We buy whole non-running and junk cars. Sell the whole car as it sits.

Free pickup anywhere in the US

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Model file · LotusUpdated · 5 sources

Selling an old or non-running Lotus Elan

Of the 14 Lotus Elan complaints in NHTSA's file through Oct. 10, 2026, twelve concern the gasoline fuel system. Lotus had a recall for that too, but it came late: reported in July 2002 for cars from the 1991 and 1992 model years. The fuel tanks can leak, and dealers replace the tank.

A red Lotus Elan M100 convertible with the top down and silver wheels, a for-sale sign on the windshield, parked on dirt
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
US model years (EPA)
1991-1993
Complaints to NHTSA
14
Complaints on the gasoline fuel system
12
Recall campaigns
1 (fuel tank, 1991-1992)
Engine
1,588 cc Isuzu 4XE1, turbo or not
Layout
Front engine, front-wheel drive

An Elan that leaks fuel or hasn't started in years can still be sold. We buy whole non-running and junk cars. You sell the whole car as it sits, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

Which Elan this is

The Elans sold in the US, 1991 to 1993 in EPA data, are the M100 car. Wikipedia says Peter Stevens designed it, Lotus built it at Hethel from 1989 to 1995, and Kia built it in Ansan, South Korea, from 1996 to 1999. Unlike the 1960s Elan, which drove its rear wheels, the M100 is front-engine and front-wheel drive. It uses a 1,588 cc Isuzu 4XE1 engine, offered turbocharged or not, and a 5-speed manual.

The fuel system file

Of the 13 complaints on the 1991, 12 name the gasoline fuel system and 1 names vehicle speed control. One more complaint sits under a 1994 Elan, about the power train, though EPA lists no 1994. None of the 14 reports a crash, fire or injury.

Recall 02V199's campaign lists 546 vehicles. The notice says "certain passenger vehicles", so that count may include more than Elans.

Model yearComplaintsRecall campaigns
1991131
199201
199300
199410

Keep it or sell it?

  1. Fuel smell in the garage? Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall page to learn if the tank recall was ever done on your 1991 or 1992.
  2. Half-finished restoration? Old project car covers how to weigh time and parts against selling.
  3. Parked for years? See sitting for years for what usually needs attention first.

Selling it as one piece

Get an offer online or call (877) 421-6008. Describe where the Elan is stored and whether it can be pushed. Leave the top, wheels and engine on, and mention anything already sold off. Have the Elan's title and your ID ready for our driver.

The Elise replaced the M100. More Lotus pages: Elise, Esprit, Evora, Emira, or all of Lotus.

Questions people ask

Was the Lotus Elan recalled?
Yes, once. Recall 02V199, reported in July 2002, covers 1991-1992 cars whose fuel tanks can leak. Dealers replace the tank. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What do Elan owners complain about to NHTSA?
The fuel system. Twelve of the 14 complaints counted as of October 10, 2026 name the gasoline fuel system. All but one are on the 1991 model year.
Will you take an Elan that hasn't run in years?
Yes. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, with free pickup anywhere in the US. Mention the storage spot and if the wheels turn.

Sources

Every fact on this page comes from one of these. Checked October 11, 2026.

  1. NHTSA complaints flat file (FLAT_CMPL.zip), downloaded October 10, 2026 nhtsa.gov
  2. NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN nhtsa.gov
  3. NHTSA recall 02V199: fuel tank, 1991-1992 nhtsa.gov
  4. EPA fuel economy data (model years) fueleconomy.gov
  5. Wikipedia: Lotus Elan en.wikipedia.org