I always liked this era for the Esprit; anyone own one? I'm researching the good, bad & ugly. This would not be a daily driver..... Thanks. Kevin
get the S4S 4 cylinder. i had an 89 SE, and it was fun, when it was running and the check engine light was not on. i got tired of the GM based computer and fuel injection needing attention every week. the ecu is proprietary to Lotus, and very hard to find, and very expensive. i tried to replace mine with several GM computers, and gave up. an aftermarket chip may have solved all of that, but my carb ferraris were less trouble than the 89 SE i had. the S4S is supposed to be much better.
Take your time and look around. Check out the Yahoo Turbo Esprit site. Every now and then a real clean low mileage car turns up. But beware, low mileage is not always a good thing. Sitting in a garage and barely being driven can at times be more harmful than good with Esprits. As good as the S4s was the consensus amongst many is that the later S4 was actually a better car. The S4s may have been a notch up on performance, but it also suffered from certian mechanical issues that the S4 did not. If you can find a Sport 300 that would be the best way to go. Don't be too quick to dismiss a Esprit Turbo or Esprit Turbo Se either. Well cared for those models will run with the rest. The Se version had the benefit oif an intercooler added which adds some extra ponies to the party. For a good breakdown of all the different 4 cylinder Esprit variants go to the Lotus Esprit world website. Excellent source and model guide. Good luck. Al B 89 Turbo Esprit.
i was offered this car through a friend. i am not interested , as i am looking for another Ferrari, but i thought i would pass the info on. "1990 Lotus Esprit Turbo SE, black exterior and dark gray/black interior, 27,500 miles. Dealer serviced, records. As far as I know, here's what it needs: driver door handle repair (I have the parts), oil change (I have a new oil filter) and its due for the timing belt replacement service. Asking $15,000 or best offer. Clear title. Sold AS-IS. Please let me know if you have questions. Regards, Richard home: 770-945-5154 " seems like a decent car. its located in Atlanta GA. Michael
Sounds like a great price (way below market for this car -- motivated seller?), esp. if it's doesn't have any weird modifications and is a clean car (no-accidents). The timing belt will set you back 3.5hrs of labor (~$500). Arnie Johnson (ex-Lotus Cars USA CEO) is in Atlanta and I'm sure he can inspect the car and do anything mechanical that you need. -Chandra 1991 Esprit SE Pearl white/beige 38K miles
Arnie has been back running LCU for quite a while, although the new regime in England may change that. Who ever thought Roger Becker would be asked to leave?
V8's suffered from some of their own problems in the engine area that the 4 pots did not. Not all, but quite a few and especially the 96.5 / 97 models.
correct, however the last generation specifically the 99MY-04 Final Edition Esprits are extremely reliable almost daily drivers.
Had an 89 SE (one of the ones used in filming Pretty Woman with COA). Pretty much I gave up on it, though. The car was repeatedly in for service, but, as mentioned, was a hoot when running properly. At the time, Lotus was sold and serviced by a Chevrolet dealer, which created some issues. Lotus owners, like a Ferrari or other higher-end car owners, expect a high level of service. Chevrolet did not provide that experience. Whatsoever. Loved the looks. Furthermore, I got tired of waiting for parts (when it was a relatively new car). Finally, the paint finish suffered from "gel boil" from the fiberglass body, which necessitated an entire re-spray. And, the job was poor, at best. The next morning, I collected it and took it over to the Ferrari dealer and traded it into a 348. This was, of course, a 100 years ago! CW
