.

[skattrd]

I'm only about 45 minutes from Wellingborough & would be pleased to meet up & let you look over mine (which isn't for sale ).
Mine has a few minor mods but should still be good for a comparison.
Snag is that I'm part way through installing upgraded gear cables at the mo. Nearly done but I'm stuck on an awkward bit Hope to have it done by Saturday though.

Thx for the offer rip, I'm not sure what this weekends going to bring. I'm probably looking at Sunday to have a run and look at some cars. My current stops are potentially Wellingborough, Aylesbury and an outside chance of a trip down to Epsom. If you're around Sunday I'm sure I could make a diversion, it'd be good to get some first hand advice.

If I do get an Elan I've all ready started making a mental list of the mods I'd want to do, Everest chip, bigger brakes and short shift
Its a bit simpler (and cheaper) than the 3.0 24v engine conversion I'd be considerring if I did get a GTA

[rip]

If I do get an Elan I've all ready started making a mental list of the mods I'd want to do, Everest chip, bigger brakes and short shift

I know where you're coming from.