Hello everyone

[plasticman]

Hello everyone. I have just joined the forum and look forward to learning from the wealth of knowledge it clearly contains. First of all however, I'm looking for the right car. I'd like a 'nice' S2 with low to average mileage and a good history. Would really like a yellow one but to be honest I'd consider any colour. If anyone can help, I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Mike
North Nottinghamshire.

[Tuga2112]

Hello everyone. I have just joined the forum and look forward to learning from the wealth of knowledge it clearly contains. First of all however, I'm looking for the right car. I'd like a 'nice' S2 with low to average mileage and a good history. Would really like a yellow one but to be honest I'd consider any colour. If anyone can help, I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Mike
North Nottinghamshire.

welcome. im sure you will find a lot of usefull knowledge here and helpfull folk

what specifically about the S2 makes you want one instead of the more common SE ?

[plasticman]

It's just a personal preference really. Nothing more than that.
Mike

[dapinky]

Hi Mike, welcome to the forum.

Your car choice is probably one of the more common 'requirements' that appear on here (and elsewhere), as a yellow (of which there are actually 2 shades) S2 is often seen as the 'preferred' Elan....

.... that said, as even the newest car is still nearly 30 years old, the age advantage of the Series 2 is not always relevant. I always advise people to simply buy the best car that is within their budget, and get out to enjoy it!

In fairness, the S2 has some nice touches that were not (originally) present on the SE - 16" BBS wheels being the obvious visual one. It also has the great advantage of having galvanised rear wishbones from the factory, and (some would say) 'nicer' seat options.
It also has some 'disadvantages' - things like the hood front trim/handle is very brittle on all of them - many have cracked/broken and been replaced with either an aftermarket fibreglass item, or a second-hand SE item.

When we did a thread to list the 'improvements' on the S2, it became apparent that there were over 100 minor changes, but not actually many real improvements..... everything else is a matter of preference. Some people prefer the S2 centre console, some (like me) prefer the SE one with a cubby hole in the armrest. Some like the 'collapsible' handbrake, others don't.

To me, the biggest difference (other than the wheels and the wishbones) is the emissions when it comes to the annual MOT - the S2 has a much tighter limit which can be hard to achieve if the Cat isn't working correctly - whilst the SE is often marginal in it's original form, but a (very simple) conversion to 'closed loop' with the addition of an oxygen sensor and a re-mapped ECU means that you'll never have to worry again - the emissions drop to slightly higher than the S2 limits, but well under that required for the SE.... as well as improving economy and efficiency.

I would say that nearly every SE that is owned by a long-time member on here is at least as 'good' as an S2, as most have had the wishbones changed, and many have been fitted with S2 wheels.

On that note, S2 wheels are now like hens teeth, so make sure that any car you look at has 4 round ones, and not a buckled one - refurb is easy enough if they are scuffed, but replacement is likely to be very expensive (if even possible).

Everything is 'customisable' if you want to change things, or if kept 100% original, it is still a practical vehicle.

Your money, your choice - but I would recommend driving as many as you can before buying one - you may still decide that you definitely want a yellow S2, or you may find an SE that you prefer.

[plasticman]

Hi Dave,
Many thanks for your reply. Some very interesting points raised there and something I will take on board during my search.
Mike

[Tuga2112]

Dave forgot to mention one other important upgrade on the s2 which years ago was a big issue, but since then SJ started providing.

I'm referring to the gear cables, which the SE version is not as durable as the redesign version of the s2. (I remember clearly the phone call to Dave the day mine failed, "can't put it into the gears where the lever moves forward.. is yours an SE or s2?... Se why do you ask?... Most likely your gear cable broke...
Quickest diagnosis ever in automotive history)

The SE is a tiny bit more powerful because there's no catalyst obstructing the exhaust. Althogh I would consider the difference negligible.

The s2 also has a more complex electrical system with the integrated alarm controlling the door locks, which is something work considering if you intend to modernize the security.

[Saltire]

The s2 also has a more complex electrical system with the integrated alarm controlling the door locks, which is something work considering if you intend to modernize the security.

. . . although it really isn’t more complex, just different. And it isn’t a big deal. I have successfully retrofitted a Toad alarm to my S2, and I have personal knowledge of another S2 with a third party alarm. In both cases the central locking interface works perfectly, exactly as OEM - and in my case I even have automatic window closure as well

[dapinky]

Gear cables are one of those things that people may or may not have problems with - admittedly, the adjusters on the SE are made of plastic, and can break - whilst the S2 ones are metal and don't! - That said, aftermarket cables are considered to be an 'upgrade' for either car.....

.... I'm still on my original (plastic!) cables on my SE with 140K miles - I have a 'short-shifter' fitted which puts extra strain on the cables/joints and have used it a fair few times on track.

But I do have a spare set of S2 cables in the loft for if (when?) they break!

[plasticman]

Thanks for all the information guys. All very important to know. All I need now is the car......
Mike

[M100-NC]

For what it is worth, I still have a couple of my heavy duty shift cable sets (and short-shift adapter kits) available.

This kit was developed to replace the early SE Cables that failed after years of use and are similar to the S2 cables, but much heavier duty cables and fittings.

Just ask any questions you might have if your shift cables fail.

probably best if you also send me an email to get a quicker response.

[Hector2021]

An M100 had been on my wish list since i first saw them at launch. More seriously and probable though in the last 4 years. I actually wanted a red SE over an S2 on account of the risk of difficult emissions compliance.
Regardless though i ended up with a Norfolk mustard S2, more by chance. I wrestled over the colour choice for about a week until i compromised due to its excellent condition and good price.
Right now i absolutely love it. Of all the interesting cars i have owned its this one i enjoy the most.
As already said, i really wouldnt get too fixated on colour or version. Much better to know you have a well looked after and sorted car, unless restoration is your aim.
Whichever model you get i can guarantee that you will be amazed by it. Good luck.
This forum and its members is a true almanac of knowledge.
The Youtube restoration series is brilliant too and well worth viewing in advance of any actual work required
https://youtube.com/@thelotuselanm100restoratio3

[Mayviary]

Does anybody have a used or damaged fore and arft se gear cable ? I want to try maching the plastic down and slipping a steel or alloy ring over with a circlip