1994 Esprit S4 for sale on PH?

[markw996]

Does anyone know any history on the Calypso Red Esprit S4 for sale at Pure Lotus?

I don't have a registration number but I assume it was a trade in..

http://used.ph/12Yooop



I am thinking of going to have a look at it on Saturday (3 hour drive to Harrogate) and wondered if there is anything inparticular I should be looking out for to do with this car, or if anyone has had any experience of dealing with Pure Lotus, either good or bad?
(Please feel free to PM me in confidence if you don't want to post on the forum)

Thanks in advance

Mark.

[Junglehop]

http://www.lotusespritworld.com/

Theres your bedtime reading! Loads of Esprit info including buyers guides etc.

- Service History is key
- Belts should be changed every 3 years
- Manifolds are weak areas should have evidence if this having been done

The Late cars are fantastic cars to drive and should prove pretty reliable.

I currently have two Esprits so am fairly well qualified, if you have any queries just let me know.

[S4simon]

Just looking at the pics it seems to be in very good condition - with low mileage as well. Interior looks great. Dealer states that the C service has just been completed which is good news. The only thing I'd check is the exhaust manifold, which if it hasn't been replaced will be due shortly - they tend to fail around the 40-45k mile mark and are a costly item to replace.

[benters]

I like these, and that looks a very tidy one, but like others have said, the history and proof of spend is critical. . .i looked at a few Esprits before going for a 98-GT3 which i love, and mine has the V8 style dash which i personally prefer, but go have a drive and see what you think. . .i reckon you will enjoy it !

[benters]

how did you get on with the nosey at the Esprit then ??

[markw996]

benters said:

how did you get on with the nosey at the Esprit then ??

Very nice cosmetically, but the service history shows massive repair bills every 500 or so miles for all sorts of little things... Makes me kind of nervous as it's right at the top of my budget already.

I was hoping to see a replacement manifold or fuel tanks on the service history but just a radiator in around 2006 which makes me worry that the big engine out jobs will be coming during my ownership.

It's only done around 2500 miles in the last 7 - 8 years aswell, and I've read a lot about the perils of buying a so called 'garage queen'.

I'm still considering it but I expect it to be a painful experience if I decide to buy!

Edited by markw996 on Monday 29th July 13:58

[markw996]

....so today I went ahead and bought it anyway, I really hope I never grow up

Edited by markw996 on Tuesday 30th July 19:41

[RIZLA123]

Congratulations! Whenever I buy a Lotus - I normally take it straight to my trusted specialist who has a good look around. It is vital to find out about the cam belt. Many people have "just left it" and then came to grief a little while later. Lotus quote two years for cambelt changing but they can go to 3 years reasonably comfortably. Pay specific attention to the manifold. They are a vulnerable place. I have an S4 too. The things I have paid for are a C service - new manifold - rear struts - front pads - HT leads - wiper assembly. All pretty costly - many I would hope I don't have to do again....

[RIZLA123]

Congratulations! Whenever I buy a Lotus - I normally take it straight to my trusted specialist who has a good look around. It is vital to find out about the cam belt. Many people have "just left it" and then came to grief a little while later. Lotus quote two years for cambelt changing but they can go to 3 years reasonably comfortably. Pay specific attention to the manifold. They are a vulnerable place. I have an S4 too. The things I have paid for are a C service - new manifold - rear struts - front pads - HT leads - wiper assembly. All pretty costly - many I would hope I don't have to do again....

[RIZLA123]

Congratulations! Whenever I buy a Lotus - I normally take it straight to my trusted specialist who has a good look around. It is vital to find out about the cam belt. Many people have "just left it" and then came to grief a little while later. Lotus quote two years for cambelt changing but they can go to 3 years reasonably comfortably. Pay specific attention to the manifold. They are a vulnerable place. I have an S4 too. The things I have paid for are a C service - new manifold - rear struts - front pads - HT leads - wiper assembly. All pretty costly - many I would hope I don't have to do again....

[EnjyBenjy]

Well done! You'll love it. You have to just take the plunge

[benters]

Well done Mark. . .I hope that you enjoy the car, sure there will likely be things to do, but the ownership experience should prove positive, if your ever in Surrey and want to show your car off get in touch, it looks a cracker. . . .and Tim and Max at lakeside engineering (Lotus specialists) are half a mile from me should you need them.

[markw996]

It really is a lovely car. The cambelt was changed a few months ago so shouldn't be a problem there, I'll get the A and B services done and the C service again in 3 years time. Just waiting for them to fix a wonky fuel gauge, re-gass the aircon, and put a new MOT on it.

[Andyk44]

I have an older esprit which also has a wonky fuel guage, I believe it's normal as the level sensor is in one tank thus the fuel moves from one tank to the other when you turn, quite comical how a round about can take you from half full to empty. Have you joined the lotus forums ? It's been full of great info for me getting to know my car and fixing minor faults that have arisen.

[markw996]

Andyk44 said:

I have an older esprit which also has a wonky fuel guage, I believe it's normal as the level sensor is in one tank thus the fuel moves from one tank to the other when you turn, quite comical how a round about can take you from half full to empty. Have you joined the lotus forums ? It's been full of great info for me getting to know my car and fixing minor faults that have arisen.

Yes I have joined thelotusforums and your right that it an excellent source of information for anyone looking to keep a car like the Esprit in tip-top condition. Regarding the fuel gauge, my dis-trust of garages was proven yet again with Pure Lotus' inability to fix the fuel gauge (or even to regas the aircon!). Luckily I am very hands on and quickly removed and cleaned up the sender to stop it pegging to maximum. I also bought (but have not yet fitted) a little anti-slosh device from a company called Spiyda Design to stop the needle moving so much when cornering, it may be of interest to you.