Thin a Esprit Turbo SE?
Discussion
I currently own a 1988 911 Carrera 3.2 and am considering a change to something different. I've seen a very nice 1993 Esprit Turbo SE High wing for sale, 73k miles, cam belts done, serviced etc. right colour combo, I really fancy it but have heard the usual stories (Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious). Is that an old wives tale and only applies to older cars?`
What do you think? Any experiences good or bad? I'm an engineer and used to tinkering about or doing more major work, not frightened of getting my hands dirty and know my way around a tool kit.
What do you think? Any experiences good or bad? I'm an engineer and used to tinkering about or doing more major work, not frightened of getting my hands dirty and know my way around a tool kit.
I had one! The SE Turbo is a special car because it's mostly reliable, looks oh so good and makes you feel very lucky. But it's the driving experience that can really surprise you and well, scare you you a bit too because it's quite fast! Faster when the air is cold - so if you do get one, go for a midnight or early morning blast! Servicing by Lotus is expensive, so you will save a fortune if you are handy. I wasn't, so I had the expensive maintenance experience. As for the the on-limit driving experience, it encourages you to push it and the steering is quite informative. Warning: no ABS and remember it's a turbo with a kick so not the best for on-limit throttle control. Another warning relates to the consumption - first it drinks like crazy, I reckoned mostly because the turbo was kicking in more than I thought on motorway driving, but also because the fuel gauge is unreliable(!) so you have fuel up when it gets to one quarter full level.
I have very fond memories and some of my most memorable drives was in the SE Turbo! Definitely worth experiencing. In my wisdom, I now dream of a tight LSD G50 6 speed Porsche 911 weighing 950kg with a 993 engine with lightened flywheel and race suspension and welded strut-strut cage, so opposite direction to you!
Enjoy! By the way, they say the S4S is the best, but I bet the S300 is, but you'll be happy with the SE Turbo, it's 0-60 in 4.8s and skinny tyres
I have very fond memories and some of my most memorable drives was in the SE Turbo! Definitely worth experiencing. In my wisdom, I now dream of a tight LSD G50 6 speed Porsche 911 weighing 950kg with a 993 engine with lightened flywheel and race suspension and welded strut-strut cage, so opposite direction to you!
Enjoy! By the way, they say the S4S is the best, but I bet the S300 is, but you'll be happy with the SE Turbo, it's 0-60 in 4.8s and skinny tyres
Hi, I went from a 3.2 Carrera Cabriolet & bought an Esprit S4s. I looked at the SE, S4 & a couple of V8's before I found this one & bought it more for the condition plus I love the extended wheel arches of the S4s & V8's. I decided the four pot engine was easier to look after myself too & it didn't feel that much slower, obviously you need to rev it more but that's part of the fun.
I absolutely loved the 911 & I was sorry to see her go but I must admit I enjoy driving the Esprit more, it just feels more 'special' somehow. The 911 used to get a lot of attention but the Esprit is something else, I think partly because mines bright yellow but it just looks more like a 'supercar' & looks like it's going 100 mph even when parked.
My 3.2 was quick but the S4s is far quicker & handles better too.
Running costs have been similar as I can do most jobs myself & as long as they are looked after the Lotus can be reliable. They definitely do not like being left in the garage for months on end !
The only slight gripe I have with the Esprit is the spacing of the pedals, they are too close together & I can't drive mine without having my very slim trainers on otherwise it gets a bit hairy when you press the brake & accelerator at the same time.
I can't tell you how the fuel consumption compares because I never checked either properly, it's one of the first questions people ask after " how fast does she go" I didn't buy her to worry about how much fuel she uses & as she's not my main car it doesn't really matter to me. My advice would be to go out & drive a few first, I'm not sure how much the High Wings are going for, although they are quite rare. I do know the early V8's can now be had for top S4 money although you need to be careful with the early V8 engines. If you haven't already, have a look over on 'The Lotus Forums' they are a great knowledgeable bunch over there. Good luck with your search.
Phil
P.S. your 911 looks fantastic.
I absolutely loved the 911 & I was sorry to see her go but I must admit I enjoy driving the Esprit more, it just feels more 'special' somehow. The 911 used to get a lot of attention but the Esprit is something else, I think partly because mines bright yellow but it just looks more like a 'supercar' & looks like it's going 100 mph even when parked.
My 3.2 was quick but the S4s is far quicker & handles better too.
Running costs have been similar as I can do most jobs myself & as long as they are looked after the Lotus can be reliable. They definitely do not like being left in the garage for months on end !
The only slight gripe I have with the Esprit is the spacing of the pedals, they are too close together & I can't drive mine without having my very slim trainers on otherwise it gets a bit hairy when you press the brake & accelerator at the same time.
I can't tell you how the fuel consumption compares because I never checked either properly, it's one of the first questions people ask after " how fast does she go" I didn't buy her to worry about how much fuel she uses & as she's not my main car it doesn't really matter to me. My advice would be to go out & drive a few first, I'm not sure how much the High Wings are going for, although they are quite rare. I do know the early V8's can now be had for top S4 money although you need to be careful with the early V8 engines. If you haven't already, have a look over on 'The Lotus Forums' they are a great knowledgeable bunch over there. Good luck with your search.
Phil
P.S. your 911 looks fantastic.
I have owned lots of porkers (911, 964, 993 cup) and changed to a lotus esprit SE turbo and even later a TVR Tuscan red rose.
Changed back to a porker now (968 cs).
Must say that the porsche's are super reliable and allmost without problems.
The lotus is not.
Theres lots of sensors that can go wrong, the manifold crack's once in 30k miles, changing the belt is a real pain in the A, brakes are not up to the job, window motors tend to die every instant and the gearbox is the achilles heal etc etc.
But would buy one everytime.
it's quicker than a porsche, more planted and more driving fun.
I wouldnt go for the SE but would choose the GT3 version.
It's lighter, faster and looks better.
But the best drive is still the TVR Tuscan
Changed back to a porker now (968 cs).
Must say that the porsche's are super reliable and allmost without problems.
The lotus is not.
Theres lots of sensors that can go wrong, the manifold crack's once in 30k miles, changing the belt is a real pain in the A, brakes are not up to the job, window motors tend to die every instant and the gearbox is the achilles heal etc etc.
But would buy one everytime.
it's quicker than a porsche, more planted and more driving fun.
I wouldnt go for the SE but would choose the GT3 version.
It's lighter, faster and looks better.
But the best drive is still the TVR Tuscan
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