loft405.com

Ever since I was a kid playing Test Drive on my computer I’ve always wanted one…

Weather, slightly overcast and cool.

Location, Parking lot of Babies R Us. He had some baby stuff to return. Looks like his 9 mo old is the new baby, so that’s why he’s selling his old baby.

1993 Lotus Esprit SE
4 Cylinder Turbo, 267HP
VIN: SCCFC20B8PHF60229
Mileage: Just under 15k
Asking Price: $23.9K

Appearance
It is indeed red with black leather interior. Leather was clean and nice, as expected the driver side bolster showed signs of moderate wear. The window felt/seals were loose. Wood dash surround was cracked in a couple spots. Stone chips peppered the lower front valence, as well as some scratches and nicks in the gel coat were visible in a few places around the car. Inside the wheel wells were also well warn. Overall from a distance the Esprit looked clean, with a little cleanup up it would have sparkled a bit more. Engine was dry, no leaks. It was dirty, some screws were missing around the engine cover. Both front and rear hatches stayed up on their own. He had an HKS blow off valve installed “to extend the life of the turbo.” Spare tire was mint. Both gas cap doors were operational (I didn’t know you could fill it up from either side, interesting.) Wax residue and buildup on the exterior rubber, again with some clean up it would have improved alot.

Operation
This was my first time in an Esprit so its hard to compare against anything. I had the owner drive it first so I could listen, feel and smell. The car idled smooth, and was much quieter than I had expected, one could easily have a conversation in it while driving. The motor was strong, as was the turbo. There was the noticeable turbo lag, and the flutter of the blow off valve, both are pluses in my opinion. Thats what makes turbo cars fun to drive!! AC blew cold, didn’t test the heater. Electric windows went up and down, although somewhat slow. There were rattles and squeaks noticeable, but I think my excitement drowned out alot of them also. Halfway through the drive we switched seats and I strapped into the pilot’s seat. I adjusted the rear view mirror and all I saw was the big red wing it blocked most of the view out the back. You’d never see the cops coming. Its true as everyone says, the peddles are super close to each other, I felt like I was a ballerina. I pulled away as any rookie would with a bit of jerkiness and newbie confidence. Steering was heavy as slow speeds but lightened up at speed. It was hard to judge speed by feel, but the car felt well seated. Shifting was rubbery. The clutch was long but natural, and the brake peddle was mushy. The ABS light stayed on for the duration of the drive so I doubt if it was working. It accelerated nicely and very quick, I didn’t get on it too much as I was still getting acquainted with it. The guy said he could keep up with modern day 911s, but not the 911 Turbos. I could believe it. At one piont all the lights lit up. When that happened I knew this one might need more love than I could give it. Oil pressure was good and it ran cool. Overall the motor was strong and ran well…. for the time being.

Conclusion
The Esprit is a neat car. It looks and feels rough and hand built, its definitely a drivers car!! The wear and tear on this one is a bit more than I would want to deal with tho. I figure its worth maybe $15K. It would take alot of cash to get it to what I would consider nice, but for that you could probably find one for 35-40K that is in a lot better shape. Some mechanicals can be worked out, but exterior appearance is hard rejuvenate without repainting the car. It was a great experience, but I think I’ll let this one pass. I offered him $10K but he turned down an offer for 18K already…