Hard to put a finger on this Esprit

[Martin]

I'm certainly not in a position to buy nor would I purchase this one if I could, but at what point do you start to consider a rebuilt Esprit?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1997-LOTUS-ESPRIT-V8-Twin-turbo-No-reserve_W0QQitemZ380093352265QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20Tr ucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?ha sh=item380093352265&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A727%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Buy it now at 21K......:001_unsure:


http://i17.ebayimg.com/08/i/001/27/42/c3c3_12.JPG

[Brian Skeoch]

Its been repaired but so what.. for someone who loves these cars it would be fine wouldnt it ?

its a salavage but so what. you get it for a good deal and keep it. if you ever have to sell it you sell it as a salvage. so what ?

looks like its been put back pretty well but I guess you get what you pay for.

Brian

[Autocross7]

I agree. The only real issue with salvage is if it is trying to passed off as not salvaged when it was. I have seen salvaged title cars that were better than factory. The title could be salvage based upon whatever state laws came into play. I would not just walk away from a car due to a salvage title... I'd give it good going over. But, I'd do that with a non salvaged title anyway...


Cameron

[Brian Skeoch]

I would check the engine tho. didnt the 97's have bad cylinder liners ?? most have been replaced by warantee I would imagine ?

I asked Arnie about that not too long ago and he said only some had cylinder liner issues and they were covered.

looks like a nice car to me. 2nd gear internals could be an issue tho.

looks like a nice V 8 for someone needing a V 8.

would offer 20 tho.

[eurosport]

Salvage titles are really funny business esp. with Loti due to the expense of parts and the low value on the used market to begin with. Elises are being totalled due to dents in the chassis which may or may not have any effect on the chassis strength, its just non-serviceable and absurd to replace. Same with body damage to Esprits, it may be 20gs to fix and worth 25...

It also depends on perspective. If it was one of our cars with that damage and we knew how to get it fixed properly and at reasonable expense, many probably would buy it back, fix it, and continue to enjoy. If this car got that treatment, it'd be a steal if it went for the "no reserve" opening bid. It's a little concerning that the seller doesn't seem to be the owner/"mishap driver" so there's an extra buffer there affecting full disclosure.

It definitely bears some detailed proof of damage and repair before purchase, though. And what does "inspected by Lotus" mean? :confused:

Eric

[WayneB]

It could be a great bargain or pure hell, its impossible to tell until you get there and have a real close look at the car.

I myself would not have a problem with a salvage title If the car was repaired properly, but If its not then I would.

Probably not one for the unexperienced...............

[Feffman]

Red racing ECU and a 1997 are not a good combination. The liners, as we all heard, are suspect on a lot of 1997's and adding the boost of the red ecu just adds to the issue. my, often uselss, $0.02 worth!

Feff

[WayneB]

It must have been running good enough to strip out second gear though.

I paid $15k for my 1983 nearly 10 years ago as a project car, so I suppose that would be reasonable money for this car If you were prepared to go right through it, doing all the work yourself.

[GregWO]

I wouldn't touch this car! Its a 97 with known problems and questionable history and its missing Second gear... too much known expense up front.