Opinionbs on Lotus Turbo Esprit

Besides the 308, this is one car in my childhood that I though I'd like to own someday.

I've read through the Espritfactfile.com, and it basically confirms what I've read before. If you maintain them, they're great cars. But if not...they go to crap in a hurry. Also, parts are worse than F-cars b/c their are a lot less of them.

I've considered one since I can get a 91-94 for about the same money as a 308, only with A LOT more performance. And, the 90's cars seem to hold together better than some of the earlier cars.

Of course, it's not a Ferrari either and 90% of the average Joe's out there will probably think it's a Fiero!

I'm sure you've worked on a few JRV, what do you think of them?

Anyone else?

Thanks

Hi Sean, yes worked on a few {}

the older cars are light, nimble, very quick. I would have to say they are on the hard side to work on and some parts are expensive but not all. There are several good parts sources in the US but some parts have become non-existant.

Overall I like them.

If you find a nice Turbo Epirit they are certianly a lotta bang for the buck.

I had an Esprit SE, and an S4S.....both are awesome......especially the S4S.

I would take either car over a 308......ANY day!!!!

While the style of the 308 is great, one will eventually get tired of the SLOW performance.

I'm a big fan of the Esprit's also, and have my sites set on the '86 / '87 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC as I've always had a soft spot for that particular model. Anybody own and/or work on the Turbo HC's? Would love to hear your experiences with them.

Also like the S4S and later 8-cyl. models too, but would opt for the earlier Giugiaro-bodied Esprit (I'm stuck on the "wedge" thing). Hope to find one in the near future, and was curious what I'd be in for as far as ownership / maintenance goes.

I have had the 86 HCI Esprit (the wedge shape) which I used for a daily driver (literally) and had amassed over 100,000 miles. I sold it with 140,000. Just make sure the timing belt has been changed because when I bought mine it wasn't done even though they said it was (but you can see it plain as day) and it snapped on me. I rebuilt the upper half of the motor since I bent a few valves and it cost me with new cams about $3000. And it ran problem free for the next 4 years and 105,000 miles. Very simple car to work on. The SE and later models are superior though close to 300hp and the cars are rocket pockets and handle like they literally on rails. Very, VERY simple cars to work on and you should have absolutely no problem getting parts. I use JAE out in California and they are the greatest. Their number is 805-967-5767. Very helpful too. I currently own a v8 twin turbo sport350 which I have in a million pieces right now. I rebuilding it and putting forged pistons and a lot of other goodies to make close to 550hp. I am expecting the parts any day now. If you want to see pictures check some out at www.fotango.com/cgi-bin/view_a_picture_all.cgi?ALBUMS=365929
my username is Billsport350 and my username is czissis. Also Lotus of USA is one of the mist friendliest and most helpful resources you can ever find

Thanks for your Opinions.

I talked with a guy from Motorcars International.

He said the S4 and S4S cars ('94 on) and the '98 and later V8 cars were very good and reliable. Before that, the workman ship on the cars was hit and miss. The engine was fantastic for most of the model years, but other stuff would just break all the time and the "Prince of Darkness" Lucas electronics in them were terrible.

Thanks for the opinions guys.

Sean,

If you are still interested in Esprits, drop me an email. I recently bought one after months of research. Have lots of good contacts and info for you

Thanks
James

Sean,
I disagree with the way you go. Even if it is frustrating, and desperate to find the right car at the right price, it eventually comes providing you keep your PATIENCE...

It is madness to dream of a F-car, settle for a Lotus, and starting to find escuses on why you decided to do that.

You will still be looking even after you get your lotus, because you did fullfill this dream.

My take is to stay patient and spend whatever time it takes to get to know people (FCA members, mechanics...), and to ask question about all the cars you hear about. The F-car you feel good about will come, just keep the will and patience up.
It is worth it!!

That's easy for you to say, you're driving one and I'm still in my Accord!

;)

Sean,

I've had a few Lotus cars through the years...and I loved them all very dearly. My daily driver for a couple of years was a 67 Elan S2 roadster. Although not particulary reliable, it was good cheap fun...and a handling fool. Then on to a very nice 1965 RHD Super 7 (the real one)....This car was nothing but pure excitement to drive, and far more fun than any Ferrari I ever driven. The Europa was a S2 Renault powered car. Although it was very tricked out, it was aways broken, though a handling fool, as well.

Although my BB makes me feel great when I'm drivng it, I don't condsider it a "step-up", per se. I bought her 20 years ago, for not much more than a loaded Honda Accord. To me, sports cars are just a passion...and a childhood dream that I can't seem to get out of my head.

The new S4 cars looks great...and perform well. As with any limited production, semi-handbuilt car, relaibility is always in question, IMO. To me, it's just all part of the mystique.

In my daily driver (Audi S4), I have zero tolerance for stuff going wrong. On my other toys, stuff going wrong is just part of the charm...and I enjoy very much working on them.

Regards,
David