GUYS LOOK HERE: Opinions wanted

[Lotusacbc]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6312&item=2476426957&rd=1

Tell me to stay away from it, please. Its so cheap!

[paul c]

"I have never tried the AC..."

Why?,is pressing a button too much effort?,makes you wonder what has actually been tried...

Word count:

"About" 1

"estimated" 1

"unknown" 1

"probably" 2

...and "truly" 1

He's covered all the bases here,ask yourself why...

PAUL C

[lotusguy]

Hi,

Of Course Caveat Emptor should always be the rule of the day. However, if the car is basically intact, as this one appears to be, and the price is reasonably low, with an additional investment of $3k-$5k, you could easily end up with a reliable, bazingly fast Esprit. It's really a matter of how good you want to make it.

I have a friend with an identical '88, lower mileage, in pristine shape with a proper engine/tranny rebuild by amongst others, yours truly, who is passively looking to sell the car. I know he'd take $16k for it, maybe less. A good deal for that individual car. If you have an interest, I will forward your information to him so he can contact you.

But, a total investment of $15k in this ebay car would yield one just as nice I believe. For comparison, I would not sell my '85 'G' car for $16k, but it is virtually perfect. I realize that my intransigence on the price means I'm not likely to find a buyer anytime soon, but if/when I do, they'll be very pleased with their purchase. Just my humble $0.02. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[madmike]

Ummm, Jim, did you miss the bit about the SALVAGE TITLE????? The headlights don't work properly, the mileage is estimated as he says, 3 times (of course, he probably posted the low estimate...he doesn't state the other two.) The windows don't work. The AC, apparently, doesn't work.

Personally, unless you had a very relaible mechanic go out and inspect this car for you, top to bottom, I think you'd be drunk to buy it. And even if you did have the inspection, I'd need a spectacular explanation for the salvage title.

Here you have a car that has two glaring problems:

1) Salvage title. Nuff said.

2) The car clearly has not been cared for, regarding normal maintenance. If the PO didn't keep the lights and windows in working order, I highly doubt he paid for the regular services, etc. Either way, we'll never know because there are clearly no records on this car...hell, even the odometer isn't accurate. Hence the estimated mileage.

You might get lucky with this car. Might. Maybe.

But in reality, it's probably a $10,000 time bomb waiting to go off, and when it does, it could potentially cost you twice that, or more, and you WILL NOT ever reclaim that investment, as it's a salvage title and you'll never get solid money for it in a resale.

Trust me, pass on this and spend good solid $$$ on a well sorted car...you'll be happier that way.

Mike

[jayinatlanta]

Yeah, what's up with the salvage title and apparently in a driveable condition? If the car is repaired properly, I think it should have a clear title or a normal title with a "Rebuilt" brand on the face. That's the way it works in Georgia at least.

You're better off with this '88, I'm sure:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6312&item=2477421040&rd=1

~Jay in Atlanta
1993.5 Silver Frost Esprit SE

[britten_mark]

Paint scheme is a bit gruesome.

[gary_tholl]

britten_mark said:

Paint scheme is a bit gruesome.

That's one opinion. Personally, I think it looks fantastic!

Oh, and don't touch the other one with someone else's 10ft pole!! The Salvage title is reason enough!

Gary

[lotusguy]

Hi,

First off, as I said, Caveat Emptor should be the rule. Secondly, it's about the car, not the title.

There are no consistent rules/requirements from State to State regarding what comprises a Salvage Title, many States will issue a Salvage Title on an otherwise perfectly restorable car. In one state, a Salvage Title can be issued for anything over $5k in repair cost, which, when talking about an Esprit can be fairly minor. Some insurance companies use Salvage Titling as a business tool.

Plus, a Savage Title can be fairly easily cleaned up in a variety of ways. I have an acquaintance who buys late model Ferraris (355's, 360's) which have been 'Salvaged', but can be properly put back together. He legally washes the Title (using a vatiety of means, sometimes another State with 'friendlier' requirements), repairs the car (as I said, properly), then sells it as a used car (at Market Prices) for about 20% over the cost of purchase and repair. It is his business. Not once has a buyer discovered the 'Salvage' origin of a car, nor have any of these cars failed in the Resale Market. Truth be told, there may be a couple of cars belonging to this list which have had their titles washed. It is not impossible, nor illegal.

I have another friend who buys salvaged Esprits and restores them. He has used one to AutoX, a testament to the quality of his work (he actually took the 2000 Championship in this car).

Anyone interested in this car should have it looked over and judge it on the basis of it's actual condition. While Title may be a concern, considering the car is offered at a substantial discount, it should be secondary to the actual condition of the car. Again, just my humble $0.02. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[FJ40]

Check the car out in person or pay to have someone who knows the car to do it. If they are his hobby why would he sell it for under market?

Dan

[mark_88_turbo]

Buy the car cheaply, knowing it's a basket case and you'll need to spend $$$'s. Once it sorted, it'll be mean!

Mark
88 Turbo

[Lotusacbc]

Thanks for the responses. As much as the low price of this Esprit is enough to get me interested, I think I would rather stay away. I emailed him before posting this topic, and I asked him as well why hasnt he checked the A/C instead of assuming it might need recharging, when was the last service done, what kind was it, what were the different mileages on the car, when was the cambelt changed, etc etc. And I asked for engine pics and better interior pics.

I got back no real answers at all and instead pics of the interior and engine. The engine is absolutely filthy! and the interior has tears. I hate seeing Esprits in this condition. What a shame. Atleast clean the damn car before selling it.

So this one is out of the question.

Jay - Nice 88, I cant believe how clean it looks! I emailed this owner, he is a nice guy, and answered many of my questions. Though im not too keen on the color combo, I wouldnt mind it either, as he does have a point, where it seems to remind him of the JPS days color scheme. Besides, Im sure it wouldnt be too much trouble painting the lower portion if it looked that bad in real life. I still cant believe how clean it is! And it sure seems like everything that was a potential problem was replaced, he has all records as well.

Jim - Thanks for the response, I shot you an email.

Paul

[az88turbo]

If you like to pay "way over" the odds; you can always go here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6312&item=2477584411&rd=1

[Lotusacbc]

az88turbo said:

If you like to pay "way over" the odds; you can always go here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6312&item=2477584411&rd=1

hahah Thats about the 3rd time its been on there. I guess he thinks he will find a buyer for the ridiculous price hes asking. He must have bought it for 23K and is trying to bad a few extra grand for himself.