Y801 RWR - Anyone remember?

[Tazza67]

Hi Guys, 

I'm Suzanne and new to the world of Lotus. Always wanted one and finally on a serious hunt. 

I went and saw RWR today - first S2 I've driven, paperwork shows it use to belong to a MLOC member so wondered if anyone remembers it?

 

First one I've driven and I found a few things:

- Quite light steering

- Steering wheel offset, presume fix with a Geo

- Steering wheel wobble above 40mph particularly noticeable at 70mph. Wheels not balanced??

- Heater matrix fan very noisy, as if something is caught in it.

- Brakes are heavy, expected as not assisted but performance was rather weak. Took a lot longer than I expected to slow and stop... brakes on one side were partly striped, one side cleaned up nice and shiny - temps felt similar all round on the caliper. 

- Headlamps had what appeared to be scratches on the top in the area of the black surround. 

 

Any thoughts or insights on the above points would be very welcome. 

Thanks,

Suzanne 

 

[Martin R]

Welcome to MLOC.

Caster setting on the front will have a big bearing on how light / heavy the steering feel is. The Elise steering is generally lightish though.

Steering wheel offset is normally a sign of a poor geo. Could also be a sign of a front steering problem, get it checked before purchase?

Sounds like the front wheels next re balancing.

Fan noise. Quite possible, needs checking.

You need to stamp on Elise brakes but work well once you get into this. Might need better pads?

Hard to say re the lights without looking.

Do you have the members name? If it were me i always have it independently inspected by a local specialist before purchase at my expense. if the seller will not agree, walk away.

Hope that helps?

[DeanB]

I agree with Martin get it looked at by a specialist. I would ask Gav at Unit 4 in Burton on Trent if you and the Car or reasonably close to there.  He won't charge a lot but the car really needs to go on a ramp so he can take the undertrays off and inspect the chassis for damage (and the steering in this case as it may have had a big knock) - if the alloy chassis is damaged they can't be repaired so the car is effectively a write off.

Brake and wheel balance problems should be an easy fix but will cost money and should be reflected in the price. 

S2 cars with standard 175 front tyres should have light steering. If the brakes feel wooden without much bite it's probably just rubbish pads.

Gav will tell you how much to fix the heater fan, that might not be cheap either.  

My advice would be buy the best car you can afford - It will be cheaper in the long run. Service history is essential. High miles not a huge problem if it has history and is in good condition.  Remember too that these cars are slowly appreciating and the good ones will appreciate faster than the ropey ones.

Hope that helps.  If you are looking at cars in Notts or Lincs I may even be able to come and have a look with you. 

Welcome to MLOC and happy hunting!

 

[PJS-Lotus]

Hi Suzanne,

It's difficult to comment without seeing the car, handling and wobble etc. might just be down to balance and geometry, but it obvioulsy needs a good looking at to make sure nothing is bent or buckled etc. We would be happy to advise you further if you would like to call us. We do provide an inspection service and do source cars for customers. We frequently have cars offered to us and may be able to assist if we know you are looking for. If you do buy a car we would be happy to give the car a free health check and geometry check and advise on any work required, servicing etc.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance.

PJS Sports Cars - www.pjslotus.co.uk