Discussion
I'm in the market for one of these gorgeous cars and I've been talking to a seller on ebay about one
[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6312&item=4557162649&rd=1[/url]
Should I be concerned about a V8 that hasn't had cylinder head problems? I thought it was a problem on all early V8's...
The sellr said no work has been done. He also said it has no mufflers (which also concerned me, because he said that most V8's don't)
What say all? Any other stuff I should be asking him about this car?
He said its not been modded, except for the steering wheel.
[url]http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6312&item=4557162649&rd=1[/url]
Should I be concerned about a V8 that hasn't had cylinder head problems? I thought it was a problem on all early V8's...
The sellr said no work has been done. He also said it has no mufflers (which also concerned me, because he said that most V8's don't)
What say all? Any other stuff I should be asking him about this car?
He said its not been modded, except for the steering wheel.
Hi There mate,
All V8's before June 2000 are suseptible to liner failure due to them being sealed using a locktite sealer rather than the new holymer compound. Have a look at Lotusespritworld.com, you find out all you will need to know there.
You may be in luck and have no problems, I havn't with my Nov 98 V8, but I would take this into account when buying.
Cheers,
Stevie
All V8's before June 2000 are suseptible to liner failure due to them being sealed using a locktite sealer rather than the new holymer compound. Have a look at Lotusespritworld.com, you find out all you will need to know there.
You may be in luck and have no problems, I havn't with my Nov 98 V8, but I would take this into account when buying.
Cheers,
Stevie
I've just bought a 2000 V8 GT this week. I personally wanted a V8 that had the liner work done. Mine was done by Hethell the year before last 6K ago. So I should be OK.
Iam not sure how much Lotus pay towards the cost these days but I would allow some cash aside incase this ever happens.
Dave Walters
Iam not sure how much Lotus pay towards the cost these days but I would allow some cash aside incase this ever happens.
Dave Walters
SteviebV8Esprit said:
Hi There mate,
All V8's before June 2000 are suseptible to liner failure due to them being sealed using a locktite sealer rather than the new holymer compound. Have a look at Lotusespritworld.com, you find out all you will need to know there.
You may be in luck and have no problems, I havn't with my Nov 98 V8, but I would take this into account when buying.
Cheers,
Stevie
Take it into account? How? Should I lower my offer price, and if so, by how much?
It seems (from LEW) that the problem could manifest itself over time, and a seller could mask the failure by merely adding coolant. Any simple ways to spot this?
I'm sort of wary of buying a car that could be already showing signs of the problem (to the seller)but not disclosed by him.
'Kenna
Liner failure is relatively easy to spot as it produces the same signs as a head gasket failure:
Rising oil level: check oil on dipstick, is it above the high mark ?
Dropping coolant level: can't be checked on an isolated visit.
Scum in the oil: creamy deposits on the underside of the engine oil filler.
Oil in coolant: small tadpoles of oil floating in the coolant and a strange smell to the coolant. Normal coolant smells musty but becomes a bit sickly with oil in it.
Rust in coolant: you might see little bits of red grit in the neck of the coolant reservoir.
My advice is have at least six grand in the bank before you buy an Esprit over five years old privately. Better still, buy from a dealer. It's cheaper in the long run as, even thought the warranties are useless, the dealers sometimes help and the factory are excellent.
These cars may not cost Lamborghini money to run...but they don't cost Ford money either. Always allow for a four figure maintainance bill every year.
Don't want to bring a downer on your purchase but buying an Esprit is partly a decision of the head even if it is mostly a decision of the heart. Don't be scared off if you really want one but you've got to love these cars to stop you from hating them when they go wrong...What did The Residents say ?..."Everything that gives us pleasure also gives us pain to measure it by"
Rising oil level: check oil on dipstick, is it above the high mark ?
Dropping coolant level: can't be checked on an isolated visit.
Scum in the oil: creamy deposits on the underside of the engine oil filler.
Oil in coolant: small tadpoles of oil floating in the coolant and a strange smell to the coolant. Normal coolant smells musty but becomes a bit sickly with oil in it.
Rust in coolant: you might see little bits of red grit in the neck of the coolant reservoir.
My advice is have at least six grand in the bank before you buy an Esprit over five years old privately. Better still, buy from a dealer. It's cheaper in the long run as, even thought the warranties are useless, the dealers sometimes help and the factory are excellent.
These cars may not cost Lamborghini money to run...but they don't cost Ford money either. Always allow for a four figure maintainance bill every year.
Don't want to bring a downer on your purchase but buying an Esprit is partly a decision of the head even if it is mostly a decision of the heart. Don't be scared off if you really want one but you've got to love these cars to stop you from hating them when they go wrong...What did The Residents say ?..."Everything that gives us pleasure also gives us pain to measure it by"
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