Lookin to buy my first Esprit

[SincityBartender]

Hello every one.

With in three months im going to buy me my first Esprit. I have already looked up the S4, S4S and the V8 on different web sites and I have talked to a lotus shop in Orange County about the cars. I would like to get some real time info from owners form each one of the cars to let me know what they like about each one of the cars. Would it be possible to make it an every day driver a friend of mine has a NSX and I would love to stick his foot in his mouth about the reliability on the Esprit?

Thanks,
Bill

[bobbydazzler]

I have just purchased a 1998 V8 Esprit. Awesome car, just having little problem with oil leaking out of drive shaft (common problom on v8 gearbox). I have been assured that this will be solved by the garage who are about to fully service my car. Also after talking with other v8 owners, most have had this problem but note it is a careful/complex job to fit driveshaft seals perfectly so need to take to good dealer/mechanic.

apart from that I would definately buy the v8, awesome car. better looking that the NSX and also has the edge on performance!!.

paul.

[feffman]

Bill:

I've owned five Esprit including an, 1980 S2, 1990 SE, 1997 V8, 1994 S4 and my current 1999 V8. The last four with modern ignition controls have been bullet proof.

I'd spend some extra $$$ and buy a 1998 or newer V8 Esprit with the modern ventilation system and definitely nothing older then a 1993 1/2 SE with the updated interior. The updated interior includes slightly wider seats and a better ventilation system then in previous years.

Find a car with a good maintenance history (documented) incluidng regular oil changes and tune ups. These are essential to the turbochargers longevity. You may want to take a look at the Esprit Fact File (www.EspritFactFile.com) for other pointers when buying.

Your buddy may have a more reliabile car in an NSX but the Esprit is pretty damn relaible too and MUCH better looking.

I'd also suggest you join the national Lotus owners club, Lotus Ltd. (www.LotusCarClub.org) You can join on line. Good luck and happy Lotusing!

Mark Pfeffer
1999 Esprit V8

[solar]

Ive loved my s4s for the 2 years ive had it. Bulletproof. 100% reliable, and quicker than anything. Very nice interior. It wins every lil stoplight showdown and turns on a dime.

Ive put a stainless steel clutch line, and new kuhmo MX tires and it is AWESOME. It looks like a new car even today and looks cooler than 100% of the cars I see on a day to day even better than the diablo up close IMO

I think these rockets are worth 100k plus and should be cherished!

[ErnestM]

feffman said:

Your buddy may have a more reliabile car in an NSX but the Esprit is pretty damn relaible too and MUCH better looking.

Besides... every time you drive the Esprit you have the ghost of Colin Chapman whispering in your ear, "Go ahead, give it some stick..."

You just don't get that in the NSX...


ErnestM

[rlearp]

4 Pot Esprits are fairly reliable. I've had mine just short of two years and it has been a great runner and driver, with the usualy small Esprit niggles along the way. I'd get as new a car as you can afford, but, bear in mind all the 4 pot SEs, S4s, S4s are fundamentially the same with the same performance potential. Actually, I think my own car will be up on the block very soon due to hobby interests (racing and finishing my GT40) and if a 90SE is interesting let me know. However, if you can afford a newer one go for it!

[country]

hi i have owned my 03 1/2 esprit for 4 months now,love the car,runs strong,looks very exotic,i would suggust to buy at least a o2 esprit model,nicer wheels,better looking rear end.if your interested in one i have a 03 1/2 gun metal grey esprit 1700 miles with proper engine break in,possibly selling it to purchase a diablo sv,also would not recomend it for a daily driver .
adam

>> Edited by country on Friday 31st December 04:28

[thayden]

I have an '02 and have driven it daily for 8 months and have had no problems doing so. Even drove in 3 inches of snow/ice though wouldn't recommend that much. I have owned 2 Ferraris and 2 Porsches and this is my favorite so far.

Tim Hayden
02 Red/Magnolia

[cougersafc]

I have a 90 Turbo bought it 4 months ago with 60,000 miles and full loutus history, I wish I had paid the extra and got at least an S4, the lack of power steering wass a big big mistake with such heavy steering its impossible sometimes, and also Ive spent a fortune on repairs and updates, If I had my time again Id get a GT3 with the newer dash and interior, the interior in mine and a lot of the S4S and V8S is very dated (in my opinion). The newer V8s have the more modern interiors not sure what year they changed over..As for reliability Im waiting for mine to break down every time I take it out.. but thats just my experience of whats happened to me, having said all that Id get another one tommorrow if I had the money, I mean what can you buy that looks like this for the money, and dont forget it says Lotus on the back...

Ian 90 Turbo

[country]

wow ian i must say you do have love for lotus.i would never want to own a car to see if i can go out tonight and hopefully not break down.you are a devoted lotus guy.i think every lotus owner that wants to sell needs to ask for a good amount and not give these cars away their limited production cars thats my opinion.
adam
03 1/2 esprit

[rjjuge]

owned 28 cars... of which, two were Esprits, one was an NSX, a Vette, a Viper for a short while, BUNCHA RX-7s, a Supra TT...

the Esprit is what I came back to..

[cougersafc]

country said:

wow ian i must say you do have love for lotus.i would never want to own a car to see if i can go out tonight and hopefully not break down.you are a devoted lotus guy.i think every lotus owner that wants to sell needs to ask for a good amount and not give these cars away their limited production cars thats my opinion. adam 03 1/2 esprit

Adam
I have had an absoloute nightmare with my car.. a lot of it was down to my own fault not giving it the care and attention to detail you have to with these cars.. they are def not your daily runaround, I may of exagerated slightly saying it feels like it will break down every time I take her out, thats a bit unfair, Im just hurting a little because of the money Ive spent on it since I got it, I could of bought a GT3 or an S4 with the money Ive spent now.. this pisses me off big style as the earlier models are not a patch on the injection cars with power steering and other refinements. I will get a GT3 soon, Im in a position to buy one now if I can sell mine for a reasonable price, only thing is it HAS to be chrome orange and they are few and far between..

Ian 90 Turbo

[karmavore]

I'd strongly recommend bringing a laptop with Freescan on it along on any test drive in an injected 4 cylinder. It will reveal issues that you may never feel! If I had it to do over again I'd do it that way. I'd also be sure to do a PPI. It’s a finicky car delicate car!!!

Luke.

[paul c]

Bill,

Get an inspection always.
Not just by a good mechanic, but by one that knows Esprits. And one that is recommended by other Esprit owners.

A full service history, one owner, mint condition and every receipt from new, etc...

...doesn't tell you whats about to break, and how much it will cost!!!