Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 12, 2015 Hi I've dreamed of owning an esprit all my life Now getting older and want one. My budgets not massive at about £7k ish maybe slightly more but I can do a deal quickly simply and easily I've just cleared out my mk2 spitfire and vitesse 6 and want to have something taking up the space in the garage!! I have no huge preference s2/3/4 - colour is not relevant to me My number is 07975835372. Txt anytime - but no calls after 9pm please Mot and on the road is preferred Someone please make me a happy man ........... Cheers Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 8,167 4 Vehicles Report post Posted February 12, 2015 Welcome to TLF Barry Is that your total budget? If you're looking for a car nowadays at that sort of price sadly (for you) you'll be needing similar to get it up to speed. The age old mantra is that there's no such thing as a cheap Esprit means that if you buy a car for that sort of price it'll need a decent amount of work no doubt. That will be easier if you're handy with the spanners but if you're expecting to outsource the work you'll struggle to get a decent car for that kind of sum by the time you're done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 12, 2015 Hi bibs Thanks - frustratingly enough I missed out on a 1994 fsh 2.2 turbo at 7.5k Monday - he offered it me - but I still had the vitesse 6 Doh The vitesse 6 has gone but alas so has the esprit My hunt will go on - there's always a deal to be had There was a lovely s2 at brightwells last year in yellow which went for 6k ish - so I'm optimistic If not - it'll be another classic triumph as a stop gap for the true dream Cheers Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 8,167 4 Vehicles Report post Posted February 12, 2015 You'll see most Esprits for sale on here at some point, happy hunting! Just remember that the cheap ones will have a nice bill just around the corner! '94 cars (which will be an S4 I'd have thought) usually range from 12k upwards nowadays, some even being advertised closer to 20... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slewthy 168 Report post Posted February 12, 2015 Welcome Barry! FWIW, I bought my S3 NA about 5 years ago for around £5.5k. I ended up restoring it due to an accident but having seen the internals, I am in no doubt that to have it still running now would have cost in excess of £2-£3k anyway. I think your budget calculations need not only to include purchase but several critical component replacements, either by yourself or by appropriate specialists. I would therefore add around 20% to the purchase costs to get you near driving-happy-reality. The yearly running costs will be model dependant but I have been impressed by how little mine costs me (I do most of my own work) Good luck in finding one. I have not looked back even through the very hard times. First job though, is to get full forum membership! Simon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramjet 841 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 I'm not sure about the prices over in the UK. Bibs will definitely know so someone to listen to there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
a7esk 66 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 Lowest price on Pistonheads is a little more http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/lotus/esprit/lotus-esprit-s3/3154007 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wilf 22 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 A more average condition s3 na or s2 would be within budget and give very reasonable running costs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slewthy 168 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 Lowest price on Pistonheads is a little morehttp://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/lotus/esprit/lotus-esprit-s3/3154007 Very tidy looking but that seems over priced by some margin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 I'm sure I can get something for my money - I have no doubt Have had a couple of interesting offers today - thanks to those who have contacted me, so far they are slightly too much or in foreign countries!! I'm sure I can sort a deal somehow..... I would consider anything - I do like the look of the Stevens esprits and simply have to have one The maintenance issues people worry about - doesn't phase me - if it's got to come apart and be fixed I shall be rolling my sleeves up....... Insurance for me has been quoted at £140 fully comp !!! How cheap is that Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Esprit SE 86 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 Youve just missed a red SE on ebay that went for 8350 i think? Sold in 24 hours for a quick sale, thats the lowest price obe ive seen in years Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 13, 2015 Yes - he offered it me monday for 7500!!! I had just bought a vitesse 6 1964 - which I have now moved on. A lotus is the next purchase!! Cheers Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buddsy 1,349 1 Vehicles Report post Posted February 13, 2015 I would consider anything - I do like the look of the Stevens esprits and simply have to have one The Stevens cars are still the best value. I think they are too new to be classic cars and too old to be new cars. That said as the styling of the 90s for me has passed its worst and I find myself looking at the Excels thinking "now thats looking really nice" Even those 90s wheels which used to put me off totally have a certain charm about them. Good luck though you seem to know how to deal! Buddsy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 Thanks buddsy I am more keen on the Stevens esprits to be honest. One will come up for sure - the hunt goes on. Come on someone - you know that space in the garage needs clearing!!!!!! Buy the wife a new dress and take her out for that valentines meal - in a car that'll make it there and back!!!'http://scutt.eu/ad/1624741/ Anyone know anything about this one?.. Could possibly get a deal on her Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rocket63 135 1 Vehicles Report post Posted February 14, 2015 Personally I haven't seen an 1993 onwards S4 under 14K for quite a while with the exception of a £9.9K Salvage S4. The SE that precedes that are also advertised past the 12K mark. X180 Stephens are advertised up to 14K currently and good S3 Turbo and NA go higher than this. I look at the advertised prices every day and there is little or nothing on the market below £11k currently The Red Esprit would appear to be a once in a lifetime at that price in the current market. I dont see where the next £8k Esprit is coming from presently, unless it needs a deal of work to be done it? Thanks buddsy I am more keen on the Stevens esprits to be honest. One will come up for sure - the hunt goes on. Come on someone - you know that space in the garage needs clearing!!!!!! Buy the wife a new dress and take her out for that valentines meal - in a car that'll make it there and back!!!'http://scutt.eu/ad/1624741/ Anyone know anything about this one?.. Could possibly get a deal on her Hi Barry It is this one bud http://www.gumtree.com/p/lotus/lotus-esprit-turbo-fh-only-59k-immaculate-car/1098396302 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 Yeah that's the one - it's up in Manchester Hoping for a slightly better deal There's always cars available - and I'm happy to wait - some folks need the cash fast - and I can sure do that for them Cheers Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbclotus 494 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 Do not do it Barry .You know A se Turbo makes more sence.....Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 As much as White is not my preference - the colour combo with the interior trim looks lovely I'm really not bothered with na / turbo / se etc ..... All would be somewhat better to drive than the 1960's spitfires/ heralds/ vitesse that I'm so fond of........ I'm sure your biased some what - but what do you reckon the best choice is and why.? Cheers Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bibs 8,167 4 Vehicles Report post Posted February 14, 2015 Drive them before you make your mind up. The SE has over 50% more power than the NA and a few more refinements. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cbclotus 494 Report post Posted February 14, 2015 They are all great cars.On our roads today.It really does not matter.210 bhp Or 264 se turbo Both would feel plenty quick enough.MikeThe White one looks a nice car.Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 15, 2015 Bibs Thanks for that - I will avoid the na - unless a great deal is offered I'm more than certain I will be getting an x180 Stevens car now Cheers Barry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Blanchard 1,361 1 Vehicles Report post Posted February 15, 2015 That white Turbo looks in nice condition. The front looks low, my guess is the front springs are sagging and will need replacing. Also it doesn't come with full service history, so it's probably done more than the stated mileage. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 15, 2015 Mark Thanks for that. - I'm thinking of going to have a good look at her next week. My vitesse has just gone - so there's now a lot of empty space in my garage needs filling Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pete 978 Report post Posted February 15, 2015 mark at stocks might be worth a ring as when i was there last week he had an unusual spec esprit s needing some work .It is injected but not chargecooled http://www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EModels/Esprit_S.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barrykearley 4,804 Report post Posted February 15, 2015 Thanks for that - I've spoke with him in the last hour or so about that very car I believe - red 91 turbo? I'm hoping I can get a deal done somewhere so I can be blasting around in the spring!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
