Lotus turbo Esprit wisdom solicited

Matthew, what a nice and clean example!! I never heard of horror stories about the 4cyl Esprits, there were some issues with the V8 especially the gearbox...

If you do a search here on the forum you might find information, it has been discussed before... if not this site might be helpful : Buying an Esprit

The Sport300 is the pick of the bunch , but I don't think that it has been imported to the US...

my dealer (I own a Lotus Elise) told me once that the V8 cars are for girls and the 4cyl cars for boys (in terms of acceleration and instant power)

 

Matthew, I bought a S4 in May. My two previous fun cars were 911's, air and water cooled. I wish I had bought the Lotus sooner. So, yes I like it, love it in fact. I don't consider myself an Esprit expert. I spent a year+ learning about Esprit's and driving G-cars, SE's and S4s. Would I recommend one? Depends on what you want in a car. I do recommend that you bone up about them. The Lotus Esprit Fact File is a good starting place: The Lotus Esprit Fact File - Introduction and Lotus Esprit World is an extensive site w/lots of info. LotusTalk.com is also good with members who are knowledgeable. If you choose wisely, the Esprit doesn't have to be an unreliable money pit. If you haven't driven one yet, do so asap. You will discover fast I think if it's not for you or if you must have one. If the later you won't ask is it worth it. Good luck. Ken

 

S4S is a great choice. Had an 89 and a 90 SE. Both were money pits. 90 had to have the engine, turbo and inter cooler rebuilt with just 60k on it. Sold it dead to a re builder in Florida who said most of the 4 cylinder older esprit's need internals at the 60k miles mark due to how stressed they are. Fun cars. I think I will get an Exige next year. I am on Lotus Talk. great place to read / buy from.

 

S4S sound is delectable.


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I've owned a s4 and it was a great car for the money. Had nearly 60k miles when I sold it last year. If you're just looking for a weekend ride I would say go for it.


I urge you to drive the car though, you may find shifting it can be annoying. I've also had a Elise and you simply cannot shift as fast with the Esprit, so sprinted drives through the mountains with the Esprit were not as fun.

 

I have three Esprits, including an 78,85,89, They are great cars and a lot of fun. I had a 1994 S4 a few years back and truly was the best of the Stevens esprit's. That car was FAST!