Mike6 11 Report post Posted February 9, 2015 I hit 65 several months ago and my back, and other bits dont contort like they did plus a few ignition breakdowns means I am losing confidence in the car. Particularly as a small hose leak means I couldnt use the car this weekend and its back underneath again - I wouldnt let a garage near it! I probably should look for something more sedate like an MX5 but........... Anyway its an 88 carb turbo with only two previous owners (20 years, one person) but without early history although I now have a box file of receipts having replaced just about everything, apart from clutch, gearbox, suspension and radiator. Bodywork is not a strong point and has stress cracking but polishes up well - a respray should be factored in plus some upholstery work to the seats (hardened leather) although I stripped out and restained the interior It has wheels from the newer SE and tyres are all new plus a spoiler from an SE. Can towers broke up several years ago and I did a complete top end rebuild with replacement pistons, liners cam etc etc - cost well over £2k in parts. Head was also professionally overhauled. It has stainless noisy exhaust. Havent a clue as to mileage Will probably keep until after the 40th aniv meets but wouldnt mind a ball park idea on price to sell - all I see are silly prices. Would £5 - £6k sound about right. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbclotus 494 Report post Posted February 10, 2015 I think to cheap.Good luck Mike Se turbo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theelanman 399 Report post Posted February 10, 2015 if its tidy......and you've got the file of bills..... I dunno......£10k seems general ball park these days...... seems like the rough ones go for cheap money.... youre on a Stevens car rather that a G car........ just going off what Ive seen on the car sales web sites over the years....... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Blanchard 1,348 1 Vehicles Report post Posted February 10, 2015 I'd put it up at £9-10k. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,764 Report post Posted February 12, 2015 Im looking for an esprit and can do a swift deal My budgets not huge - around 7k ish - but would not mess anyone around My numbers 07975 835372 Cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike6 11 Report post Posted February 15, 2015 Hi Barry For some reason just looking at it in the garage and I am love struck again. Selling is really tempting but think I might give her one more go or a year or two before I have to throw in the towel. Good luck with your search - not sure you will find much in that price bracket but people do ask silly prices these days. Are you coming to the TLF lotus day at Merecedes World in May - a good way to meet a lot of Esprit owners and someone may be interested in taking your cash Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,764 Report post Posted February 16, 2015 Mike I can so understand that. I have people telling me i must be mad to even consider a lotus esprit. But I don't care...... If it breaks ....I will fix it......if I can't I will look at it. They really are a thing of complete beauty - proper artwork...... Think the wife might get grumpy if it breaks and I put the car in the lounge to look at though...... I will have one by May - once I've got one - I will be booking my place at the merc day... Cheers Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 8,102 4 Vehicles Report post Posted February 16, 2015 Those people have probably never been closer to an Esprit than on the page of a magazine. Well maintained cars are reliable, its the cheapskate owners who skimp on looking after them that cause issues! 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,764 Report post Posted February 16, 2015 Thanks bibs - that's just what I need to read. I'm just hoping the one I buy would have been well cared for and the bills aren't all last minute strap ups...... Only time will tell... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike6 11 Report post Posted February 16, 2015 A well cared for Esprit for £7k - I think you will be looking for a long time, but you never know. Personally I havent seen one at that price for a number of years, apart from the odd one or two that needed towing away for a complete renovation. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lotusespritse 42 1 Vehicles Report post Posted February 16, 2015 (edited) So sad when someone buys one of these cars with all the money that they have in this world, and then they have nothing left to care for the car. I'm not advocating that people spend Ferrari money to keep these cars up, but there should be some sort of organization that prevents cruelty to Lotuses by owners that can't afford to take care of them. Just browsing the cars for sale, you can see loads that have been neglected for years by people that couldn't even afford a garage to park the car out of the weather. Edited February 16, 2015 by lotusespritse Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,764 Report post Posted February 16, 2015 I've upped the purchase budget and am still looking. The ongoing maintenance I'm not worried about. It's the initial capital cost. Have a large garage with two post lift and plenty of space to work - so it'll never see the rain with me. There are cars out there - I just don't want a retail motor, don't need A concours one either. Just one that hasn't been run into the ground...... I know specialist servicing can be expensive- but anyone competent can keep one of these cars in tip-top condition for frankly Bmw service maintenance budgets Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
