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Auto Express Car Reviews
Lotus Esprit
If you think owning a supercar is out of reach, think again. Invest in a used Lotus Esprit and you get a classic mid-engined muscle car for a great price. The later V8 rivals a Ferrari in terms of performance, while on-the-edge handling and a fantastic engine noise add to the excitement.
September 2003
If you think owning a supercar is out of reach, think again. Invest in a used Lotus Esprit and you get a classic mid-engined muscle car for a great price. The later V8 rivals a Ferrari in terms of performance, while on-the-edge handling and a fantastic engine noise add to the excitement.
Early Giugiaro-styled models are now seen as classics, but reliability and parts availability issues mean they're not ideal day-to-day. Later cars, penned by MG Rover design boss Peter Stevens, are more usable - if you buy carefully and are prepared for high costs.
Checklist
Early Giugiaro-styled models are now seen as classics, but reliability and parts availability issues mean they're not ideal day-to-day. Later cars, penned by MG Rover design boss Peter Stevens, are more usable - if you buy carefully and are prepared for high costs.
Checklist
* Engine: V8s are reliable if well serviced, but heavy rain plays havoc with the electrics. Early models may suffer cracked exhaust manifolds, while oil leaks blight 2.2-litre cars.
* Gearbox: difficulty engaging gears is common, especially in hot weather. It's caused by weak clutch fluid lines, which become malleable in the heat and can close up.
* Bodywork: thanks to its fibreglass shell, the Esprit doesn't rust, but look out closely for accident damage. The car's pop-up headlights are also prone to electrical failure.
* Steering: loose-feeling steering can signify collapsed bushes. Moisture gets into the bearings, causing them to perish and split. Spin the wheel quickly from side to side to see if the response is instant.
* Fuel tank: water leaks around the rear windows could be bad news. Trapped moisture can drain on to the fuel tank, causing it to rot, and petrol can leak into the cabin.
Driving Impressions
The Esprit can trace its roots back to the mid-Seventies, and is a handful to drive, with the V8 model offering brutal power delivery and twitchy handling.
But treat it with respect and the car rewards you with great chassis balance and stunning performance, while the steering is among the best on offer.
Glass's View
Esprit demand generally peaks in the summer and tails off (along with resale values) during autumn and winter. Availability is very good, so used values have come under pressure recently. Most cars are cherished by their owners and it's worth finding a well looked after example. Service history is a must, and seek advice from a Lotus specialist before buying. Cheap, high-mileage examples are out there, but they could turn out to be far more expensive than you'd bargained for. Jeff Paterson, Senior Editor, Glass's Guide
Life With An Esprit
The Esprit is great; a proper performance car in true British Bulldog spirit. I've owned my 1998 V8 since new, but when I heard production was due to end, I ordered one of the last. If it's anywhere near as good as my current one, I'll be happy. Malcolm Rawlings, Esher, Surrey
Problems are standard on the Esprit, but it's no more temperamental than any other supercar. Neil Harman, Amersham, Bucks
Pictures
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VERDICT
- The straight-edged, aggressive lines have aged well and never fail to get people staring. It's hard to see out, especially when reversing, but when you get it right the narrow rear window gives a clear view of the road and the engine cover. And it's behind you that the brutal 2.0-litre turbo rests. But when you go to pull off, it's more likely to stall than shift; the hefty clutch saps all the revs in first gear. Try again and you'll find around 3,000rpm works wonders, pulling away quickly.
OTHER EXPENSES
Depreciation:3
Running costs (ppm):n/a
Insurance groups:20
HISTORY
- 1988: Peter Stevens-designed reskin replaces original Esprit's Giugiaro styling. Better cabin, plus 215bhp 2.2-litre turbo engine with Citroen CX gearbox.
1989: Power up to 228bhp, plus new Renault 25 transmission which copes better with output. 264bhp SE debuts. 1991: ABS and airbags become available. SE models boast new rear wing.
1994: Esprit S4 arrives with rounded front end and improved interior, new wheels and standard power-steering. 1997: V8 introduced, with 349bhp in-house engine offering incredible performance. Entry-level Esprit GT3 debuts, featuring 240bhp 2.0-litre turbo unit. 1998: Lightweight V8 GT launched. 1999: Sport 350 appears, with OZ wheels, racing brakes and bodykit. 2002: Gearbox supply problems force Lotus to bring Esprit production to an end - last cars will be built this year.
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