UK Sportscars

[Nick Brough]

Hi,

Doing some checks on UK Sportscars as they have a low mileage Elan for sale, it seems a number of years ago they had a bit of a reputation, I couldn't find anything recent so was wondering in peoples opinion if this was still the case.

Car in question https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... ew/7495769

Thanks

Nick

[clemo]

The only thing i can add to this is that this car has been around since early summer , so you could use this to your ££££ advantage .

Good luck with your search .

[Nick Brough]

The only thing i can add to this is that this car has been around since early summer , so you could use this to your ££££ advantage .

Good luck with your search .

That was a concern, or an opportunity depending on your optimism

Nick

[clemo]

Having just had a look around there seems to be a bit of drought in ( your? ) that price range , which is quite unique .
Given that this is the middle of the winter a few things spring to mind .


Keep an eye out for a LEC owner car , This will come with care ahead profit . I say this as many LEC users are very open with the whats what about their cars , both good and bad .

Or if you are slightly apprehensive about this particular sales outlet then wait for are more reputable garage to come along to give you confidence and back up .

Either way i would wait for more cars to come to market . Traditionally March time is when they all come out . That said over the winter is usually a good time to snap up a bargain .

I would imagine that given the fact that the uK sportcar SE has been around for months . It is very likely to hang around for a bit longer . So you don't really loose out . Should you wish to buy it .

Have you looked and driven many potential cars ?

[Nick Brough]

Having just had a look around there seems to be a bit of drought in ( your? ) that price range , which is quite unique .
Given that this is the middle of the winter a few things spring to mind .


Keep an eye out for a LEC owner car , This will come with care ahead profit . I say this as many LEC users are very open with the whats what about their cars , both good and bad .

Or if you are slightly apprehensive about this particular sales outlet then wait for are more reputable garage to come along to give you confidence and back up .

Either way i would wait for more cars to come to market . Traditionally March time is when they all come out . That said over the winter is usually a good time to snap up a bargain .

I would imagine that given the fact that the uK sportcar SE has been around for months . It is very likely to hang around for a bit longer . So you don't really loose out . Should you wish to buy it .

Have you looked and driven many potential cars ?

To be honest I haven't driven one, I was thinking about it a few years ago but decided on an S2000 then a TVR Griffith, then a TVR 400SE. Loved the TVR's but they are a tad expensive to maintain. Think having reached 40 17 time is ticking away to try the cars I always liked.

This one looks interesting although there does appear to be some gravel rash on the rear wings, it has also been for sale for a while.

https://www.greenwingmotors.co.uk/lotus ... re-6180725

Nick

[clemo]

Ahhh now your talking . I have one in exactly the same colour !.

This has fluctuated from £9995 to what it currently is over the later part of the summer .
At this money i would expect it to be in tip top condition . Which by the description it is .

If it is close to you go drive it or any to get a feel of the thing .

[Nick Brough]

Ahhh now your talking . I have one in exactly the same colour !.

This has fluctuated from £9995 to what it currently is over the later part of the summer .
At this money i would expect it to be in tip top condition . Which by the description it is .

If it is close to you go drive it or any to get a feel of the thing .

It is very close excuse my ignorance but what are the current price guides for S1 and S2 cars.

Nick

[muley]

Hi,

Doing some checks on UK Sportscars as they have a low mileage Elan for sale, it seems a number of years ago they had a bit of a reputation, I couldn't find anything recent so was wondering in peoples opinion if this was still the case.

Car in question https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds ... ew/7495769

Thanks

Nick

Looks quite nice, I'd want to inspect the rear wishbones & inner sills. Cloth seats aren't my thing, though.

Jim

[MPx]

Doing some checks on UK Sportscars as they have a low mileage Elan for sale, it seems a number of years ago they had a bit of a reputation, I couldn't find anything recent so was wondering in peoples opinion if this was still the case.

I've not got any personal experience of UK Sportscars. I have had conversations with two people who have had first hand experience, and they have both been of the "would never go near the place again" type. I not heard anything in the last couple of years....however, as far as I know, the ownership/management hasn't changed so its very unlikely that the culture has changed. They do appear to have very nice, well prepared (ie shiney), stock - priced at the top of the market. If you find something that you want and can afford then no harm in going in with your eyes open, look for evidence of anything you're told, and don't expect anything like a warranty, promises, or dealer liabilities to be honoured after the purchase.

Good luck...

[TrevorB]

To be honest I haven't driven one, I was thinking about it a few years ago but decided on an S2000 then a TVR Griffith, then a TVR 400SE. Loved the TVR's but they are a tad expensive to maintain. Think having reached 40 17 time is ticking away to try the cars I always liked.


Nick

Hi Nick, you haven't stated your location but presumably in Kent and near Canterbury? If you haven't driven one, and before you take the plunge, I am always
happy to drive to you and have a look at mine.

Regards

Trevor

[novacaine]

I'm pretty certain I used to see that car driving around my area.

I went to view cars at UKSportCars a few times. They like to put heavy price tags on not so good examples and do not want to shift to make a deal. Also if you are on the younger side, they don't view you as a serious buyer. For example they wouldn't allow me to test drive the car I came to view the first time, due to "closing soon" despite it being the early afternoon.

[Rambo]

Having just had a look around there seems to be a bit of drought in ( your? ) that price range , which is quite unique .
Given that this is the middle of the winter a few things spring to mind .


Keep an eye out for a LEC owner car , This will come with care ahead profit . I say this as many LEC users are very open with the whats what about their cars , both good and bad .

Or if you are slightly apprehensive about this particular sales outlet then wait for are more reputable garage to come along to give you confidence and back up .

Either way i would wait for more cars to come to market . Traditionally March time is when they all come out . That said over the winter is usually a good time to snap up a bargain .

I would imagine that given the fact that the uK sportcar SE has been around for months . It is very likely to hang around for a bit longer . So you don't really loose out . Should you wish to buy it .

Have you looked and driven many potential cars ?

To be honest I haven't driven one, I was thinking about it a few years ago but decided on an S2000 then a TVR Griffith, then a TVR 400SE. Loved the TVR's but they are a tad expensive to maintain. Think having reached 40 17 time is ticking away to try the cars I always liked.

This one looks interesting although there does appear to be some gravel rash on the rear wings, it has also been for sale for a while.

https://www.greenwingmotors.co.uk/lotus ... re-6180725

Nick

Looks nice on 1st inspection. Clean and well cared for, as you would probably expect from an orthopaedic consultant. Replacement yellow Samco coolant hoses. An 2 so galvanised rear wishbones and another potential headache sorted

You should be able to get that for £8500-8750 with a bit of negotiating. Check when the cambelt, water pump, tensioners, idlers etc.. were last done. If not done in the last 4-5 years, factor that in as well. Also insist on a full 12 months of MOT as that will mean they have to sort out any faults at their expense

[Nick Brough]

Thank you to everyone for all the advice much appreciated.

To be honest I haven't driven one, I was thinking about it a few years ago but decided on an S2000 then a TVR Griffith, then a TVR 400SE. Loved the TVR's but they are a tad expensive to maintain. Think having reached 40 17 time is ticking away to try the cars I always liked.


Nick

Hi Nick, you haven't stated your location but presumably in Kent and near Canterbury? If you haven't driven one, and before you take the plunge, I am always
happy to drive to you and have a look at mine.

Regards

Trevor

Trevor a very generous offer, unfortunately I am up in Warrington around 240 miles so suspect that may be a little bit to far to pop over.

I'm pretty certain I used to see that car driving around my area.

I went to view cars at UKSportCars a few times. They like to put heavy price tags on not so good examples and do not want to shift to make a deal. Also if you are on the younger side, they don't view you as a serious buyer. For example they wouldn't allow me to test drive the car I came to view the first time, due to "closing soon" despite it being the early afternoon.

I am a granddad so can only dream they would look at me as being on the younger side, and as a result not view me as a serious buyer.

Nick

[Artaban]

Nick,
It may be worth calling in to PNM Engineering. They have a car for sale at the moment: http://www.pnmengineering.com/lotus-carsales.html
If its the one I think it is its will be a really good buy as its had a lot of work done to it. They did a lot of work on my car before I sold it and I couldn't fault them. They may have other customers thinking about selling as well so its always worth speaking to Pete or John. Based on the Wirral at Wallasey just over 20 miles from you.
Hope you have a successful search.
Andy

[Nick Brough]

Nick,
It may be worth calling in to PNM Engineering. They have a car for sale at the moment: http://www.pnmengineering.com/lotus-carsales.html
If its the one I think it is its will be a really good buy as its had a lot of work done to it. They did a lot of work on my car before I sold it and I couldn't fault them. They may have other customers thinking about selling as well so its always worth speaking to Pete or John. Based on the Wirral at Wallasey just over 20 miles from you.
Hope you have a successful search.
Andy

Andy,

Thank you very much even if the car turns out not to be the right one, it's great to know there is a recommended specialist near me. I like the look of this one as well, it feels "right" not sure about the drivers side door seal, although I have seen a few like that so maybe this is the infamous Elan wet leg feature I have read about. https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C910294

Regards Nick

PS no relevance but seeing you are in Tiverton it bought back memories of the late 70's when for 3 years I traveled from Axminster to Tiverton Technical college, happy days

[Rambo]

Nick,
It may be worth calling in to PNM Engineering. They have a car for sale at the moment: http://www.pnmengineering.com/lotus-carsales.html
If its the one I think it is its will be a really good buy as its had a lot of work done to it. They did a lot of work on my car before I sold it and I couldn't fault them. They may have other customers thinking about selling as well so its always worth speaking to Pete or John. Based on the Wirral at Wallasey just over 20 miles from you.
Hope you have a successful search.
Andy

Andy,

Thank you very much even if the car turns out not to be the right one, it's great to know there is a recommended specialist near me. I like the look of this one as well, it feels "right" not sure about the drivers side door seal, although I have seen a few like that so maybe this is the infamous Elan wet leg feature I have read about. https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C910294

Regards Nick

PS no relevance but seeing you are in Tiverton it bought back memories of the late 70's when for 3 years I traveled from Axminster to Tiverton Technical college, happy days

You're correct. The drivers side intermediate seals look like they need minor adjustment. At present, they look clumsy, and probably leaky, to say the very least

The MOT also expires mid Feb next year and, as mentioned by me earlier, insist on a full 12 months MOT should you actually purchase. It hasn't done many miles in the last few years but has also sailed through the last couple of tests with little or no advisories

It appears to have had some new ignition leads recently. Check the expansion tank - it looks rather pink or rusty brown to me. It might have the dreaded pink OAT antifreeze or it may be rusty deposits

[rip]

I have seen a few like that so maybe this is the infamous Elan wet leg feature I have read about.

I think this is more a matter of luck than anything else.
Mine has had a new roof (with seals) + new A post seals since I have had it. My original seals looked well gnawed but sealed better than their replacements, even when these were brand new, regardless of whether the window is closed before or after the door.

[Nick Brough]

Nick,
It may be worth calling in to PNM Engineering. They have a car for sale at the moment: http://www.pnmengineering.com/lotus-carsales.html
If its the one I think it is its will be a really good buy as its had a lot of work done to it. They did a lot of work on my car before I sold it and I couldn't fault them. They may have other customers thinking about selling as well so its always worth speaking to Pete or John. Based on the Wirral at Wallasey just over 20 miles from you.
Hope you have a successful search.
Andy

Andy,

Thank you very much even if the car turns out not to be the right one, it's great to know there is a recommended specialist near me. I like the look of this one as well, it feels "right" not sure about the drivers side door seal, although I have seen a few like that so maybe this is the infamous Elan wet leg feature I have read about. https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C910294

Regards Nick

PS no relevance but seeing you are in Tiverton it bought back memories of the late 70's when for 3 years I traveled from Axminster to Tiverton Technical college, happy days

You're correct. The drivers side intermediate seals look like they need minor adjustment. At present, they look clumsy, and probably leaky, to say the very least

The MOT also expires mid Feb next year and, as mentioned by me earlier, insist on a full 12 months MOT should you actually purchase. It hasn't done many miles in the last few years but has also sailed through the last couple of tests with little or no advisories

It appears to have had some new ignition leads recently. Check the expansion tank - it looks rather pink or rusty brown to me. It might have the dreaded pink OAT antifreeze or it may be rusty deposits

Well the good news is I already questioned the MOT and it will come with 12 months, bad news the purchaser of my car decided rather than come and see it which he was going to do, he would just put in a really low offer via email, so this may take longer than I thought, ce la vie.

Dreaded pink OAT antifreeze,? that is a new one one me.

Regards

Nick

[774dan]

Nick

First post so be gentle, but been over on the Lotus Forums a few years and own a 1981 Turbo Esprit

I have been to see the one at Greenwing as I was working in Manchester, now I will say firstly I am no mechanic. But it was originally up for 11;995.00 then 9,985.00 now I believe 9.4ish. It has been there ages.

I can confirm it had a Dr owner but the belts if memory serves were last done 5 years ago. I didn’t drive it as it was a flying visit. The paint work is not perfect with a good few scratches but nothing a decent detail wouldn’t sort out. I reckon there is definitely a deal in there but I would if I was you get someone who knows what they are talking about to have a look at it. I have seen a lot of them lately and hoping to sort a deal out on one this week.

I would also spend a decent hour going through the paperwork and talking to people on here and once again get someone (not me) to go and check it then haggle hard. It was certainly in the top 3 of what I have seen with my limited knowledge

Dan E

[Rambo]

OAT = Organic Acid (Additive) Technologgy - usually pink in colour

Bad news for older engines which should have an ethylene glycol (EG) additive - usually blue or green

I run my M100's on EG antifreeze with a strength that protects the engine down to -20/25C. But I do live in Scotland and use them right throughout the year