Esprit Daily Driver

[nightflight]

This has probably been asked before, but here goes. Could I use an Esprit as a daily driver? It would probably do about eight thousand miles a year, most of that on the motorway. It would be kept outside (TVR Griffith & Caterham 7 live in the garage). I have '06 Exige S which I am selling, and the cash from that would buy the Esprit, so would be looking to pay around 18-20K for an Esprit. Any advice appreciated.

[andyclements]

Should be OK, if (big IF) the car is in good condition mechanically. You'll have to allow for servicing to be more time consuming than a family saloon, so don't assume you can drop it in somewhere one morning and pick it up the next, you may need a courtesy car or alternative transport. Motorway miles will at least mean the clutch isn't destroyed too quickly, and 8k / year isn't too high, so major servicing will end up around every two years anyway.

[surrey7er]

Tip marks for running a Griff, 7 and Exige! you must have a very understanding wife!!

[Le TVR]

Quite possible. I've been using the Esprit every day for a while now. The TVR is undergoing some restoration. However, I probably wont use it every day in winter, just the sunny ones.

[Bibs_LEF]

I use mine pretty much everyday come rain or shine. Use it, look after it and it will be fine. Drive it 3 times a year and expect to be underneath it as much as inside it.

[rob.e]

I ran 4 cyl and v8 esprits as my only vehicles. Yes you can do it, but it's not going to be cheap. Much more sensible to have a cheap snotter for day to day and keep the esprit for the fun stuff IMO.

Check my profile (garage? whatever its called) to see my running expenses. The v8 was expensive but absolutely awesome to drive. Don't regret a minute (or penny!) of it

[nightflight]

surrey7er said:

Tip marks for running a Griff, 7 and Exige! you must have a very understanding wife!!

She is very understanding, but has suggested I need some therapy! I probably spend more on flowers and dinner out for her than I do on cars, so that's how I get away with it.
Thanks to all for the advice. When the Exige has gone, I'll be looking.

[abrussich]

Most definitely yes. I have an 89 which is my daily driver and except for when Ive been out of country or in a situation where I could not use it, it has been my daily driver since 92. It now has 112, 000+ miles on it and is still running strong. The engine has not been rebuilt, I'm on my second clutch and it's still a blast to drive.
If you are serious about getting one, take your time, do your homework and be patient. A good one is well worth the wait and effort.
Good luck,

Al B.

[jbbusybee]

I rsn a GT3 and V8GT as daily drivers did about 20k a year with no problems, however that was from new and they did need some work to the gear box 'splines' whatever that was. Still miss bit cars very much.

[charlesperks]

this question has passed through my head consistently over the past fifteen years. I answered it myself (or chickened out)when I looked into running costs and resale .. I still have yet to own an Esprit ! Damn my feathers - go for it I say

[anonymous-user]

I ran an Esprit as a DD for about three years and the only time it packed up was when I forgot to look at the fuel gauge. It certainly had the potential to be unreliable as it had been standing idle for a couple of years before I bought it and although I carried out a fair amount of much needed refurbishment I never really had the time to keep right on top of things. It lives in Norwich now and is sorely missed.