Questions regarding a new Esprit
Discussion
Hello all,
I'm new to this board, and have been studying information about the Lotus Esprit. I'm interested in a new 2002 Esprit (US). How are the newer Esprit's as far as maintenance, problem areas to look for and costs? I understand the car has its "quirks" but I would like to know exactly what kind of driving experience I'm in for. Also, any recommendations on a replacement Sport Exhaust system? Many thanks.
2002 Esprit
I'm new to this board, and have been studying information about the Lotus Esprit. I'm interested in a new 2002 Esprit (US). How are the newer Esprit's as far as maintenance, problem areas to look for and costs? I understand the car has its "quirks" but I would like to know exactly what kind of driving experience I'm in for. Also, any recommendations on a replacement Sport Exhaust system? Many thanks.
2002 Esprit
Okay, I'll try and give you some food for thought. Ditto on what Ernest said... driving the Esprit is both special and different, period. If you are buying a 2002 model there's not much to upgrade... about all you can really do is K&N or ITG air filters to replace the paper ones, better headlights (either e-code or the Sylvania HID upgrade kit) and perhaps a Lotus Sport steering wheel or maybe the Raid airbag wheel. Older V8 models can benefit from additional upgrades which are mostly incorporated on the 2002 MY.
On reliability, I have found my 2000 V8 (which I was fortunate enough to buy new) to be exceptional. I had a couple small glitches in the first 2000 miles or so, all which were fixed with zero hassle at the local dealer. I now have 7000 miles and the Esprit has been superb. I just did the 6000 miles service recently and then had the local dealer perform the cambelt service. LCU covers the cambelt service on the V8 for 10 years or 100,000 miles at intervals of 12 months or 12,000 miles. Also, I have a habit of "over maintaining" my cars. I do the equivalent of an "A" Service every 3000 miles and beyond the equivalent of a "B" Service every 6000 miles.
I don't abuse or "beat" the car, but I certainly do drive it and at higher limits. The Esprit never fails to satisfy... only problem I have is that driving it is addictive and I've become jaded by the performance to the point where I don't even think it's that fast. Yet, one ride with a passenger and their eyes light up and they always comment on how amazingly fast the Esprit is and are usually dumbfounded on the handling and braking limits. Of course, I have a full-time smile from the time I turn the key till the time I park it back in the garage.
I and others can give you more details if you like, but I would highly recommend that you visit a dealer and check one out visually and hopefully take a test drive. It's not for everyone but it certainly provides unmatched therapy and excitement for me.
Best of luck in getting into an Esprit.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
On reliability, I have found my 2000 V8 (which I was fortunate enough to buy new) to be exceptional. I had a couple small glitches in the first 2000 miles or so, all which were fixed with zero hassle at the local dealer. I now have 7000 miles and the Esprit has been superb. I just did the 6000 miles service recently and then had the local dealer perform the cambelt service. LCU covers the cambelt service on the V8 for 10 years or 100,000 miles at intervals of 12 months or 12,000 miles. Also, I have a habit of "over maintaining" my cars. I do the equivalent of an "A" Service every 3000 miles and beyond the equivalent of a "B" Service every 6000 miles.
I don't abuse or "beat" the car, but I certainly do drive it and at higher limits. The Esprit never fails to satisfy... only problem I have is that driving it is addictive and I've become jaded by the performance to the point where I don't even think it's that fast. Yet, one ride with a passenger and their eyes light up and they always comment on how amazingly fast the Esprit is and are usually dumbfounded on the handling and braking limits. Of course, I have a full-time smile from the time I turn the key till the time I park it back in the garage.
I and others can give you more details if you like, but I would highly recommend that you visit a dealer and check one out visually and hopefully take a test drive. It's not for everyone but it certainly provides unmatched therapy and excitement for me.
Best of luck in getting into an Esprit.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
quote:
Okay, I'll try and give you some food for thought. Ditto on what Ernest said... driving the Esprit is both special and different, period. If you are buying a 2002 model there's not much to upgrade... about all you can really do is K&N or ITG air filters to replace the paper ones, better headlights (either e-code or the Sylvania HID upgrade kit) and perhaps a Lotus Sport steering wheel or maybe the Raid airbag wheel. Older V8 models can benefit from additional upgrades which are mostly incorporated on the 2002 MY.
On reliability, I have found my 2000 V8 (which I was fortunate enough to buy new) to be exceptional. I had a couple small glitches in the first 2000 miles or so, all which were fixed with zero hassle at the local dealer. I now have 7000 miles and the Esprit has been superb. I just did the 6000 miles service recently and then had the local dealer perform the cambelt service. LCU covers the cambelt service on the V8 for 10 years or 100,000 miles at intervals of 12 months or 12,000 miles. Also, I have a habit of "over maintaining" my cars. I do the equivalent of an "A" Service every 3000 miles and beyond the equivalent of a "B" Service every 6000 miles.
I don't abuse or "beat" the car, but I certainly do drive it and at higher limits. The Esprit never fails to satisfy... only problem I have is that driving it is addictive and I've become jaded by the performance to the point where I don't even think it's that fast. Yet, one ride with a passenger and their eyes light up and they always comment on how amazingly fast the Esprit is
Same here. It feels really 'slow' to me since I drive it daily, but if I have a passenger, I often get comments about how they feel sick in the stomach from the acceleration.
If there is only one word to describe driving it is 'addictive'.
This isn't my first Esprit and I've also owned a Ferrari and a twin turbo Supra (Fast and the Furious). Couldn't wait to get rid of them and get back into another Esprit.
sometimes my esprit feels only quick, not fast.. but it always makes my M roadster feel like a jeep in drive height and a saloon/sedan in interior space... I like the snug esprit.. the chassis/suspension makes every drive a drive... since getting the esprit... the M roadster is now the fiancee's car...
Asking what an esprit is like to drive is like asking your older brother about.... when you are a virgin... no answer adequately transcribes the feeling...
Asking what an esprit is like to drive is like asking your older brother about.... when you are a virgin... no answer adequately transcribes the feeling...
i have owned my 99 esprit v8 for over 3 years now and have 20,000mi and everything has been very reliable. the speed, handling, and seeing kids give you a thumbs up whenever you pass by makes everything an exhilarating experience. the esprit doesn't have the computer aids and gizmos that other cars carry, but it truly connects with the driver.
i have upgraded some components in my car (BOVs, braided brake lines, suspension, Momo steering wheel, etc.) and is still in the process of doing more work. since i am really not that mechanically inclined, at least i do not want to be the source of damage, i have all my work done at the dealership and this has been quite costly. i guess in comparisson with other luxury cars it is higher, but probably inline or even cheaper than other exotics.
it has been stressed many times that the tranny, at least the synchro in 1st to 2nd is rather weak, so i would watch out for that. my car had a defect when i got it (grinding whenever i shift from 1st to 2nd at high rpm) right from the start, but Lotus Cars replaced the tranny right away with no expense on my part. also, i simply took out my muffler -i do not know what you can do with the new-style exhaust in the '02; you can probably try Tubi
lastly, service is great. you can call Lotus Cars Atlanta and speak with the parts guy, engineer, etc. easily when you need assistance.
i have upgraded some components in my car (BOVs, braided brake lines, suspension, Momo steering wheel, etc.) and is still in the process of doing more work. since i am really not that mechanically inclined, at least i do not want to be the source of damage, i have all my work done at the dealership and this has been quite costly. i guess in comparisson with other luxury cars it is higher, but probably inline or even cheaper than other exotics.
it has been stressed many times that the tranny, at least the synchro in 1st to 2nd is rather weak, so i would watch out for that. my car had a defect when i got it (grinding whenever i shift from 1st to 2nd at high rpm) right from the start, but Lotus Cars replaced the tranny right away with no expense on my part. also, i simply took out my muffler -i do not know what you can do with the new-style exhaust in the '02; you can probably try Tubi
lastly, service is great. you can call Lotus Cars Atlanta and speak with the parts guy, engineer, etc. easily when you need assistance.
Thank you all for your comments and insights of the V8 Esprit. I knew if I could ask "real" owners, I would get direct answers. I'm especially impressed by the fact that people actively drive these cars and not let them become "garage queens". That alone speaks to the fun and reliability of the car. I also spoke to Jay at JAE (parts supplier for Lotus) and he was helpful as well...
I have seen a couple of new Esprit's and sat in a nice blue one, I guess the next step is to go for a drive. Anyone in the greater Los Angeles area with a V8 Esprit
Again thank you.
Cheers
>> Edited by 2002esprit on Saturday 31st August 19:45
I have seen a couple of new Esprit's and sat in a nice blue one, I guess the next step is to go for a drive. Anyone in the greater Los Angeles area with a V8 Esprit
Again thank you.
Cheers
>> Edited by 2002esprit on Saturday 31st August 19:45
If your looking for Performance the V8tt is the way to go it has sugnificantly better 0 to 60 then the S4s and does 179mph top end, but I have noticed one thing that the 4cyl had over the bigger faster V8's people are working on them themselves. Might save you some money in the long run, but personaly go for it the new 8cyls 99 and up have had a great track record. Lotus has seemed to have gotten all the kinks out of the motor and you cant beat the warranty if something were to go wrong.
quote:
but personaly go for it the new 8cyls 99 and up have had a great track record. Lotus has seemed to have gotten all the kinks out of the motor and you cant beat the warranty if something were to go wrong.
Actually, the 2000 model year is better than the 99. This gets the AP racing brakes from the Sport350 model which are a great improvement on the Brembos fitted to S4s and 96-99 V8's.
Rob.ellis--
Thanks Im in the market for a V8 car and didnt know about the '99 to '00 upgrade. Ill keep all that in mind
Are there any V8 years to totally stay away from. Maybe a bad track record or Recalls things of that sort
>> Edited by DreamMachine on Wednesday 4th September 18:26
Thanks Im in the market for a V8 car and didnt know about the '99 to '00 upgrade. Ill keep all that in mind
Are there any V8 years to totally stay away from. Maybe a bad track record or Recalls things of that sort
>> Edited by DreamMachine on Wednesday 4th September 18:26
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