New member, looking for the right Excel

[Strikem]

Hi all,

Been lurking in the background for a while reading up on the excel and the problems and joys of ownership.

I'm currently looking around for one, just as a run about and daily drive. I'm quite competent with cars and mechanical bits so hopefully will come in handy with lotus ownership. Hahaha. Not after a prestige example but one that won't break down every other day.

Any advice or knowledge of cars coming up for sale would be great. I'm located in north East London.

I'm tempted by a visit to see
http://www.mandmautomotive.co.uk/used/L ... lery%5D/7/

However I've seen other people interested in this as well on here. Looks like a potential for fun. Has anyone seen or read the article from. March 2013 (Classic car mart) of which this was apparently featured??

A quick google of the number plate also shows it was in an auction at the beginning of the year for £2000 (plus auction fees I guess).

Any help would be great, also if anyone has an excel near by (Essex, NE London, hertfordshire) I'd love to come and visit and have a look??

Look forward to meeting some of you

Thanks in advance for replies

[Hawaiis0]

I believe that's been around for a while. Needs a windscreen for the MOT according to blurb. Is the Eclat - Excel model with 160 LC engine. Decision is yours on what you want. I'm sure you know Later "Excel" SE models will have leather and other improvements 180 HC engines etc. But that one does look nice from the photos. I am sure there are some more comments in older threads - it's just finding them. So hurry up and buy one
There is a monthly Lotus meet at the ACE Cafe NW London when you may find someone taking their Excel along. 3rd Wed I think. Not too far from NE London.

[Simpatico]

I think it didn't sell because originally it was a relatively pricy for a non-SE. Has dropped a lot, doesn't look a bad buy now, as long as everything checks out.

[Big Jim]

Hi
I spotted this one on Ebay .It looks good from the photos. It has been around for a while , it would be worth trying an offer if it fits your requirements , bearing in mind a new screen and does it need a C service at maybe £1500 , someone else will know better than me .
Good luck

[Strikem]

Cheers guys. Great feedback. Might give them a call and see.

Not fussed too much regarding the leather etc or the better engine. Just want something fun and cheapish.

Please feel free to let me know of any links of cars you see anywhere that might be of interest. I've looked on piston heads, autotrader and ebay. Sometimes on classic car, but it's not the best system, haha.

What's entailed in the C service??

[fueltheburn]

I agree with Mark (simpatico)
This has been on the market for a while, whilst initially asking strong money a while back - over 3250.
I believe the market is seeing the change the Excel deserves.

If it is half as good as it appears, it probably represents a good value now.
The fact it is also at a dealer - he is likely to be wanting the stock rotated and moved on shortly and may be open to negotiation.

[Big Jim]

C service , have a look here
http://www.sjsportscars.co.uk/index.php?mod=11

[Big Jim]

C service , have a look here
http://www.sjsportscars.co.uk/index.php?mod=11

Just checked with this company , the pre 1987 C service is a bit less due to a cheaper cambelt ( maybe £40)

[mkelite]

hi
following recent knee and leg operations, my wife now regrettably needs to sell her Lotus Excel SA 1987 model.

if anyone is interested please message me so i can send some pics etc.

but briefly................as she has now bought an easier car to get in, the Excel has stood in the garage for two months and the MOT has expired.............looking for around £2,500 offers,as a quick sale really, as we have owned the car for several years and was used every day. sad to see her go. (the car that is not the wife! ).

approx 105k miles, mid metallic blue, automatic and that isnt an issue at all for the doubters out there btw! only 25 made as SA from a letter i have from Lotus.

recent work; cambelt change, new radiator, brake calipers, discs, road springs and quality shocks replaced, tyres, two s/s exhaust boxes etc

only things we know need doing are wiper works fine but doesnt park properly (see fix on this site ), rear spats have split but presentable and repairable, paintwork over all very presentable for car of this age but a little cracking to front bumper corner and odd blemishes, drivers seat a little tear, worn as to be expected. oh and one head lamp pod judders a bit when closing - prob links need freeing up.

has been a very reliable every day use car.
viewing welcome from serious parties only please.
send me a message here if interested and i can send pictures.
many thanks.
regards.
DC.

[Simpatico]

For such a low volume car there seems to be a lot of SAs for sale lately, at least 5 in the last couple of months!

[Hawaiis0]

For such a low volume car there seems to be a lot of SAs for sale lately, at least 5 in the last couple of months!

I took one on

[mkelite]

............have emailed pics to a few interested parties. if anyone else is - i can do likewise. many thanks. ( may give me more quality time for our S2.2 Elite too! ) regards. DC.