Thinking of pursuing this 88 Esprit Turbo..Input
Discussion
I came across this on Pistonheads and was hoping for some suggestions, warnings, basic input you might be able to give me. Before going any further here is the link to the ad, and also an email response I got from him. I am going to call him tomorrow with the checklist I got from LotusEspritWorld.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=17855&s=11
Does anyone know what the Blue BOok Value is on this Esprit? The interior is definately shotty, would need to be redyed for sure. He sent me pics, has some chips in the paint in the front and a few on the rear bumper. The pic of the engine is very clean surprisingly.
Here is the email he sent me:
this car needs nothing besides tires, and the overboost switch would be useful, but not needed. this specific model is my dream, but i am forced to end it. i chose this model because of it's mechanical design and style, not it's raw horsepower. it runs a bosch ignition instead of the "GM" that was installed a year later, and it's never failed me. it is extremely important that you never skip or "extend intervals" for the oil changes though. what i mean by oil changes includes cap, rotor, and spark plugs. good news is that the oil filter is about $7 for a wix, $5 for niehoff rotor, $9 neihoff cap. and ngk plugs are $1.3 each, plus oil. If you can ensure that you have the time/money to keep this maintenance schedule, this car will last you forever. when the engine was pulled, there was no noticeable wear on the cam lobes or cylinder walls! I even took the turbo apart and checked it for fatigue. you should also be aware that this being a sport car, you shouldn't drive it like a normal car, ie don't ride the clutch and let it idle till it warms up before going somewhere.
if you want this car in immaculate condition this is what it would need:
maybe a new stereo? alpine cd player; this one is like 5 yrs old.
tires, i recommend 195/6OVR-15s in front and 255/6OVR-15s for best performance
overboost switch
trunk recarpet, it's shedding it's color
interior cleaned or maybe reupholstered? i was pondering the notion of installing custom seats. leather doesn't hold you well if you try making a 90deg. turn at 55mph.
quarter windows retinted (tinting is aged)
small paint chips on the nose from driving.
i'm not sure if the a/c needs recharged. it's winter and i haven't tried it since may.
Sorry this is big post guys. If this Esprit turned out to be a good choice, I would probably only keep it for about 2 summers, putting no more than 15K on it since it already has very high miles. I figured get it, learn about the Esprit, get the experience and stuff you know. How much do you think I could get for it in 2 summers with a redyed interior. Its priced pretty low compared to other ones even with more miles and older so I am a bit skeptical.
Thanks guys!
Paul
HAPPY NEW YEAR by the way!
If anyone has a hosting site I can use for a few pics he sent me that would be great. I can email like 3 to you. Thanks
>>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Saturday 3rd January 03:27
www.pistonheads.com/sales/detail.asp?i=17855&s=11
Does anyone know what the Blue BOok Value is on this Esprit? The interior is definately shotty, would need to be redyed for sure. He sent me pics, has some chips in the paint in the front and a few on the rear bumper. The pic of the engine is very clean surprisingly.
Here is the email he sent me:
this car needs nothing besides tires, and the overboost switch would be useful, but not needed. this specific model is my dream, but i am forced to end it. i chose this model because of it's mechanical design and style, not it's raw horsepower. it runs a bosch ignition instead of the "GM" that was installed a year later, and it's never failed me. it is extremely important that you never skip or "extend intervals" for the oil changes though. what i mean by oil changes includes cap, rotor, and spark plugs. good news is that the oil filter is about $7 for a wix, $5 for niehoff rotor, $9 neihoff cap. and ngk plugs are $1.3 each, plus oil. If you can ensure that you have the time/money to keep this maintenance schedule, this car will last you forever. when the engine was pulled, there was no noticeable wear on the cam lobes or cylinder walls! I even took the turbo apart and checked it for fatigue. you should also be aware that this being a sport car, you shouldn't drive it like a normal car, ie don't ride the clutch and let it idle till it warms up before going somewhere.
if you want this car in immaculate condition this is what it would need:
maybe a new stereo? alpine cd player; this one is like 5 yrs old.
tires, i recommend 195/6OVR-15s in front and 255/6OVR-15s for best performance
overboost switch
trunk recarpet, it's shedding it's color
interior cleaned or maybe reupholstered? i was pondering the notion of installing custom seats. leather doesn't hold you well if you try making a 90deg. turn at 55mph.
quarter windows retinted (tinting is aged)
small paint chips on the nose from driving.
i'm not sure if the a/c needs recharged. it's winter and i haven't tried it since may.
Sorry this is big post guys. If this Esprit turned out to be a good choice, I would probably only keep it for about 2 summers, putting no more than 15K on it since it already has very high miles. I figured get it, learn about the Esprit, get the experience and stuff you know. How much do you think I could get for it in 2 summers with a redyed interior. Its priced pretty low compared to other ones even with more miles and older so I am a bit skeptical.
Thanks guys!
Paul
HAPPY NEW YEAR by the way!
If anyone has a hosting site I can use for a few pics he sent me that would be great. I can email like 3 to you. Thanks
>>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Saturday 3rd January 03:27
Paul,
The tech guys on here can help you a lot more,so i'll be swift.
"Timing belt checked for wear,(none)"
How exactly?, I'd replace this straight away, as if it died then it could cost you more than ALL the other mods you have listed. Does not mean she's a dog though,as at the end of the day he's trying to sell, not intending to keep.
I,as a matter of course, changed the 'C' belt on my last three cars,first thing. Could not afford not to so soon after shelling out for the car really.
Good luck,hope she's altogether.
PAUL C
>> Edited by paul c on Saturday 3rd January 10:02
The tech guys on here can help you a lot more,so i'll be swift.
"Timing belt checked for wear,(none)"
How exactly?, I'd replace this straight away, as if it died then it could cost you more than ALL the other mods you have listed. Does not mean she's a dog though,as at the end of the day he's trying to sell, not intending to keep.
I,as a matter of course, changed the 'C' belt on my last three cars,first thing. Could not afford not to so soon after shelling out for the car really.
Good luck,hope she's altogether.
PAUL C
>> Edited by paul c on Saturday 3rd January 10:02
Thirteen large seems reasonable to me. 60K miles is not too bad. Fix the over boost switch, new belt, detail out the interior, new stereo and you are good to go. Love the color.
I have a list at work of what year tends to sell for what, compiled from different sources and if I recall, 88's tend to sell for 16K-ish.
Dr.Hess
I have a list at work of what year tends to sell for what, compiled from different sources and if I recall, 88's tend to sell for 16K-ish.
Dr.Hess
He is located in Nevada and I am in NY. So I dont really know how I would go about having it checked over mechanically. Anyone near there who knows a thing or two?
I just received this email from him:
the overboost switch is a little box with some wires comming out. it sits in the open with the other relays. if you can splice a wire then you can change it yourself. i believe i am the second owner, but i never cared about knowing. i have one service document i kept because it was the only major work done to it. the 50k mile service; maybe called c? it was serviced in las vegas at the lamborgini dealership. there are no oil leaks at all and the undercarrage is almost clean enough to eat from. the car handles fine, i don't know any way of testing shocks. you may call anytime, it does not bother me, but i am rarely home. i will try to obtain a camera to photo the interior and trunk for you, but i am selling this car 12k below it's appraised value already because of the minor blemishes with the interior and my desire to see my wife.
---Im not too sure I like the idea of it having only one service record.
>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Saturday 3rd January 18:53
>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Saturday 3rd January 18:54
I just received this email from him:
the overboost switch is a little box with some wires comming out. it sits in the open with the other relays. if you can splice a wire then you can change it yourself. i believe i am the second owner, but i never cared about knowing. i have one service document i kept because it was the only major work done to it. the 50k mile service; maybe called c? it was serviced in las vegas at the lamborgini dealership. there are no oil leaks at all and the undercarrage is almost clean enough to eat from. the car handles fine, i don't know any way of testing shocks. you may call anytime, it does not bother me, but i am rarely home. i will try to obtain a camera to photo the interior and trunk for you, but i am selling this car 12k below it's appraised value already because of the minor blemishes with the interior and my desire to see my wife.
---Im not too sure I like the idea of it having only one service record.
>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Saturday 3rd January 18:53
>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Saturday 3rd January 18:54
The only real advice I can put out is this... If you can not turn a wrench and do some of the little stuff yourself you will want to find the best one you can. That being said, the Eprit above looks like an okay one - a little work as they all need - but seems good. I'll also toss out that (as stated above) you should see how much history is avail from the last dealership that did any work. Also, Lotus of Atlanta may be able to tell you any work ever done at a certified Lotus shop. I am the third owner of my car, it came with almost complete service history - the seller did a lot of work himself, but kept all the recipts for the parts. Lotus of ATL surprizingly had records from other dealerships and shops. Take the time to go out and drive the car if you can - or get someone out in NV you can trust (3rd party if need be) to drive it tell you what they think. Drive it from a "cold start" if possible. These cars are great fun - I'm currently pulling my gear box out to replace the pressure plate... point being... a lot of work can be done at home for a lot less money if you can turn a wrench. Remember, this is a British car!!!
Drive topless!!!
Cameron
>> Edited by Autocross7 on Monday 5th January 01:34
>> Edited by Autocross7 on Monday 5th January 01:36
Drive topless!!!
Cameron
>> Edited by Autocross7 on Monday 5th January 01:34
>> Edited by Autocross7 on Monday 5th January 01:36
This may be from the same seller who has rebuilt an 87 turbo from a aprts bin which was at a salvage yard. He used all non Lotus parts (wix etc) Nothing wrong with that IMO. Some people though may be put off.
Is this is the same guy then this 88 turbo could have started life in the same way.
Don't ask how I know this info but ask the guy whether he used to own a G shape 87 turbo or any other Esprit.
Looks a nice car from the pics. As long as the car is straight and your budget can afford it then I'd certainly have a look at it and take it for a spin.
Cheers,
Dave Walters
Is this is the same guy then this 88 turbo could have started life in the same way.
Don't ask how I know this info but ask the guy whether he used to own a G shape 87 turbo or any other Esprit.
Looks a nice car from the pics. As long as the car is straight and your budget can afford it then I'd certainly have a look at it and take it for a spin.
Cheers,
Dave Walters
On the 88 it may be the wastegate bolts as opposed to the overboost switch. I had the same issue; the 4 10mm bolts on the top of the wastegate had become loose and it was letting more boost through before the wastegate opened (not sensing how much was being produced correctly), this was causing the overboost switch to kick in. You just might want to check this before you go buying a new overboost switch (assuming you buy the car of course).
Hope this helps,
Mark - 88 Turbo
Hope this helps,
Mark - 88 Turbo
Are people refering to the actuator module when talking about the overboost switch? Or are we talking about the switch that cuts the ignition on post 87 cars that cuts in at over 0.75BAR to prevent the car from blowing up?
If you are refering to the actuator then I have one spare you can have. Seeing as you hosted some pics for me last year when I first bought my car, I'll even through in the postage for you. This is providing you buy the car that is.......
Cheers,
Dave Walters
If you are refering to the actuator then I have one spare you can have. Seeing as you hosted some pics for me last year when I first bought my car, I'll even through in the postage for you. This is providing you buy the car that is.......
Cheers,
Dave Walters
Superdave - thank you for the offer. Unfortunately I have know way of getting to Nevada to inspect the car as of now. I think once again I will wait it out for the time being. 13 grand is nothing, and I may veyr well be missing a great opportunity, but I must keep reminding myself not to jump into things and to wait until atleast summer before seriously considering.
Thanks again everyone
Thanks again everyone
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