Esprit as a daily driver?
Discussion
Hi,
I'm in the market for a midengine car but my problem is that it will have to be a daily driver. I'm looking at either an Acura NSX or the Esprit (I wish I could get an exige but the evil EPA here in the US won't let us have them) The thing that worries me most about the Esprit is the transmission. I hoping from people who have them if they think that are reliable enough to use as daily drivers.
Thanx
I'm in the market for a midengine car but my problem is that it will have to be a daily driver. I'm looking at either an Acura NSX or the Esprit (I wish I could get an exige but the evil EPA here in the US won't let us have them) The thing that worries me most about the Esprit is the transmission. I hoping from people who have them if they think that are reliable enough to use as daily drivers.
Thanx
Daily driver? How much money do you have?
Seriously, which model? The transmission should be the least of your worries. Avoid the drag races and it is fine. How many miles does daily driver translate to? I put 20,000 miles a year on mine (amazingly I never actually go anywhere) so my repairs are naturally higher.
Seriously, which model? The transmission should be the least of your worries. Avoid the drag races and it is fine. How many miles does daily driver translate to? I put 20,000 miles a year on mine (amazingly I never actually go anywhere) so my repairs are naturally higher.
If you just going to work and back in traffic and don't want the hassle of constant maintenance (well compared to a normal daily drive). Then I'd go for the NSX. But if you want something for the weekend as well and something a little more special. Go for the Esprit.
Gearboxes are only a problem if abused or extra power are put through them. Remember to double-de-clutch and never leave it in gear in traffic (while stopped of course!) and select first before reverse and the gearbox will be sweet.
All gearboxes are basically the same from 1987-2003. With only minor changes to the gearlinkages.
If you get an Esprit, make sure it's a good one and it won't let you down any more than anything else (well other than a Honda of course!) as long as you look after it.
The choice is yours.
kato
Lotus Esprit World.com
p.s. what model are you looking at?
Gearboxes are only a problem if abused or extra power are put through them. Remember to double-de-clutch and never leave it in gear in traffic (while stopped of course!) and select first before reverse and the gearbox will be sweet.
All gearboxes are basically the same from 1987-2003. With only minor changes to the gearlinkages.
If you get an Esprit, make sure it's a good one and it won't let you down any more than anything else (well other than a Honda of course!) as long as you look after it.
The choice is yours.
kato
Lotus Esprit World.com
p.s. what model are you looking at?
I have an 89 with 68k+ on the clock. Use it just about every day. As some of the others have stated there are other cars perhaps better suited but the question is what are your priorities? I have had some problems which, had I have known better, could have been avoided. The tranny is not one of them. If you do some of your own maintanence as well as follow the maintanence schedule, live in a warmer southern region, and do not drive like a total loon, the Esprit should do quite well. I have just had mine in for some minor oil leaks, new belts and hoses, clutch, and shocks. It should now be ready for the next 68. Take your time, look carefully, and enjoy the ride!
It really depends on where you are (snow will not be nice to drive in with an esprit, or nsx, 911 etc) but also what type of driving you're doing.
I know of a guy in the usa who has both nsx and v8 esprit. He uses the honda as his daily transport, not the esprit.
My v8 was daily wheels until last month, when i got myself a golf gti to keep the miles off my v8 (it has 63k miles on it now).
cheers
Rob
I know of a guy in the usa who has both nsx and v8 esprit. He uses the honda as his daily transport, not the esprit.
My v8 was daily wheels until last month, when i got myself a golf gti to keep the miles off my v8 (it has 63k miles on it now).
cheers
Rob
I am not a real daily driver mainly for security reason in the parking of the hospital where I work.
Anyway I take the esprit sometimes for fun or when it is really necessary. e.g. when my wife take my other car to leave her car for services,.....
That is what happen last week when we had a lot of snow. I had to go to work and it was really snowing. The esprit was terrible. Any pressure on the throttle was too much.
I was more stressed than on my first track day. My fear was to be unable to start after a stop in the traffic jam. I had to avoid the tunnels to be sure to do not stop in the jam at the climbing exit. I drove on the right lane the all trip. Probably the only time forever I stay under the speed limit from home to work. You may suspect I cannot drive my car on snow. This may be true with the esprit because I do not try to reach the edge with it mainly for the price and sadness in case of accident. It is basically not a car for snowed street. Otherwise I really like to slide in others cars when steets are wide and safety is acceptable.
While driving I wonder myself how it would be possible to tow my esprit. I do not have ANY hook (front of rear)Does anybody know or experience that (bad) experience?
Ben
Not very proud but really honest
Anyway I take the esprit sometimes for fun or when it is really necessary. e.g. when my wife take my other car to leave her car for services,.....
That is what happen last week when we had a lot of snow. I had to go to work and it was really snowing. The esprit was terrible. Any pressure on the throttle was too much.
I was more stressed than on my first track day. My fear was to be unable to start after a stop in the traffic jam. I had to avoid the tunnels to be sure to do not stop in the jam at the climbing exit. I drove on the right lane the all trip. Probably the only time forever I stay under the speed limit from home to work. You may suspect I cannot drive my car on snow. This may be true with the esprit because I do not try to reach the edge with it mainly for the price and sadness in case of accident. It is basically not a car for snowed street. Otherwise I really like to slide in others cars when steets are wide and safety is acceptable. While driving I wonder myself how it would be possible to tow my esprit. I do not have ANY hook (front of rear)Does anybody know or experience that (bad) experience?
Ben
Not very proud but really honest
If I may ad to the knowledgeable remarks already made, do bear in mind that the Esprit is much more a drivers car than the NSX. NSX is loaded with tech to help the driver enjoy the car with minimal effort. The Esprit is an old school sports car and its new look only diguises the fact that its actually not comfortable to anyone but those with a passion for this kind of motoring. Many unassuming buyers end up selling Esprits after a short time for this. My advice, have a really long test drive and compare it to at least two other cars like those mentioned on typical work type runs.
The NSX/Porsche is far more forgiving and also have better/wider dealer networks. Lotus in US isn't as big as Honda or the like.
Plus, the fuel consumption may be something you want to compare, I must admit I have never cared for it myself so I don't know how good/bad it compares to NSX.
Just some thoughts...
Regs
Nicholas
('92 SE HW)
The NSX/Porsche is far more forgiving and also have better/wider dealer networks. Lotus in US isn't as big as Honda or the like.
Plus, the fuel consumption may be something you want to compare, I must admit I have never cared for it myself so I don't know how good/bad it compares to NSX.
Just some thoughts...
Regs
Nicholas
('92 SE HW)
Thanks for all the replies. The esprit I was looking at was a 00' with 3,000 miles on the clock. I don't think it was driven hardly at all since it left the dealership. Are the V-8s any more or less desirable then the origonal turbo fours, I know the small displacement thing is more of Chapmans tradeamark.
Buy two cars, its cheaper than one.
I run an Esprit for fun and have a cheap small car for driving to work.
That way I can insure the Lotus on a limited mileage policy and there is no problem if I need to take it off the road for repairs.
If I had to use the Esprit every day I would fall out with it in no time.
Can't see out of it, can't fit in it, steering too heavy, attracts too much attention, too noisy, ventilation crap, too fragile, parts too expensive, no luggage space, only two seats, awkward to fix, vandal target, etc etc.
But I love the car. Why? Not having to rely on it too much helps. Dad bought an Eclat new in 1976 and it was always at the dealers. He spent more time in the courtesy car than the Lotus. He sold it on after 12 months of hassle.
If I needed a daily driver, I would have a Jap car without hesitation, but they just don't do it for me...
I run an Esprit for fun and have a cheap small car for driving to work.
That way I can insure the Lotus on a limited mileage policy and there is no problem if I need to take it off the road for repairs.
If I had to use the Esprit every day I would fall out with it in no time.
Can't see out of it, can't fit in it, steering too heavy, attracts too much attention, too noisy, ventilation crap, too fragile, parts too expensive, no luggage space, only two seats, awkward to fix, vandal target, etc etc.
But I love the car. Why? Not having to rely on it too much helps. Dad bought an Eclat new in 1976 and it was always at the dealers. He spent more time in the courtesy car than the Lotus. He sold it on after 12 months of hassle.
If I needed a daily driver, I would have a Jap car without hesitation, but they just don't do it for me...
Im with PatHeald on his comments.
I spend some time in the inner city where sometimes the only parks available are underground or in multi-story complexes. And do you think you can get these cars safety up the narrow ramps without taking out your front spoiler? I don't think so!!! Plus would never try to parallel park in a tight squeeze. Very hard to see out of. These are spesh cars so should be looked after well. Also people dont see ya when they are changing lanes!!! We are just too low to be seen.
I have a jappa (subaru 4wd) for all the practical dirty sporting, town stuff, so dont mind if I hardly ever clean it. The esprit is left for the weekends for open country driving.
I spend some time in the inner city where sometimes the only parks available are underground or in multi-story complexes. And do you think you can get these cars safety up the narrow ramps without taking out your front spoiler? I don't think so!!! Plus would never try to parallel park in a tight squeeze. Very hard to see out of. These are spesh cars so should be looked after well. Also people dont see ya when they are changing lanes!!! We are just too low to be seen.
I have a jappa (subaru 4wd) for all the practical dirty sporting, town stuff, so dont mind if I hardly ever clean it. The esprit is left for the weekends for open country driving.
With due respect to last two posts, I feel you may have missed the point, the Esprit is a super car in the old fashioned vain (i.e. not a Skyline GTR). The things quoted above go with the turf. When trying to use it as a daily drive (and plenty do) you have to consider the route you use and the traffic before. Assuming those are clear enough where you work, and parking is easy like having your own space in company carpark, it should be fine. That usually means you have the kind of job that affords you such extras, but then that's the kind of person that can afford to run a supercar in the first place, not Joe Average. Usually such a person will have a family car for other things anyway. You purposefully intend to put up with such discomforts inherent in this car.
With respect to Esprit visibility etc, it's an open road car, I have found it the easiest of all cars to drive on open roads, the driving pos is perfect for confidence at speed. However, I never take it into the city for obvious reasons already stated. You have to be realistic, it is not the Esprits fault if you use it against what it is designed for. After all, would you go high speed cruising in a 1.0 litre supermini on a regular basis?
Regards,
Nicholas
(92 Esprit Turbo SE HW)
With respect to Esprit visibility etc, it's an open road car, I have found it the easiest of all cars to drive on open roads, the driving pos is perfect for confidence at speed. However, I never take it into the city for obvious reasons already stated. You have to be realistic, it is not the Esprits fault if you use it against what it is designed for. After all, would you go high speed cruising in a 1.0 litre supermini on a regular basis?
Regards,
Nicholas
(92 Esprit Turbo SE HW)
As for parking and steep inclines that wouldn't be too much of a problem, here in Ohio it's rather flat. Parking is in a guarded lot so also not a proble. My contraint is garage space, it's time to get ride of my current daily driver, a 98 BMW 330 and get something new. (my other 'toy' cars take up the other 3 stalls) Thus my problem is what I get next will have to serve as a daily driver. I've always wanted a Lotus so that's my first temptation. I'll be making my decesion soon, so I'll let you guys know which way I go.
The one comment I would like to throw in though is I test drove the NSX today it seems underpowered for a mid-engined exotic. It only has a 3.2liter 6!
The one comment I would like to throw in though is I test drove the NSX today it seems underpowered for a mid-engined exotic. It only has a 3.2liter 6!
FZ,
If it's a choice between an Esprit and an NSX, the NSX will be the more practical of the two, but not by too much. There are aftermarket chips and superchargers to get you more muscle.
But, if you've always wanted a Lotus, the NSX is no Lotus. With the Lotus, you'll get reasonable reliability, superior handling and braking and something the NSX lacks entirely, which is Personality, Spirit, Soul, what have you. You'll most probably just feel better driving it, and will never be mistaken for a Civic or a Prelude on steroids. You'll also enjoy instant entry into this August Fraternity (apologies to Kylie, we love you Babe...)! Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
If it's a choice between an Esprit and an NSX, the NSX will be the more practical of the two, but not by too much. There are aftermarket chips and superchargers to get you more muscle.
But, if you've always wanted a Lotus, the NSX is no Lotus. With the Lotus, you'll get reasonable reliability, superior handling and braking and something the NSX lacks entirely, which is Personality, Spirit, Soul, what have you. You'll most probably just feel better driving it, and will never be mistaken for a Civic or a Prelude on steroids. You'll also enjoy instant entry into this August Fraternity (apologies to Kylie, we love you Babe...)! Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
Hey guys check out the newbee (Nicholas)with his comments here......
"The things quoted above go with the turf. When trying to use it as a daily drive (and plenty do) you have to consider the route you use and the traffic before. Assuming those are clear enough where you work, and parking is easy like having your own space in company carpark, it should be fine. That usually means you have the kind of job that affords you such extras, but then that's the kind of person that can afford to run a supercar in the first place, not Joe Average. Usually such a person will have a family car for other things anyway. You purposefully intend to put up with such discomforts inherent in this car."
________________________________________________
Hey Nicholas, just a little thought, really think hard before you post next time.....There are many many wealthy people here who choose to have dirty cars and drive jappas etc etc (fitness for purpose)
. So if you know what I am and where I work, can you tell me?? 
I think you will be pleasantly surprised what we do in our neck of the woods. BTW I dont think I missed the point at all.
"The things quoted above go with the turf. When trying to use it as a daily drive (and plenty do) you have to consider the route you use and the traffic before. Assuming those are clear enough where you work, and parking is easy like having your own space in company carpark, it should be fine. That usually means you have the kind of job that affords you such extras, but then that's the kind of person that can afford to run a supercar in the first place, not Joe Average. Usually such a person will have a family car for other things anyway. You purposefully intend to put up with such discomforts inherent in this car."
________________________________________________
Hey Nicholas, just a little thought, really think hard before you post next time.....There are many many wealthy people here who choose to have dirty cars and drive jappas etc etc (fitness for purpose)
. So if you know what I am and where I work, can you tell me?? I think you will be pleasantly surprised what we do in our neck of the woods. BTW I dont think I missed the point at all. Not sure I understand your point Kylie, I never said wealthy people shouldn't drive a low price or rugged car, or whatever it is you mean. I'm sure where you are you do match your vehicles to where you live and work. I meant simple that criticising the Esprit simply because it's not as practical as a general purpose car is not rational. I own pretty basic cars myself for other purposes.
As for not thinking before I post, I don't agree that anything I write is ill thought out. Sure some might be flawed due to my particular point of view but tha goes for all of us.
I really don't see what you are laughing at, maybe you should think about what you disagree with and say it directly along with why you think I'm wrong.
Anyway, I also don't just mean to suggest that only seriously rich people should have Esprits, (I am not so myself) I just meant we are wealthy enough in terms of having disposable income to spend on keeping the vehicle well which is higher than most people. But it goes the same for Lambos or Ferrari owners. Porche and NSX on the other hand are somewhat better at being everyday cars as well as supercars.
Nicholas
(92 Turbo SE HW)
As for not thinking before I post, I don't agree that anything I write is ill thought out. Sure some might be flawed due to my particular point of view but tha goes for all of us.
I really don't see what you are laughing at, maybe you should think about what you disagree with and say it directly along with why you think I'm wrong.
Anyway, I also don't just mean to suggest that only seriously rich people should have Esprits, (I am not so myself) I just meant we are wealthy enough in terms of having disposable income to spend on keeping the vehicle well which is higher than most people. But it goes the same for Lambos or Ferrari owners. Porche and NSX on the other hand are somewhat better at being everyday cars as well as supercars.
Nicholas
(92 Turbo SE HW)
My thought: keep the BMW.
You are in Ohio. In the winter, you will be wearing a heavy coat, gloves, boots even. A car like the BWM will be much easier to get in and out of, with heavy clothing. You can track snow into it without feeling guilt. You will also need to negotiate roads and parking lots with accumulated snow--not easy in a car as low as an Esprit. I think you would tire of the Esprit as a daily driver through the winter.
You indicate that you have three other "toy" cars.
May I suggest that you change out one of your other cars for the Esprit, and keep the BMW?
As Nicholas points out, the Lotus is an open road car.
You buy it for fun. It is designed for fun. It is so radical! That is part of its appeal, for me.
But even here in Southern California, I don't drive mine every day. With you being in Ohio, I would be surprised if you would like driving the Esprit every day through the winter months.
I love my Esprit. I think you would come to love yours as well, should you decide to get one (for driving outside of winter snow).
My vote: Add one to your collection!
Dave H
'02 V8
You are in Ohio. In the winter, you will be wearing a heavy coat, gloves, boots even. A car like the BWM will be much easier to get in and out of, with heavy clothing. You can track snow into it without feeling guilt. You will also need to negotiate roads and parking lots with accumulated snow--not easy in a car as low as an Esprit. I think you would tire of the Esprit as a daily driver through the winter.
You indicate that you have three other "toy" cars.
May I suggest that you change out one of your other cars for the Esprit, and keep the BMW?
As Nicholas points out, the Lotus is an open road car.
You buy it for fun. It is designed for fun. It is so radical! That is part of its appeal, for me.
But even here in Southern California, I don't drive mine every day. With you being in Ohio, I would be surprised if you would like driving the Esprit every day through the winter months.
I love my Esprit. I think you would come to love yours as well, should you decide to get one (for driving outside of winter snow).
My vote: Add one to your collection!
Dave H
'02 V8
fusion_zak said: The one comment I would like to throw in though is I test drove the NSX today it seems underpowered for a mid-engined exotic. It only has a 3.2liter 6!
It is only 280 bhp or something isnt it? The esprit is 350.
Jim's comments above sum it up. The esprit will be mucn more fun to drive and have bags more character. Having said that, how much power do you need to get you to and from the office ?!
Neither would be a bad choice. As to which is best for you, only you can decide. Get whichever turns you on. Life is to short for 'sensible' decisions imo
Let us know how you decide to go.
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