Lotus Esprit vs TVR Chimaera
Discussion
well, i hope you've got deep pockets!
i've run a 95 chim for 2 years/ 33k. service the bugger every 6k, and fix the bits that go wrong - though should add ( before all the lotus drivers dive in! ) that not that much went wrong.
the real costs lie in the servicing and depreciation/re-sale. there are always plenty of cars around like these with half the miles - doesn't really make them better cars ( in fact some, like me, would say it makes them worse if they're not driven ) but the prospective purchaser will always beat you up about it. i'm looking at about halving the value of my car ( very roughly ) and of course have laid out a ton of cash keeping it in good nick.
if you just want a car that looks good then you needn't worry so much about keeping the suspension tip-top, for instance, particularly if you don't drive it hard.......
but then - what's the point!
i'm sure either car will do it, though don't have much real experience of the lotus of course.
the boot on the chim is big for a sportscar, and it is quite practical, but visibility, particularly in bad weather, will always be poor compared to a tin-top.
it can be done, but it is expensive, unless you buy an older model with miles already, and can do a lot of work yourself.
good luck!
i've run a 95 chim for 2 years/ 33k. service the bugger every 6k, and fix the bits that go wrong - though should add ( before all the lotus drivers dive in! ) that not that much went wrong.
the real costs lie in the servicing and depreciation/re-sale. there are always plenty of cars around like these with half the miles - doesn't really make them better cars ( in fact some, like me, would say it makes them worse if they're not driven ) but the prospective purchaser will always beat you up about it. i'm looking at about halving the value of my car ( very roughly ) and of course have laid out a ton of cash keeping it in good nick.
if you just want a car that looks good then you needn't worry so much about keeping the suspension tip-top, for instance, particularly if you don't drive it hard.......
but then - what's the point!
i'm sure either car will do it, though don't have much real experience of the lotus of course.
the boot on the chim is big for a sportscar, and it is quite practical, but visibility, particularly in bad weather, will always be poor compared to a tin-top.
it can be done, but it is expensive, unless you buy an older model with miles already, and can do a lot of work yourself.
good luck!
This little lot should give you an idea, anywhere from £9-12k (£13k a little optomistic I think) should bag you a decent one. With so much choice you should be guided by condition and your favoured colour / spec combination.....
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27269&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27263&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27217&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=21241&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=26955&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=26833&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27269&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27263&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=27217&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=21241&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=26955&s=1
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=26833&s=1
BTW - swap 94/95 for 95/96. the former is a change over year - both engine and gearbox. serpentine engine and T5 g/box. nothing really wrong with the previous versions, i don't think, but the perceived wisdom is that the latter are better, for some reason.
you may be able to pick up a later car with miles anyway, for the sort of money you're talking, as folk do seem to have mileagephobia around sportscars...
good luck, you already lucky chap you!
you may be able to pick up a later car with miles anyway, for the sort of money you're talking, as folk do seem to have mileagephobia around sportscars...
good luck, you already lucky chap you!
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