Looking to buy a late V8 Twin Turbo

[T5AMX]

Im looking to buy the latest as possible Esprit V8 twin turbo.
Anything I should be looking for.... and any idea's of some good examples for sale...
Willing to travel UK wide.

Thanks

[Le TVR]

I cant think of much to add to what you will find on the Lotusespritworld website. Loads of good information.

Heres an example of 2002 for sale:

http://brdwd.co.uk/cgi-bin/details.pl?v_vin=EG02KA...

Note that it doesnt have the normal 2002 wheels or the full front spoiler either.

[lancia4wd]

I would check that that car is real, no expert but the seats inside look standard and i thought the late model design was different slightly, wheels are not correct but Lotus do do odd things, i would use the lew forum for advice if you looking at the car.

Regards

Nick

[GKP]

The blue V8 (007 of 25th Anniversary run) is real enough, I've seen it at Donny. Oh, and LEW doesn't have a forum, it's just an info/facts and figures site. To chat with Esprit owners you need LEF.

[j900jpw]

Hi,
I've been running one of these beasts for nearly three years. Get one, you will not be disappointed!
If I was to buy another now, this is what I would be looking for:

Full service history by lotus\specialists - serviced on time
The cam belts have been checked for tension every year
The cam belts have been replaced at 24,000 miles or 4 years which is the latest recommendation from Lotus - this is MUCH lower than which is stated in the manual! These cost £1K to replace. If they fail as they did in my car - £10K for a new engine!
Gearbox half shaft seals - design problem - they leak & constantly need replacing. Big leaks will mean low gearbox oil. The gearbox is the weak link & can only just take the horsepower. Seals are low cost to replace.
Check all three cooling fans operate at 100C and bring the car temperature down to 90C in about 3 mins. Radiator problems are very expensive.

Parts from Lotus are very expensive but its easy to source them from other suppliers where possible. For example I replaced all discs & pads. Lotus wanted around £800 but I got it for £300. Some parts are besopke though, windscreen cost me £1400 fitted.

I budget £1500 per year for service costs.

Good luck

[Hedgerley]

If you want me to take a look at the 2002 Anniversary (!) at Braidwood for you I am about 20 minutes away and if you want to head up here yourself I'd be happy to pick you up at the airport/train station and run you along. You can then get a taste of the V8 before you arrive at the garage. It will have to be a weekend or a Monday as I work in London Tuesday - Friday.

I am on my second V8 (profile here - http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EOwners/MarkRigby.... and know their foibles well. My first was a money pit! I strongly recommend you download the LEW checklist before you view any and sign up to LEF. Both are a mine of information and owners happy to share stories!

Edited by Hedgerley on Thursday 10th September 15:47

[superdave]

Hi there,


I sold one last year for a friend of mine but it's back on sale again this year for £25K. It's a 52 plate and has had about £4K spent on it in last year.
Based up in blackpool and advert is on this site.
I know the new owner too and he's really looked after it!

Regards,



David Walters