| Author | Message | ||
| Dustin (69912)
New member Username: 69912 Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2002 |
Wow, that Lotus is just beautiful. | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 126 Registered: 4-2001 |
I had a 308, a 4 cyl. Esprit and right now I have a v8 esprit. I just love the Lotus. For some reason this car feels very refined and I have found it to be very reliable. Do not compare a v8 to the 328, as the lotus is a generation ahead of it. They are both fun cars to drive. | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
New member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 9 Registered: 10-2001 |
Thanks, Eric. As far as ownership of the Lotus, I have been hooked. I originally bought an 88 4-cyl turbo and kept that for about two years, then upgraded to the V8 about a year and a half ago. I haven't had any major issues with either and I drive the V8 alot. I would be curious to know how you compared the Esprit V8 to the 328. I am hoping to do the comparison with Rob sometime when we meet up. A couple of years ago I was comparing the 4-cyl Esprit with the 308, but I found the 308 uncomfortable for me, so the Esprit won out. Still plan on getting a Ferrari soon (really want a 308 GT4), but since I just bought a home, I think it is going to have to wait a little longer. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Junior Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 224 Registered: 11-2001 |
Sean...superb Esprit V8 you have there -- it must be a blast to drive! | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Junior Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 55 Registered: 3-2002 |
I love to see the collection of Lotus', since, after Ferrari, the Esprit was the car that always drew my attention. While looking for a 328, I came very close to a '97 V8 like Sean's. Ferrari won by a nose. I also noticed Sean has a '65 Mustang. That was my first car out of college, a red and white '65 convertible. I'm curious--how is the longer term ownership of these cars? I still picture myself owning one day. I think I would prefer the V8, but obviously don' get many chances to talk to owners. | ||
| Sean Ruckel (Sruckel)
New member Username: Sruckel Post Number: 8 Registered: 10-2001 |
Since this thread seems to embrace Lotuses, here is my 97 V8.  | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 82 Registered: 7-2001 |
Eric how are you? The blue car is owned by a guy who is in no hurry to sell and wants ureal money for the car. I believe he bought that one and a late 89 328 and has been trying to sell em for a long long time. The 328 finally sold last spring. The gold car will need a full service and is in major need of many things for the interior. It drives great and I had almost made an offer on it but it just needs more work than I want to put in a car. The seats will need leather etc. Seals on the doors and top etc. Those things. The paint is ok but its got issues as well around the back hatch. Id look into the blue one if he was more reasonable on the price. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Junior Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 170 Registered: 11-2001 |
Dave...have you inquired with John & Carlo about the Blue 308 QV on consignment? We looked it over, but forgot to ask details. Appeared to be in very good condition, but never looked at the engine bay. John seemed to favor the gold carb. 308, and showed us that one while there. At any rate, hope you're able to find you a nice one soon. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2001 |
Tim the S4 and S4S are very easy cars to live with. They are very very quick and yes when one keeps their foot out of the boost they are quite economical. The S4S was only built in 1995 and has 300 hp and was the last 4cyl turbo Esprit until the first V8 arrived in 97. My 94 S4 has just a bit less hp but is almost as quick and the S4 was built in 94 and 95. The S4S has a larger turbo than the S4, has larger inlet valves by 1mm and has a different ECU. I have the S4S ECU on my 94 S4. Ive had 3 turbos and they have all been great fun and reliable machines. Im looking for my first Ferrari right now. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 437 Registered: 6-2001 |
How reliable is the S4S, they look like good exotics to buy, especially is gas prices go up to 1.70 for premium like they were last summer. They really look sharp, hardly like a car from 94 and the performance is great. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 78 Registered: 7-2001 |
2000 for 60k. Thats a good price. Almost too good. But hey its a down market and Lotus do depreciate early on. Have the CARFAX done and check the maint records. If it checks out ok get it and GO!! Ive had 3 turbos all daily for the most part and they have been good. Call 1-800-24-Lotus withe VIN and ask for Clyde or John and they can tell you the scoop as far as any warranty work thats been done. That number is for Lotus Cars USA in Atlanta. You will not find better personal service for any exotic car builder. | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 118 Registered: 4-2001 |
Seems like good price. Find out how much warranty is left on it. Not that you will really need it though I have owned a few Esprits with little or no problems and that is driving them everyday. The latest I have is a rare Sport 350 and is a great car. Did you take it for test drive? If so, how did it feel? | ||
| Argyle Co (Argyleco)
New member Username: Argyleco Post Number: 49 Registered: 3-2001 |
Question for you guys, I can get a 2000 Lotus Esprit TT, Red/beige, removable top (matching color), 6k miles and from an authorized dealer for 60K. Is this a good price | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 76 Registered: 7-2001 |
Mitch!! Yo big 4valve daddy..Im good bout to head to Vegas next week to celebrate my birthday!! Im glad you like the Lotus cars too! Im still searching for my first Ferrari. I want one like yours but they are hard to find. I should be up to Atlanta soon. I will be in touch  | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 425 Registered: 6-2001 |
Dang I just love those S4s and S4Ss. Wonderful cars. DAVE how are my brother?? | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 74 Registered: 7-2001 |
Sorry..meant S4S | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 73 Registered: 7-2001 |
Nice nice S4! | ||
| Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
New member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 28 Registered: 7-2001 |
In use:  | ||
| Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
New member Username: Mfennell70 Post Number: 27 Registered: 7-2001 |
No good pics at work, but here's my S4s:  | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Junior Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 163 Registered: 11-2001 |
Hello Dave... Sorry you weren't able to attend the event. The rain did put a "damper" on things. Was talking with one of the shop owners there (while drinking a hot cup of coffee and trying to dry out / thaw out) and she mentioned that, when the weather is pleasant, the crowd easily reaches 10,000 throughout the day. Unfortunately, I don't think there were quite that many in attendance last Saturday. Did manage to snap a few pics (posting in the Mt. Dora thread under General Discussion), and met several Ferrari, Lotus, & Lamborghini owners. Since I didn't make the registration deadline, I decided not to drive the 308 -- probably was a good idea in the end. Brought a bunch of pictures along, though, to show John, Carlo, & company. I plan to enter the 308 next year, however. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 72 Registered: 7-2001 |
Eric thanks! Did you take the car on the trip to Orlando? How was the weather? I didnt go because of the rain. Glad the visit was a good one for you...Dave | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Junior Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 160 Registered: 11-2001 |
Dave...my wife and I finally paid John & Carlo a visit last Friday. You were absolutely correct in every respect -- they are wonderful people! We would have loved to visit with them all day, but knew that they were busy. John paid you high compliments, and mentioned your fine Alfa. By the way, that gold carbed 308 looks like a good deal (I think it only needs the belts done). Anyways, thank you for the recommendation -- we can't wait to bring the 308 there! | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Junior Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 156 Registered: 11-2001 |
Thank you, Dave, for putting a good word in for me at John & Carlo's place. As luck would have it, my wife and I will be departing early tomorrow for the Mt. Dora Exotic Car Show, and we plan to stop by John & Carlo's shop (pay them a visit, say hello, etc.). The show isn't until Saturday, so we'll have the entire day to visit them as well as FoCF (plus do some shopping with the wife). Good chatting with you again! | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 70 Registered: 7-2001 |
Thanks very much! Dont you want to know how much and how fast it will go?? John and Carlo are looking forward to servicing your car when you are ready. I spoke to them today. I told them you were a good caring owner of a nice Quattrovalve! | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Junior Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 155 Registered: 11-2001 |
Absolutely Beautiful, Dave!!! Thanks a bunch for posting a pic -- been looking forward to seeing your Lotus for some time now -- man, your S4 is the nicest one I've seen yet! | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member Username: Davel Post Number: 69 Registered: 7-2001 |
Here is my 94 Lotus S4 Turbo. Its a fun car  |