Images
1 / 3
The Lotus Esprit seems to have been around forever. First introduced in 1976, and treated to a successful restyle at the hands of McLaren F1 stylist Peter Stevens in 1987, the Esprit has become part of the supercar scenery. The latest generation of cars, kicked off by the S4 have come a long way from the days of Roger Moore and his amphibious antics. Despite their renown as a driver's tool par excellence, can a used Esprit make a case for itself in the 21st century?
+ More
Detailed ratings
Performance Sporting Cars
What you get
Despite constant revision, the Esprit isn't in the first flush of youth, and certain aspects of the car feel rather old. The manifold variations of the basic theme led to the wry accusation that Lotus built almost as many Esprit models as it built Esprits. Nevertheless, there's a common strand of DNA that runs throughout the Esprit line-up. The handbrake is too far away, especially if you're using four-point harnesses, the interior fittings squeak and rattle and the gearbox is as friendly as an Istanbul riot policeman. The view out is never better than awful, making some parking manoeuvres vague guesstimates with expensive consequences. There are no two ways about it; the Esprit is wretchedly impractical, massively expensive and hugely demanding. Nonetheless, once you feel the meaty heft of the steering, when you point that nose towards the horizon on a deserted road and bury the throttle, most of these faults are instantly forgiven.
+ More
What to look for
The Esprit is a specialist proposition, but the models we're dealing with in this instance will mostly have been owned by relatively wealthy enthusiast owners who appreciate the importance of correct upkeep. Four-cylinder cars have been known to experience noisy timing chain issues, and early V8 models had a reputation for blowing their turbos, a problem which Lotus has managed to iron out. Cam belts will require changing every 24 or 36 months for the four-cylinder cars dependent upon model. The V8 in contrast requires a belt change every 72,000 miles. Electrics proved to be a gremlin on some of the early cars, with glitches in the lighting and heater systems. Always insist on a full main dealer history. When paying serious money for your toy, it's essential to make sure it's been properly looked after.
+ More
Replacement parts
(approx based on a 1998 Esprit V8 GT) Whereas the Elise benefits from its back to basics roots, the Esprit boasts supercar performance and commensurately priced spares. Try a clutch assembly for around £750 for size. Or front brake pads that are over £200 a pair. Still, if you hanker after a car in this bracket, you should really be able to cover the cost of a £400 radiator without it causing your bank manager significant duress. With rear brake pads costing around £120 and a starter motor being the best part of £200, be sure you really can afford to run an Esprit before buying. Replacement headlamps are £60 and £110 for the inner and outer units in each pop up pod.
+ More
On the road
Whoever thought that allowing the general public to buy turbocharged Esprits was a good idea was clearly an eternal optimist. The power delivery is like a force of nature, the car seemingly agreeable swift before exploding forth on a manic typhoon of shrieking turbo, chattering wastegate and various discordant engine tones. Treat the throttle more as a detonator than a pedal and you'll get an appreciation of what the car is capable of. Sometimes it's good to wheel an old cliche out of retirement for a breath of fresh air, but the Esprit genuinely does feel like it's cornering on rails. Unfortunately the gearchange assumes the role of 'the wrong sort of snow' and acts as an annoying hindrance. Later models such as the V8 GT and Sport 350 are better, but the basic design of the gear linkage is a compromised one, and the stubby gearstick must be manoeuvred around the box deliberately but forcefully.
One characteristic common to all Esprits, be they four-cylinder or V8 models, is a disappointing soundtrack. You can hear what the engine is doing, but instead of making wonderful music, it sounds as if a fight has broken out in the orchestra pit. Many decided to opt for a sports exhaust system to try to provide some drama. Those who expected the V8 cars to rival a Ferrari for sonic delights were sorely disappointed. Still, when you've got the sheer go to render most Ferraris a receding red speck in the rear-view mirror, you can forgive the Esprit this failing.
The brakes and steering must come in for particular praise, making the enormous thrust if not manageable, then at least something less than terrifying. The driving position has improved over the years as well, with post-1988 cars fitting most customers quite well, making the task of restraining that siege-cannon of a turbocharger a little easier.
+ More
Overall
Whilst its elegant mid-engined styling may be reminiscent of an Italian exotic, the Esprit is a proper, hairy-chested British sports car. It requires strenuous effort to drive, yet will reward the skilled driver like few others. It's always 'in character', inconvenient, straining at the leash, and darting towards apexes. Anyone who thinks they can step out of a civilised commuter-friendly rival such as a Honda NSX or Porsche 911 into an Esprit without a murmur will be in for something of a shock. Used models are, on the whole, well looked after, and probably the best bets are to try to track down either a V8 SE or a barking mad late-model GT3. Both will cost a small fortune to run, but in the end it's all down to degrees of madness.
+ More
Have you considered these alternative models...
Find a Review
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
