Test driving a SE- any advice?
Discussion
I'm going to test driving a SE this week for possible purchase. The car has done around 40k has full service history last service 'C'.
On first inspection engine revs high then settles nicely no deposits from exhaust. All looks in order, but anything I should be checking whilst I go for the Drive.
The only odd thing is that I have checked the vin number and the chassis is domestic but engine code is US market, it also has a cat which I thought was only fitted after 91?
The car is 1989 SE.
>>> Edited by dictys on Friday 13th June 12:03
On first inspection engine revs high then settles nicely no deposits from exhaust. All looks in order, but anything I should be checking whilst I go for the Drive.
The only odd thing is that I have checked the vin number and the chassis is domestic but engine code is US market, it also has a cat which I thought was only fitted after 91?
The car is 1989 SE.
>>> Edited by dictys on Friday 13th June 12:03
There's a section on test driving an Esprit at the following link.
kato
Lotus Esprit World
www.lotusespritworld.com/buying.html
kato
Lotus Esprit World
www.lotusespritworld.com/buying.html
Check for the following:
Unsual tire wear.
Grip each wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock position and push and pull to rock the car. check for play in the wheel bearings and tie rods.
Check brake and clutch pedal rubber pads so it corelates to mileage on the odometer.
Put your eye on the rear tail light and look down side of body from the rear to front to check for ripples in the body indicating body repair.
Check all body joints for crisp lines and not wavey indicating repair. Have a look under the front air dam for hard hits and scrapes.
Check for any fluid leaks around the cam towers and under the front bonnet in the area of the brake and clutch master cyl.
Check the shifting mechanism for proper engagement.
If possible, have a look in the air filter box to see if there is oil in there indicating a bad turbo.
Do a comp and leak down test.
Check full heater and AC functions.
Check light pods for proper operation.
Check for fuel smells.
Proper instrumentation operation especially the boost, fuel, and speedo for smooth operation.
Check for a crinkle look around the rear quarter window beata seals indicating leaking which means possible rusty fuel tanks.
Then go for a nice drive after fully warm past 82c.
Good Luck,
Calvin
Unsual tire wear.
Grip each wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock position and push and pull to rock the car. check for play in the wheel bearings and tie rods.
Check brake and clutch pedal rubber pads so it corelates to mileage on the odometer.
Put your eye on the rear tail light and look down side of body from the rear to front to check for ripples in the body indicating body repair.
Check all body joints for crisp lines and not wavey indicating repair. Have a look under the front air dam for hard hits and scrapes.
Check for any fluid leaks around the cam towers and under the front bonnet in the area of the brake and clutch master cyl.
Check the shifting mechanism for proper engagement.
If possible, have a look in the air filter box to see if there is oil in there indicating a bad turbo.
Do a comp and leak down test.
Check full heater and AC functions.
Check light pods for proper operation.
Check for fuel smells.
Proper instrumentation operation especially the boost, fuel, and speedo for smooth operation.
Check for a crinkle look around the rear quarter window beata seals indicating leaking which means possible rusty fuel tanks.
Then go for a nice drive after fully warm past 82c.
Good Luck,
Calvin
Gassing Station | Esprit | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff