silver v8se 2001 anyone know this car?

[funbobby 0]

hi there, new here just wondered if anyone knows this car at www.ajbcarcentre.co.uk? due to have a look this week.

[Bibs 11,391]

Looks like a nice and well looked after car. First Esprit?

[funbobby 0]

hi, yes first espirit, always hankered after a v8. having come from tvr's not sure what to expect really. just trying to find out as much as poss. car does look nice and seems fairly priced.

[Backmarker 6]

I would say it is very competitively priced.

Mine is a 2000 model and although my mileage is 12000 less I'd like to think it's the same value.

Clearly you need to check the history ( repaired accident damage can for example lower the value ) but it certainly looks and reads fine.

Can't say it would be my colour choice but thankfully we're all different on that score.

Its certainly worth a look.

Good luck

[superdavelotus 124]

Hi there,

I thought I saw this car recently privately. There's quite a lot of things to check on these cars and condition can be worlds apart. The difference between a good one and a bad one can cost you upto £5K easily.

I can't really tell from the pictures but noticed that the front indicator screw are badly corroded. I would have thought such a simple and cheap fix would have been done to make the car look presentable. I would dig deeper and look for the following:-

1. Lipped or warped discs as the later ones have AP brakes and they are £1600 from Lotus a pair. Other companies make copies, don't buy the cheapest as they are just remachined cheap Audi discs from a motor factor.

2. Turbo water and oil pipes for corrosion. There are 6 in total and cost about £90-100 each for parts plu 1.5-2 hours to replace each one depending how they come off.

3. Clutch wear.

4. Wastegate Actuators.

5. General condition of other engine and gearbox parts

6. Tyres aren't cheap neither, rears are 285/35/18. A decent make will set you back £250. Make sure they are same make all round as this is another indicator of the way it was kept.

7. Headlight condition, make sure reflectors aren't corroded.

8. Check to see if radiator has been replaced and look for receipt. If it hasn't then budget for this in the near future £700-1000

Regards,

David Walters

[funbobby 0]

the dealer has had it for 18 months as his own car apparently so not quite one owner car! to be honest i would have to get it inspected so any recomendations on that front?

[Bibs 11,391]

Speak to Max @ Lakeside, tell him I sent you - http://www.lakesideengineering.com/ - They know Esprits a million times better than Bell & Colvill, get the dealer to drive the car there (part of the test drive, they're less than 10 miles away?) and Max will give it a good going over

If the dealer is reluctant to have a specialist check the car on a ramp, or is he's happy to will answer a lot of questions for you.

[funbobby 0]

excellent thanks for the advice, having the indie on his doorstep will make life a lot easier! just need to get over there now.

[Bibs 11,391]

If you don't end up liking it or there are problems, I know of a mint condition low mileage Sport350 coming up for sale very soon. It's more expensive but then it's more car!

[funbobby 0]

im sure this has been asked a million times so sorry but what sort of annual costs could i expect if it wasnt a dog!? owned tvr's and such so pretty used to hefty bills but is the espirit on another level in terms of running?

[Bibs 11,391]

How long is a piece of string?

Under £500 for just an annual service, more for bits that go wrong, if they go wrong. Plenty of V8 owners just service their cars and that's it.

Remember it's a sub 4.5 second, 175mph supercar though so can have the associated bills.

[funbobby 0]

well the dealer is a bit defensive to say the least, very reluctant to drive 10 miles to have it inspected?? seems very indifferent, so think i will walk away on this one, shame it looked nice.

[Bibs 11,391]

Makes you think doesn't it...