Faults:

The car had been largely unused for five years or so until I took delivery of it, however I am using it as everyday transport. This has unearthed a large array of problems with the car. Two days after I bought it the diff started to leak from the pinion seal and the drive shaft seals. Parts were difficult to find and the repair was expensive. A week later the headlining fell out and a week after that the exhaust front pipe cracked at the manifold end. I had this repaired, but two days later it cracked at the opposite end. The throttle jammed open, nearly killing me and the resulting heavy braking to stop the runaway car warped both front discs. The front off side wheel bearing has just gone and under braking every light except the headlights goes out (including dash lights)!

General Comments:

All these problems are insignificant when the car is on form. It has brisk though not shattering performance and handling that would shame many far more expensive 'supercars'. It sounds and looks amazing and turns heads everywhere it goes. It also looks like it cost a great deal more than it actually did which is no bad thing. In short it is a fantastic car that is sadly spoiled by atrocious build quality. However on a sunny Sunday morning on an empty B road there is nothing to touch it and I defy anyone who drives it to get out without a huge smile on their face!

Faults:

A new clutch was fitted and the top end of the engine overhauled at 33,000 miles, the cost of which was largely covered under warranty.

Routine servicing, which is expensive, and replacement of parts like tyres and brake pads was all that was then required for many years and miles.

At around 100,000 miles, the engine started to burn oil, following an overheating problem. It has now been rebuilt with a second replacement clutch fitted.

General Comments:

If you want a good handling sports car that is now cheap to buy, can seat four, and is relatively practical, the Excel is well worth considering.

You need to either be well qualified to work on the car yourself, unlike me, or prepared to pay for the above average cost of main dealer or specialist maintenance.

Faults:

I have replaced the windscreen, as it was cracked when I bought the car.

I have replaced the window runners on both sides as they were rotten.

The water pump failed recently, it's £200 for a replacement from Lotus.

The brake master cylinder has failed.

The power steering master cylinder failed. The car had been left standing for over a year before I got her.

The exhaust manifold had cracked - £330 for a replacement. The stainless steel exhaust is blowing and is in need of attention.

General Comments:

The car is a real head turner, it sounds, looks, feels and performs like a sports car should.

It's not expensive to buy but it can be costly to maintain.

The car is a 2+2, so there is some room in the back.