Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I nuts?

So decided I need more hassle and frustration in my life....so recently started thinking about buying a Lotus Europa to add to the garage. I know of a Series 2 for sale in good condition for what seems a reasonable price. These have the Renault engine, and not the Ford TC. Is this engine problematic?

So am I nuts? Are these cars really just a money pit? Anyone got an opinion (silly question knowing this crowd)?

BTW - Also posted this on the Triumph forum, as I know those folks are not shy in expressing an opinion.

TIA.

Rob.

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

GEEZ, Rob!!!

A) Yes, you're nuts. There, ya happy? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

B) The Renault is likely more problem than a T/C, parts availability is my first thought.

C) They're ALL money pits, just some less than others.

EDIT: BTW: If you DO step into this quagmire, I have some NOS parts for ya: Two sets of rear brake shoes, a left front quarterlight glass, some front lower control arms... mebbe some other bits 'n pieces. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

Rob...had some thoughts myself...would like to add a Lotus to the garage as well but every EUROPA looked like a bottomless money pit at least if your looking for orginality. Have started keeping the eye open for a Lotus Elan +2 but not come to any conclusions in this arena re: restroability and operating costs. Let us know what you decide...

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

I kick myself for selling my S2. It was very dependable as I drove it to work every day for over a year. It helped that I could walk to work if I had to, but it never left me stranded. Let's face it, the engine and trans was very dependable in the Dauphine. I have some spares if you need them, including a 5 speed from my TC that has only 10K miles on it. Have a spare 4 speed too. Just watch cutting off traffic due to those blind spots from the gull wings (sorry to say I did that a couple of times). Mine had the Hermes kit on it and was quite fun with the Weber.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

BIBBER said:

Have started keeping the eye open for a Lotus Elan +2 but not come to any conclusions in this arena re: restroability and operating costs. Let us know what you decide...

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Right now they are undervalued and under appreciated. As far as restorability, they share most parts with the Elans. Operating cost is Lotus usual: cheap until something breaks. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk.gif

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

Dr E & Sparky - thanks for the offer of spares - does this imply I will be needing a lot of them??

I spoke with the owner, and it sounds like a nice example. I will be sure to let you all know if I do decide to dive into the quagmire. Who knows - perhaps I could become the "Tinster" of the Lotus forum! (Note: See Triumph board if you don't know who Tinster is).

Cheers,

Rob.

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

Not implying you'll need lots of spares, just that I have some Europa S1/S2 bits here I'll be needing rid of. If you get that car they'd do you more good than they will me, and I'm not in an e-bay frame of mind. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

Thanks again for your offer Dr E. I know at the very least I will be needing some advise! Appreciate the offer and understand the aversion to eBay.

Cheers,

Rob.

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

Just know I'm not a big fan of things frog.

Re: Thinking of buying a Lotus Europa S2... Am I n

RobT said:

... thinking about buying a Lotus Europa to add to the garage. I know of a Series 2 for sale in good condition for what seems a reasonable price.
So am I nuts? Are these cars really just a money pit? Anyone got an opinion ...

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Yes.Yes.Yes. Same answers as Doc E's.

My recommendation is to drive it and decide. Some people love the ~idea~ of having a Lotus but really don't like driving them on the road. In a Europa or Elan you spend a lot of time feeling very small in a world of very large SUVs. I don't know about the Europa but the other Loti I've driven have very small pedals very close together - wear boots or wide shoes and you'll hit'em all at once. I've had numerous other LBC's and the Loti stand alone as far as a driving experience - some folks love 'em, some don't.

So - drive it, be honest with yourself about whether you really want a car like that, and then decide.