Future Esprit owner, Q's about fair pricing...
Discussion
Hello there!
I've been drooling over the Esprit since the mid-80's (I'll be 24 soon), and I have recently started shopping for a clean one. Although I don't plan to actually buy one for a year or so, I wanted to start my search now, just in case the cherry of a car pops up.
I'm in southern California, and I'm looking to spend a maximum of $25k (although, I'd stretch to $30k to get "the one"). I am ideally looking for an '89 SE, but I would consider any 88-93 specimen in good shape and in my price range.
I'm wondering...what should I expect to pay for a good 89 SE, around 50k miles, with all major service performed?
Also, do you think this would be a good model to go with for a first-time Lotus owner? Any feedback is appreciated. I know it's a general question, but I want to soak up as much info as I can. Thanks, and I'll be around for a while!
Sean
'90 Lysholm-charged VW Corrado
I've been drooling over the Esprit since the mid-80's (I'll be 24 soon), and I have recently started shopping for a clean one. Although I don't plan to actually buy one for a year or so, I wanted to start my search now, just in case the cherry of a car pops up.
I'm in southern California, and I'm looking to spend a maximum of $25k (although, I'd stretch to $30k to get "the one"). I am ideally looking for an '89 SE, but I would consider any 88-93 specimen in good shape and in my price range.
I'm wondering...what should I expect to pay for a good 89 SE, around 50k miles, with all major service performed?
Also, do you think this would be a good model to go with for a first-time Lotus owner? Any feedback is appreciated. I know it's a general question, but I want to soak up as much info as I can. Thanks, and I'll be around for a while!
Sean
'90 Lysholm-charged VW Corrado
Sean
best place to start is by reading as much as you can.
Check out www.espritfactfile.com and www.lotusespritworld.co.uk these are invaluable and contain answers to most of the questions raised by first time owners/buyers.
Also, i suggest joining up on the yahoo group for the esprit - as you're in the US - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/turboesprit/
more than 1000 esprit owners worldwide on this list - there isn't a question they can't answer ;-) LCUSA guys also subsribe to this list and their input can be invaluable.
Finally www.lotuslist.com/ is the best place to contact other owners in southern ca. Tell Gordonie i said 'hi'.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Rob
98 V8-GT (UK)
best place to start is by reading as much as you can.
Check out www.espritfactfile.com and www.lotusespritworld.co.uk these are invaluable and contain answers to most of the questions raised by first time owners/buyers.
Also, i suggest joining up on the yahoo group for the esprit - as you're in the US - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/turboesprit/
more than 1000 esprit owners worldwide on this list - there isn't a question they can't answer ;-) LCUSA guys also subsribe to this list and their input can be invaluable.
Finally www.lotuslist.com/ is the best place to contact other owners in southern ca. Tell Gordonie i said 'hi'.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Rob
98 V8-GT (UK)
Rob,
Thank you for the prompt response! I will check out all of those links. I can't wait to be a fellow Lotus owner...some of the most beautiful automobiles to ever grace the asphalt. I trust they're as much fun to drive as they are to admire!
Incidentally...I have started researching the history of the company. There's one thing I can't seem to find though. What is the origin of the Lotus badge/logo, and what does it mean? Have you found this info anywhere??
Thank you for the prompt response! I will check out all of those links. I can't wait to be a fellow Lotus owner...some of the most beautiful automobiles to ever grace the asphalt. I trust they're as much fun to drive as they are to admire!
Incidentally...I have started researching the history of the company. There's one thing I can't seem to find though. What is the origin of the Lotus badge/logo, and what does it mean? Have you found this info anywhere??
The badge contains all of Colin Chapman's initials...
Also, find one and drive one. If you join the Esprit list, there may be an owner in your area that will be happy to take you out for a drive/ride. In the short time that I have owned my V8, I have found Esprit owners to be the most "willing to share" exotic car owners that I have ever met. Enthusiastic would be an understatement.
ErnestM
Also, find one and drive one. If you join the Esprit list, there may be an owner in your area that will be happy to take you out for a drive/ride. In the short time that I have owned my V8, I have found Esprit owners to be the most "willing to share" exotic car owners that I have ever met. Enthusiastic would be an understatement.
ErnestM
Sean,
You won't be dissapointed with the Esprit as long as you do your research and find a well maintained car. I was lucky and found a silver 93 recently with only 31,xxx miles on it. I may be in the market to sell mine as I am going thru a divorce. Can't promise you as I will find any way to keep it. If you e-mail me I will keep you notified.
GREG
jenozzy@earthlink.net
You won't be dissapointed with the Esprit as long as you do your research and find a well maintained car. I was lucky and found a silver 93 recently with only 31,xxx miles on it. I may be in the market to sell mine as I am going thru a divorce. Can't promise you as I will find any way to keep it. If you e-mail me I will keep you notified.
GREG
jenozzy@earthlink.net
The previous answers are all very good ones. I'm sure you're also looking for something a little more direct. Having just bought a car of that era (93 SE) I think for one in good shape, you'll most likely need to stretch above 25K. The cars can be had for that, but you want a car you don't have to spend the extra 5K on in immediate service/repair.
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