Are the late V8 Esprits reliable?

[Creditcrunch]

Hi all,

I am currently pondering various options as to my next car and wanted to ask about the reliability of the late Esprits (2002+ cars). Have these cars had all the design problems of the engine and the car fully resolved. Whilst I understand that the gearbox is still the weak point could I buy a 2002+ V8 and then expect it to cover plenty of miles without any problems providing it was regularly serviced. Has anyone encountered engine liner problems in the later engines?

Is the car basically up to modern standards or is it still plagued with the problems as seen on the older models?

Thanks

[Bazza 2174]

I think that you'll find that the only probelms that have 'Plagued' older Esprit's is having numpties buying them, refusing to look after them properly and then moaning about how they keep breaking down.

If you buy a well mainatined Esprit - pre or post 2002 it shouldn't let you down any more than a similar car of that age. In my personal experience a cared for 20-20 year Esprit is more relaibale than a 2 year old Merc SLK. Which BTW, doesn't mean that I feel the need to sg off all Mercs as being unreliable.

[Dodgey_Rog]

Have to agree with the former, you can't neglect these cars, look after them and they'll look after you. The later ones have had all the modifications completed like engine and such like, you'll tend to find that most of the later Esprits were used by Lotus directors so they have excellent specs and of course, all the love and attention lavished on them, the only things that f**k them up is people trying to run them on a shoe string and cut corners with the maintenance, you need to have someone who knows what they're doing to work on these. Unfortunately most of the Lotus dealers today weren't dealers when the Esprit was their bread and butter, so choose your dealer wisely.

[snuffy]

The problem is the a V8 Esprit is a £60k car which you can buy for less than £20k. But, it does not come with bills for a £20k car, it comes with bills for a £60k car. But one for say £18k, then a year later you have a main service, fix and couple of things and have a new clutch ( for example ) and it costs you £3k+. That's what a lot of owners forget ( or rather ignore and hope it will go away).

[Kylie]

The later ones are better sorted but still have issues. They are hand build cars that need loads of attention to keep them sorted. If your not prepared to put up with niggles and correct servicing, I say its not for you.
So the honest answer is no if you want to compare to a BMW, Audi, Porsche that kind of thing.
Most people buy these as a weekend toy and have deep wallets

[GKP]

[Creditcrunch]

Is that real?

If so

I dont suppose you could describe what problems you have encountered with your car and how old it is

[GKP]

It's neither my car or my photo. I pilfered the pic from a chap called Edward who frequents the Lotus Esprit Forum. The picture was taken in May of this year and is genuine.
I'll c+p some of Ed's comments in that thread to give you a flavour of his experiences:

Edward on LEF said:

I have had the car for nearly eight years and use it as everyday transport. Not sure that that is neccessarily wise but it brings a smile to my face at least twice a day.


It marks 33 years of uninterrupted Lotus ownership.

Once bitten, forever smitten.


The Esprit is on its second engine. The first was replaced by Lotus under warranty at 33,000 miles - not leaking liners, blown head gasket. It's on its third clutch although the third was probably premature. Juddering that called for the replacement was more than likely dry splines; the plates were little worn. Perhaps this is attributable to customary double-de-clutching and heeling-and-toeing.

Recent major overhauls include suspension - February this year - replaced with the factory upgrade along with PNM monster 6 front calipers and all four discs.

One alternator overhaul, one alternator replaced. Replacement of most of the front ac components and recored radiator. Recovered (by Lotus) magnolia seats piped in blue along with matching heritage badges. Many stone chips (respray looming, I'll retain the azure blue). Wheels refurbished two years ago.

One of three annual major polishing jobs due this coming weekend; it usually takes two days.

Flattened under-sill jacking plates to be replaced, perhaps this weekend as well. Gearbox oil seals to do - again.

Dealer-stamped full service history.

I bought the car in 2000 from Tom Hartley in 2000: bargain-basement section. Remarkable set-up. Worth a visit although such visits are by appointment only and are for serious buyers only.

Anyway, even though ingress and egress is not as svelte as it once was, once cosseted in the comfy driving seat, that smile returns . . .

[abrussich]

Esprits are great cars if taken care of. I currently have 96,150+ miles on my 89 and the engine has yet to be rebuilt. I had to redo the head but that was due to my mistake. Otherwise the car has been a blast to own and drive for the past 16 years of ownership.
V8's are awesome cars if taken care of, awwesome headaches if not. Buyer beware. Make sure previous owner has all documentation and service records and if possible try to find references from others who may know the car. Go to the Lotus Esprit Forum for info.

[Hedgerley]

I had my first, a 1998 V8-GT for two and a half years and 22,000 miles (before writing it off on black ice earlier this year). It had an impeccable service record, had been well looked after and came with a full set of receipts. In that time I had to replace the turbos, all the oil and water cooling pipes, both front oil radiators and the entire circuit back to the engine, fitted a re-furbished gearbox (broken 5th gear, a common problem), replaced all the sheared exhaust manifold bolts on the left side, fitted a re-furbished radiator (plus all the pipework), new front discs plus the only cosmetic upgrade, the round light panel conversion. Including all the main dealer services, a total of £14,800. In a little over two years. Gulp.

I now have a 2001 V8-GT, bought in June. Apart from a routine A service and new front tires, its been a peach. The previous owner had it for 2 years and did 3,000 miles. He spent nothing on it apart from routine servicing. He had absolutely no problems with it and so far, touch wood, neither have I.

So, whats the moral of the story? I did my homework, knew exactly what to look for, took my time and bought what I thought was a good 'un back in 2005. Turned out to be a money pit. The new one appears to be perfect and long may it continue. My view is you really can't tell. The Esprit V8 is extremely fickle and its just luck of the draw I'm afraid.

Edited by Hedgerley on Friday 17th October 01:38

[Kylie]

Just adding to what I have said before, I have only been in V8 ownership coming up to 11 months now. It’s the sort of car you need to get on top of the small things and get a feel for how the car is performing. If you don’t keep on top of the niggles it can turn into 10 things to fix very quickly. The only things I can fault on the V8 so far worth mentioning are poor electrics and rattly heat sheilds. All the plugs and earths need cleaning up from time to time. Other than that its been my choice to spend $$$$ on keeping it looking great. Regular inspections of belts, pully wheels, coolant level, seals, frequest oil changes and not abusing the car to its limits will help keep it sorted. Oh and frequent use too. To me they are a hobby car and suited to a true enthusiast.

Edited by Kylie on Monday 20th October 22:33