1985 Lotus Excel review from UK and Ireland
"A fast car that is easy to live with, but still turns heads"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1985 |
| First year of ownership | 1989 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 24000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 107000 miles |
| Previous car | Opel Manta |
| Date of Entry | 17th May, 2003 |