Is Esprit going out of production?

[chicagoslick]

Looking to buy a Lotus Esprit and heard mention of production coming to an end. If this is so when might it occurr?

thanks in advance,

gary

[cnh1990]

Next year is the last model year. Parts will be available from the factory for 10 years. Then from after market sources like SJ.
Calvin

[chicagoslick]

Calvin,

I noticed that you were contemplating buying an s4s. I am looking to buy an s4s and am spending alot of time researching. This would be my first exotic and want to make sure I'm buying a perfect example of one. I have admired these cars for years and am very excited about the prospects of owning one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also anyone out there with oppinions please reply.

thanks,

gary

[Roy W. Olivier]

What does an S4s sell for these days? I used to own one, wonderful car.

Thanks

Roy

[Skerd]

There are a couple S4s's for sale on e-bay.

[ErnestM]

Roy...

As with all things, depends on the condition. However, for one that is well taken care of, probably anywhere between US $37k to US $43k...

We have a BRG one here locally selling for about $ 32K but it's history is, er, "suspect"...

ErnestM

[cnh1990]

I would say the price I would pay for an S4s in very good condition and lower mileage would be in the low to mid 30's in USD(Also depends if it has Futurua's and duals). With 97 V8 prices continuing to fall to the high 30's. Yes V8's are listed in the 40's but tend to sit there a while unless the seller in motivated. Many ebay cars are listed multiple times till the owner gets a reality check and sell for what the going price is. A few are very realistic and sell right away or does a deal off ebay in a private deal after an initial contact most never hear of. I tend to hear a lot of the actual sale prices via the e-mail I recieve off list or forum as I have been tracking prices for 4 years, some need a lot of work to bring them up to snuff as the new owners seek advice. Some are indeed very good deals right off, never need any work right away, and can't wait to tell me what a good deal they got. Good for them and proudly so. We Esprit owners get very attached to our cars and tend to over value them. Many regard money spent maintenence as improvements. They are not improvements they are what is required from Esprit ownership and one should never expect to get full value return from them. One should however expect deep discounts from a person who has not done these things Like from a person who says "I had no trouble with this car, all I did was change the oil" or "there are a few minor things that I never got around to but they are easy to fix". It is these people to beware of, if they were so easy to fix why didn't they do them. Either lazy, neglectfull or not financially able they are not the Esprit owner to buy a car from and they are very one that expect to get full dollar for dollar return when they sell. They are not true car guy's. I would guess the prices will stabilize after production has ended and spiral down of prices will slow. After all the new Esprit's depreciating is what mostly cause the the older model prices to fall. I don't think there are many that would pay the same for an S4s as a 97 V8 as there has been many 97 V8's going for 38K with about 26-30k miles reported by a few list members via e-mail. There are a few exceptions to the price rule and that would be for an exceptional example from a person known to be either a finiky owner or a talented Esprit mechanic that has owned the car for a period of time and not bought to be flipped (sold quickly to make money in a short time). Examples of this are high profile Esprit owners like KFM of the EFF, Jim McFaddens G car, and many others who have exibited a high degree of profiency at maintaining or restoring an Esprit. I'm sure their personal cars are the most pristine Esprit's in the country and will command higher prices. A pseudo guarantee of sorts that you will have one of the good ones. Let's face it we have all heard of well I bought this car for a good price but now have spent 10-15K in repairs. I could have bought a V8. While I am looking for a possible upgrade to either a S4s or V8, I am not in a real hurry. As winter is here and I by nature do not usually pay full retail. I took 2 years to find my present Esprit and will most likely keep mine till I aquire an upgrade. I don't mind a fixer upper but it depends on the condition. I can do mechanical fixes fairly easy but to get the perfect body and frame in pristine condition for a good price is indeed hard.
Gary asked about advice about what to look for in an S4s? What is your personal skill level at judging a car? If you are not really good with cars other than driving them consult the local club for help. If it is good or better than average I will post what I look for in car so you will understand what I am trying to explain. It's real easy to explain in person but a little harder via the forum or the list.
Calvin 90 SE

[lotusguy]

cnh1990 said: I would say the price I would pay for an S4s in very good condition and lower mileage would be in the low to mid 30's in USD(Also depends if it has Futurua's and duals). With 97 V8 prices continuing to fall to the high 30's. Yes V8's are listed in the 40's but tend to sit there a while unless the seller in motivated. Many ebay cars are listed multiple times till the owner gets a reality check and sell for what the going price is. A few are very realistic and sell right away or does a deal off ebay in a private deal after an initial contact most never hear of. I tend to hear a lot of the actual sale prices via the e-mail I recieve off list or forum as I have been tracking prices for 4 years, some need a lot of work to bring them up to snuff as the new owners seek advice. Some are indeed very good deals right off, never need any work right away, and can't wait to tell me what a good deal they got. Good for them and proudly so. We Esprit owners get very attached to our cars and tend to over value them. Many regard money spent maintenence as improvements. They are not improvements they are what is required from Esprit ownership and one should never expect to get full value return from them. One should however expect deep discounts from a person who has not done these things Like from a person who says "I had no trouble with this car, all I did was change the oil" or "there are a few minor things that I never got around to but they are easy to fix". It is these people to beware of, if they were so easy to fix why didn't they do them. Either lazy, neglectfull or not financially able they are not the Esprit owner to buy a car from and they are very one that expect to get full dollar for dollar return when they sell. They are not true car guy's. I would guess the prices will stabilize after production has ended and spiral down of prices will slow. After all the new Esprit's depreciating is what mostly cause the the older model prices to fall. I don't think there are many that would pay the same for an S4s as a 97 V8 as there has been many 97 V8's going for 38K with about 26-30k miles reported by a few list members via e-mail. There are a few exceptions to the price rule and that would be for an exceptional example from a person known to be either a finiky owner or a talented Esprit mechanic that has owned the car for a period of time and not bought to be flipped (sold quickly to make money in a short time). Examples of this are high profile Esprit owners like KFM of the EFF, Jim McFaddens G car, and many others who have exibited a high degree of profiency at maintaining or restoring an Esprit. I'm sure their personal cars are the most pristine Esprit's in the country and will command higher prices. A pseudo guarantee of sorts that you will have one of the good ones. Let's face it we have all heard of well I bought this car for a good price but now have spent 10-15K in repairs. I could have bought a V8. While I am looking for a possible upgrade to either a S4s or V8, I am not in a real hurry. As winter is here and I by nature do not usually pay full retail. I took 2 years to find my present Esprit and will most likely keep mine till I aquire an upgrade. I don't mind a fixer upper but it depends on the condition. I can do mechanical fixes fairly easy but to get the perfect body and frame in pristine condition for a good price is indeed hard.
Gary asked about advice about what to look for in an S4s? What is your personal skill level at judging a car? If you are not really good with cars other than driving them consult the local club for help. If it is good or better than average I will post what I look for in car so you will understand what I am trying to explain. It's real easy to explain in person but a little harder via the forum or the list.
Calvin 90 SE

Calvin,

Thank you for your kind words about my car. In fact, I am very finicky about my Esprit. I bought it in near pristine shape 7 years ago and simply tried to keep it at that level and even improve it. As you are aware, it does take some effort to do so, especially w/ a 17 year old car.

While winning 1st place at this year's LOG22 was very satisfying, I keep my car in top shape so I can use it as it was intended. I'm sure you'll agree that it certainly isn't a 'Garage Queen'. I'll toss it through the twisties with anyone. I just so dearly love the car, that if it has a fault or shortcoming, I can't get it out of my mind until I correct the situation. It really helps to be a member of such an active local club where the members are willing to help tackle the really big jobs.

Your advise regarding buying a used Esprit is right on. One should be prepared to bring the car up to standard after buying it and should factor that cost in when deciding to purchase such a rare vehicle. If not, wait another year and let the car go to someone who will be a proper owner.

That having been said, the bottom has recently fallen out of the used car market and Esprit prices have followed the trend, so there are some excellent deals out there. But, while an S4s is one of the few Esprit models I would consider upgrading to, I would not advise anyone to limit their choice to just that model.

This is because of the S4s is one of the rarest Esprit models with few examples having been built not to mention exported to the States. It's a much better prospect to buy a great example of an SE such as yours, than to get a tired and ragged S4s. The best advise for one comtemplating an 'exotic' car purchase of any kind is to get as much car as you can afford. A near pristine example will always cost less than a 'fixerupper' once you factor in the cost of parts and services needed to restore a less than perfect model.

And, unlike other exotics, forget resale value. Esprits simply don't hold their value. Buy it cause you love it or love to drive the way a Lotus can. Be prepared to maintain the car once you've bought it. If ignored, a good car will go down hill very fast. Lotus cars are very well designed, but the build quality, due to their limited production, may not be the best in the automotive world. Any prospective buyer should research the car thoroughly, but equally important, reserach Lotus ownership before deciding if this is the right car for them. It isn't for everyone... Jim '85TE

[Roy W. Olivier]

Here's the specs and production numbers (USA) for the:

S4

www.lotussource.com/lsmodels/esprits4/esprits4.htm

s4s

www.lotussource.com/lsmodels/esprits4s/esprits4s.htm

Enjoy
Roy

[SwedishSurgeon]

Before considering the purchase of an an Esprit, keep two things in mind... parts can be expensive and maintenance .......
can be a bitch. If your looking for a car to look "good" in but cannot afford the price of parts or paying someone to fix it for you, I would pass on owning an Esprit. These are hand-built cars and no two are the same. Owning an Esprit is for the love of the marque, and not to try to impress others. These cars are like kids... they require constant attention and care to keep them healthy and strong. I do not wish to discourage your idea in any way, but just want to let you know these cars are not for everyone. I was talking with the President of Lotus Limited tonight and he told me of a guy 6 ft 5 who brought a 2002 Esprit. He has to sell the car because he cannot fit in it comfortably. Sit behind the wheel and see how you fit which can make a difference before you spend the bucks. At 5'10 my knee is always bent on the gas and no room to "stretch" out on long drives. Perhaps the newer cars may have more room, but it's like a shoe... you have to try it on to see if it fits you.
Robert
'87 Turbo Esprit hci


>> Edited by SwedishSurgeon on Thursday 5th December 04:41

[orisha-oko]

Well over here in atlanta the guy next to my house is selling a lotus s4s for US 29000 the car have 13000 and the car is in excellent conditions and to tell you a tip this guy dont even pass the car over 55 miles/hr and is the original owner.the reason he is selling the car is because he wants to buy the v8 for US 36000.with this i can say that the esprit is one of the best exotics in the market but simply wont hold their value.