Used car buying guide: Lotus Elan S2

All too soon there were no more engines and S2 production ended, only to be revived briefly when Kia bought the rights to the model and dashed off a few examples for the Korean market. 

Forward to today and, thanks to Isuzu’s engines and GM’s cash, the model has weathered the passing years surprisingly well. ‘Buyer beware’ (see below) highlights a few things to watch for, but if you find a cherished example with a good history, it should serve you well. It certainly won’t feel as baggy as early Elises can. 

And just look at those prices. They top out at around £12,000, about where the Elise starts. In fact, £7500 to £10,000 is enough to get behind the wheel of a keeper in need of little attention apart from fresh oil and a new filter on the dot. 

Will prices rise? Specialist Vincent Haydon reckons that as long as Elise values increase, Elans are sure to, but he warns against restoring a barn find at great expense. The model’s just not there yet. Perhaps one day…

An expert’s view 

Vincent Haydon, Vincent Haydon Cars: “As a former Lotus dealer I well remember the Elan. There was a huge push on the Esprit with sales incentives and all sorts, but any objection to the Elan being front-wheel drive was easily countered by giving a customer the keys to the demonstrator. They’d come back with a huge smile and we had another sale in the bag. It helped, too, that it had an Isuzu engine, because people knew it wouldn’t go wrong. Today, they’re a bargain. From £7500 to £10,000 will get you a tidy one with a solid history – and it must be solid because they do like their oil changes.” 

Buyer beware… 

â–  Engine: The Isuzu engine is bulletproof if regularly serviced. Evidence of fresh oil and a filter every 6000 miles is essential. Check coolant hoses for leaks and clips for corrosion. 

â–  Gearbox: Another toughie, with synchro problems largely unknown. Linkages can wear, especially the ball link at the end of the shift cable – it can become disconnected. Feel for clutch slip: if it bites close to the top of the pedal’s travel, it’s on the way out. 

â–  Suspension and brakes: Check rear suspension for corrosion caused by moisture between it and the body (we saw an Elan with newly fitted galvanised wishbones, which are a good mod). Otherwise the suspension is tough, although at this age you can expect to find the odd leaky damper or broken spring. Wheel geometry is adjustable all round, so uneven tyre wear may suggest it needs a tweak. 

â–  Interior: Quality here lags behind the rest of the car thanks to low-rent GM parts. At least spares are freely available. Leather trim was below par and expect to have to retrim the driver’s seat. 

â–  Body: Paint crazing is rare so any you see may be repair-related. Shutlines are generally good and a wayward door or bonnet may just need adjusting. Check for worn door and boot seals, which will let in water. 

â–  Roof: Check for a warped frame and general wear and tear. It should sit properly, but even then it’s likely to let in rain.

Also worth knowing 

For the Elan driver who has everything, how about that final touch: the Lotus certificate of provenance? For around £50 the company will send the lucky recipient a certificate detailing essentials including engine and chassis numbers, build date and original supplying dealer. An extra £30 buys additional info, including numbers of cars in the same colour and trim. Visit lotuscars.com for more information. 

How much to spend 

£3500-£4999: Some tidy runners, including a 1991 J-reg Turbo with 112k miles (but 10 previous keepers) for £3850. 

£5000-£7999: Tidier Turbos with around 80,000 miles and including a nice 1991 H-reg Turbo with 63k miles for £7750. 

£8000-£9999: Some nice cars, including a 1991 H-reg Turbo with 51k miles and 17 service stamps, up for £9950. 

£10,000 and above: Strong prices but also some good cars, including a 1996 N-reg S2 with 67,000 miles and full service history, offered by a main dealer for £14,000.

One we found