In the market for a used Esprit V8...

[trash]

Hi there all,

I've always been an Elise man (had three now), but as I get older I'm starting to think that it's a little 'boyish' for me. I still love Lotus cars of course, so the natural progression would seem to be to get a used Esprit V8. I'm thinking of getting the most recent I can (post 2000), and have seen several in the 20-25K bracket.

Now, the Elises I've had have proved to be extremely reliable, but I get the impression that the Esprit will not be so user friendly.

Can anyone tell me what I'm likely to experience if I use an Esprit V8 as a daily commuter and run around, as well as weekend fun of course. (We also have a Ford Focus for load carrying so that's not a problem).

Is it going to be a financial nightmare? Will it constantly let me down? Or will I never look back?

All advice and pointers much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Graham

[Tentenths]

You'll find loads of useful information on buying/running V8s over on LotusEspritForum and LotusEspritWorld

[trash]

Thanks for that...every bit of info much appreciated!

Graham

[CMB123]

Have you checked the info and model details on lotusespritworld.co.uk ?
Had an 1989 NA and 1990 turbo myself which I loved (and not too expensive to run if kept well). Have had an Escort and 307 that were more to run and the Esprits were my daily drive all year round.
Always fancied a V8 or GT3 (hens teeth) but finances won't allow. Have you considered a Sport 350 as these are awesome cars and a real "grown up" supercar, can be had for similar or less than a 2000 and above V8. Incidentally (no connection at all) there is the original 1999 press car Sport 350 on LEW.

Cheers

[Le TVR]

I originally had the idea of a Sport350 but after reading all the stories about the cylinder liners in the V8 engine I went for a late V8 instead.

All details on the V8 liner issue can be found on the LEW website.

[snuffy]

All the Sport 350s will have had their liners done under warranty by now. I had a 350 for 2.5 years and I would agree it's a monster.

[trash]

Hi guys,

Thanks for that...the model I'm considering is the 2002/3 final Esprit...had they sorted out all the bugs by then?

Graham

[Tentenths]

The liner issues were pretty much sorted by 1999 so you should be ok.

Edited by Tentenths on Thursday 11th October 00:33

[Dodgey_Rog]

trash said:

Hi guys,

Thanks for that...the model I'm considering is the 2002/3 final Esprit...had they sorted out all the bugs by then?

Graham

I know of a pretty well sorted V8 SE that might be available, its a 2000X and an ex Lotus Directors car and has all the later mods on it, lovely spec, PM me and i'll furnish you with the details.

Rog.