Buying an S3

[malonechristian]

Hi,

I'm looking to become a first time esprit owner. I'm looking to buy an S3 esprit (non turbo) but only have a budget of about

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

<snip>

Any suggestions on what to look out for?

<snip>

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes...

More money!!!!

Sorry to sound obtuse but you are going to need loads of money whichever course of action you choose:

1) Save up longer to get a GOOD car in the first place

2) Continuous and perpetual bills that will hit you because as the old cliche goes "There's nothing more expensive than a cheap Esprit".

Ignore that maxim at your peril.

If you insist on this foolhardy approach then I would suggest you look for one that is in good mechanical order but has really knackered paint and interior... HOPEFULLY it's only cheap because it needs

[Bibs]

There are 4 Stephen's NA's on LEW at present from

[hovgaard]

If you *really* can't wait, you can get them with any faults you like bar rust. What do you most feel like fixing? Do you have any special skills that would come in handy here?

The Evil Doctors advice is good, though.

[WayneB]

RE. Evil Dr. Fish Advice:-

Ways of obtaining Loadsamoney:-

1. Inherit

2. Tons of hard work

3. Criminal Endevours

4. Borrow(dont repay)

5. Become Electrician

6.Stay single

7.Keep living at home with parents

Im sure there are more

Edited October 27, 2005 by WayneB

[cbclotus]

Hi all i think the car in question is mine .not sure if i want to sell it .but might have to .the car does need paint has not missed a beat since i bought her .i have owned four esprits before eleven years ago the last one being a dry sump turbo opw679w lotus road test car also the first turbo to have been raced ex andy rouse pete hall now in haynes motor museam isold it when my daughter was born . i am selling to finance house move my point is you could spend ten grand on a lotus and have as many problems as a four grand car if it does not sale happy to keep it . of all the esprits i have owned i have never had any engine problems at all .new cam belts etc my mate use to work for lotus as a mechanic with steve from sj sports cars just my thoughts mike

[WayneB]

There you go Chris, the car you fancy is owned by a decient Bloke from the forum

Go take a look at it!

[cbclotus]

cheers wayne . pay you later just sent you an e mail at your home .ref tony rudd papers i will send them to you as i said just been busy cheers mike

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

Well it could be you're in luck and found the holy grail... Tatty but mechanically sound!

Get someone who REALLY knows their stuff to check it over and this could well be the car for you - I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for another one if I were you!

[Paul C]

You need at least a couple of grand more

I sold someone a nice S3 two yaers back for a couple of grand more

than you have. Met up with him the other week, and still no problems

and running sweet!

Mind you, i maintained it proper for five years prior to selling, and

needed to sell to get the SE, but there is always hope out there...

...but a LOT of ropey cars at that money too

[WayneB]

2 Grand is mere pocket change for an Electrician

[malonechristian]

Thanks for all your help everyone!