GT3? To buy or not to buy?

GT3? To buy or not to buy?

Author
Discussion

GruFFnuT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

200 months

Wednesday 19th January 2011
quotequote all
Hi Esprit peeps,

I've not posted on PH for a very long time since I parted company with my TVR Tamora.
Grieving over, I am ready to move on. Having been looking around for a while at what's out there and finding nothing that excites me, I saw an Esprit and remembered just how beautiful they are. I looked at one lovely example that was way out of budget, so straight onto Auto Trader I went. With my limited budget in mind I've found a 1997 GT3 48k on the clock and £12,995 asking price. Being a 2 litre turbo and I don't imagine there would be exorbitant running costs or am I deceiving myself on that one?

Now, I can be impulsive when it comes to cars and I know that if I go and see it, I'll end up leaving a deposit.

So, the question is this? What advice can you give me in respect of being a first time Esprit buyer and would this car be a good buy for someone who really does appreciate the Esprit but doesn't have a lot of dosh.

I had an Elise S2 before the Tam which was fun, but although having never driven an Esprit, I feel it's in a different league from both of my previous cars.

I realise I've waffled on, but any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers guys

Bibs_LEF

790 posts

212 months

Wednesday 19th January 2011
quotequote all
Buy it.

Good luck with it, look forward to seeing pics smile

GruFFnuT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

200 months

Wednesday 19th January 2011
quotequote all
Ha, nice one Bibs. Judging from that, you know I'm gonna get it. Knowing my luck it'll be sold by the time I get there... Well, if not this one, it'll be another one for sure!

Junglehop

363 posts

193 months

Monday 24th January 2011
quotequote all
Yes... Buy an esprit.... they are fantastic!

BUT DO NOT RUSH INTO IT! read all you can on Lotus Esprit world and the lotus forums... and take along someone who knows their esprits

drive one and you will be hooked!

mikeS350

190 posts

177 months

Tuesday 25th January 2011
quotequote all
I don't know any esprit owner that doesn't keep extensive records of what's been done to their car. Ask for the records and read them over front to back and if you find out where it has been serviced call them and ask them about the car as well. Liner issues always a concern so make sure the owner isn't topping up the header tank frequently.
http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EGuides/ETechnical...
Otherwise, a dream to drive. I never tire of mine.

GruFFnuT

Original Poster:

1,642 posts

200 months

Wednesday 26th January 2011
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice guys.
I've managed to reign myself in and will start researching more thoroughly.
I remember it took me about a year to find the right Tamora and I want to find the right Esprit...

Cheers all