Newby !

[MatlockPaul]

Hello all, my first time here. 

So here is my story, I am 53 years old and looking at retiring in a year. I was into cars when I was young, owned a 1974 Dodge challenger as a kid. Then the wife, the kids and no money, lol. Have always been into sports cars, don't want to drone on , so will get to the point. Have always loved the styling to the Lotus Esprit growing up, but it was a super car and I was not in the super car tax bracket, lol. I am still sooooo not,lol.

Recently have been watching videos on super cars on Netflix, Fastest Car ect! It has got me thinking I am at that age unfortunately  when inheritance is a reality, not to sound selfish or thoughtless. So I typed in affordable super cars for fun and Bang up pops the Lotus Esprit. I have gotten so excited about the thought of owning one and driving it. However the more I researched the more scared I got. seems like there are some serious issues that would scare the hell out of a Newby like me! I am not rich by any stretch, but could spend 30,000 to 40,000 , but could not be sinking big money after that. 

 

So I thought who better to talk to then those that own , love and maintain one! So I would be super, super grateful for any honest and thoughts shared . I don't want to buy a heart break , or walk away before I do my research. I love the look of these cars and see them for sale for 30,000 or less. I am not a mechanic , but I do all most all my own repairs on the cars I have owned over the years! What are your thoughts, what should I  look for, how much should I spend and can  you find a steal if you look hard enough. what to avoid ect. Thank you for your time and any feedback. Paul

[Dan E]

Paul firstly what model are you looking? Mine is so reliable it even fixed the right hand speaker all on its own today 😂. I would say the best advice would be get one that has been used with a known history, 

[MatlockPaul]

wow thanks Danny for such a Quick reply. First off, not sure on model, more concerned with reliability, or cost at this point, don't have a enough info to tie down my model just yet. Love the idea of a Turbo, but that is the speed thing, lol. Seem to like the look of the later models, the one that have the air intake thing along the running boards , or just behind the rear door. Sorry to sound so stupid , or uninformed . Just a little overwhelmed at this point, not sure where to start to be honest. 

 

How did you decide ? Thank you

Just looked, I love the look of steve V8 ;s car the blue one! 

[Dan E]

It was easy for me I always wanted an S3 Turbo as I saw one when I was 12 back in 1981 and that was that, strangely mine is a 1981 model as well. 

V8’s have a chat with @Barrykearley on that one. As I say do your research on here then be prepared to travel to find one. They are bloody marvellous the only trouble is never get anywhere quickly as you always end up chattting to people so in fact point to point they are possibly the slowest car in the world 

[Barrykearley]

I’ve had 5 now. Started off thinking my first would be a keeper. Was a fabulous car.

my head was turned by a v8 non runner and I made the leap. They are great cars for sure - but you need a buffer of £10k at least sat waiting if she needs work or it goes wrong - if it’s engine let’s loose - you’ll need even more.

it was great - I can’t deny that. But the difference between that and a decent 4 pot is very little indeed. Don’t be fooled by the v8 burble - they are flat plane cranks - and don’t burble unless the exhaust is modified to make it sound burbly. The performance in typical driving conditions is much the same no matter what the V8 willy wavers might say

Ive got an S4 and an S4s. The S4 is for sale and has had all the horrible service and maintenance works done

Should you wish to look at them or have a spin out - I’m more than happy to oblige genuine enthusiasts. Once you’ve been in an Esprit - you won’t look back.

 

[Dan E]

@Barrykearley you might want to check Paul’s location 😂

[Barrykearley]

There’s a Matlock in Canada 😂

theres a few owners that side of the pond with real issues and engine rebuild stories involving head gaskets. It’s a horrendous set of affairs!

[Chillidoggy]

My take - Esprit S4, all the way.

[Steve V8]

9 hours ago, MatlockPaul said:

Just looked, I love the look of steve V8 ;s car the blue one! 

What this one.....

This could be you Paul if you fancy your chances with the V8. 

They are actually very good cars, I'm doing this because I wanted to rather than needed to, but you would be well into your budget with the initial purchase of a V8 and should the worst happen the cost of serious mechanical repair is eyewatering.

The S4s however (not to be confused with the S4) has very similar performance figures, the same wide stance with arch extensions, only minor differences to front intakes, identical interior trim, better handling due to its lighter engine and the benefits of not bankrupting you in the event of disaster due to having half the amount of cylinders and turbos. Initial cost is similar due to most considering them to be the best all round package.

For reference the colour of my car is Azure blue. Hope this helps good luck with the search.

Steve

[MatlockPaul]

Thank you Steve , really great feedback. Working on learning the different models ,lol. Will start looking at the S4s, . If I understand you correct it is  4 Banger and not turbo/ what is the Apx, horse power difference between that and your 8 , thank you. Paul

[MatlockPaul]

If you don't mind me asking what did you pay for your car, and are they a lot easier to get there, being that they where made there? For me in Canada they are some what rare here. I do see a Number in the U.S, and for me there is the the U.s exchange. Not to bitch,lol. they seem really rare in Canada, maybe the odd dealer, but they want to dollar. Are you parts a lot cheaper there, as well? Thank you. Paul

[Steve V8]

S4s is a 4 pot charge cooled turbo, big valves big turbo 285BHP 0-60 in 4.6 same as the 350BHP V8 

[Steve V8]

I paid 25k for mine a couple of years ago, in good condition with good history just needing a little work, Esprits in general have been steadily rising in value, I would estimate the same car today to easily sell at 30k, not that I would ever sell it.

After the UK the USA was the biggest market for Esprits so for a LHD model I would be looking there.

We are lucky to have access to parts here and have a few specialists making NLA parts to keep our cars on the road, they also export so you won't go without.

[Barrykearley]

6 hours ago, Steve V8 said:

S4s is a 4 pot charge cooled turbo, big valves big turbo 285BHP 0-60 in 4.6 same as the 350BHP V8 

Stock figures from Lotus esprit world - might surprise some

S4s

300bhp

0-60  4.6secs

0-100. 11.4sec

V8

350bhp

0-60 4.8secs

0-100  10.3 secs

 

the v8 has a bit more torque - and is a whole lot more efficient at emptying your wallet should the worst occur.

 

[Escape]

Hi Paul,

Don't let the horror stories scare you, a properly maintained Esprit is a reliable car. I use mine as a daily driver (4-pot turbo). They're relatively easy to work on (apart from some hard to reach parts, but even those are by no means worse than most modern cars) and most importantly, there is a huge source of information and knowledge on these forums. So if you're willing and able to get your hands dirty, an Esprit could be the perfect super car for you. And wont break your bank account.

You should really try to narrow down your criteria (model etc), and ideally go and look at a few and drive them. Could be hard, as they're so rare. Once you have the experience, your path will become clear. Both whether an Esprit is your kind of things as which model would suit you best.

Good luck with your search and keep us posted!

Filip

[march]

Please don't discount the V8's, they are stunning cars. Just make sure you don't buy a project (both Barry and I did this - it can be an expensive and time consuming way to ensure you have a good car), just make sure it is one that has been looked after and has a good history file to back it up and you should be OK. Unfortunately good ones don't necessarily come cheap but in the long run it will be the best way to go.

[calvan]

Paul, where in Canada are you? I will be back home in the Vancouver area next week (in London now) and if you are nearby would be happy to discuss Esprit models over a beer and show you my V8.

[MatlockPaul]

WOW ! Thanks all, great feedback. I live in Winnipeg Manitoba, ashamed to say don't know if I have ever even seen one here? First saw on in around 1989, In Vancouver to visit my brother. It was in the underground parking lot, just totally feel in love with it! Have never forgotten it! Calvan, what an offer , soooo wish I could take you up on it! Right  now I could in all honestly be years away from buying one, but I want to learn all I can, that is my nature! I am totally stoked, as my wife loves the look of them as well. Happy wife , happy life ,lol

 

Hope you guys don't mind a dreamer among the ranks, I can live through you all for now, lol. I am just dying to see one for real right now and go for a ride. To bad it costs so much to travel  to England ,lol. I raced cars for a  bit when I was younger, just stock cars and time trials for the most part . Love the feel of a standard , and truly being one with the car!   

 

Just a little bummed , that they are starting to be real collector items and going up in price, not down! However, I believe if it was meant to be it will be in the end. So I must remain positive in spite of my situation! Who knows how things will play out, sometimes life just works for you when you are so focused on things! I really truly appreciate all the great support and feed back I have gotten already. Don't give up on me guys, lol. I want to own one, and where I live it would be extra cool , because it would be so rare! 

[snowrx]

I'd offer you a ride in my '85 Turbo Esprit, but at 1100 miles away you might as well keep on going to Vancouver and see the V8!

 

[Gis]

Bring a trailer is a site you can scan as well. There is a a fairly regular number of esprits up for auction. Should fit your Budget too. As Barry said, never max your Budget out and keep at least 10-15k aside for the unexpected. As said esprits are reliable if looked after. Unfortunately many have not been treated that well. 

[MatlockPaul]

Thank you for all the feed back. At this point to be totally honest, I love these cars, and have been doing a tone of research. but I am soo scared of the talk of reliability issues! I am now considering a Porsche 944. I know in my heart this is partly because I cant even sit in a Lotus Esprit any time soon, don't mean to wine ,lol .Have  not made any real decisions. I love the design and look of the .lotus, but its hard to truly desire  a car you have never even been for a ride in! I do love the thought of the V8 a little more! Please don't give up on me yet.,lol. I am sure you all had your fear before buying you car. There are tons of Porsches here, and while  they have high maintenance  costs, parts are not hard to get!.

 

What are the things I need to look at when the time comes for a car, in a Lotus Esprit, to not buy a V 8 money pit! I see them priced from about 20,00 to over 60,000, which is way over my humble budget. All in with ten grand or so set aside for any issues, I need to pay no more than about 20 to 30 grand for the car. I I have read that after about 2000 they where  built more reliable, but purchase price really jumps for later models. What  are your thoughts on this? Has anyone rebuilt their engines to get more power. what are the common problems and issues I need to be wary of when first starting out! 

 

With the Losus , are they ways to get more horse power , without making major changes? Has anyone done this with their cars!  They do seem to come across as a car you could do this with? Don't mean to offend those that are really in to restoring a car to original. I get this, but I am more into Making it custom, without going to far from original! ,  

[Barrykearley]

I’d swerve a pork and jump for an S4 chap. You know it makes sense

[EGTE]

Porsches are far from reliable and I've had a few.

Have you thought about an Evora? Toyota engine and gearbox, so way better than anything German.