how reliable are post/2000 lotus esprits?

They only made Esprit's for 4 years after 2000. All V-8's and very cool, fast cars.

Maintenance nightmares? I will let someone comment that has more experience with 2000-2004 Esprit's as I have never owned one.

Pre 2000?- I wouldn't say Maintenance nightmares, but like any exotic, they need love.


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Awsome cars, lots of un tapped potential.

I have a 98 V8. For the most part they are all relatively the same from 98 up. 98 up got you the newer interior and revised shifter mechanism. There was a upgrade to AP Racing brakes in 2001 or something along with ECU programming. Both can be adopted to earlier cars.

Like Ferraris and Cambelts, Lotus esprit V8 owners seem to have a fear of them along with leaky cylinder liners, although I think leaky liners seems to be more common then a broken belt or skipped belt. My 98 has never had the engine tore apart to upgrade the supposed weak liner sealant....its has zero water in the oil. Personally if its not leaking by now I doubt it ever will. Cambelts are cheap - $150 bucks or something. Doing them yourself is really not hard if you pay attention. I personally just change my belts each year instead of adjusting them....the work is about the same. I find working on the car rather simple.

Things that can or do normally go bad with them are:

Big expenses

Clutches can wear out - figure $200 to $4000 depending on how you fix the issue - I have seen re-facing the friction discs and re-surface flywheel to complete replacement. Obviously how bad it was treated will depend on what you can do

OEM shocks suck - they will leak replacement is sort of up there $2000-$4000 - plan on this

OEM bushings suck - $500 bucks for poly ones plus install costs - plan on this

Catalytic converters rattle loose and or clog causing some issues - $1200 each or hollow them out.

Transmission can bust if plan on driving it like a mustang and do neutral drops at every light. - tranny oil cooler, upgrade to one piece shaft , mechanical empathy

2nd gear sycnro gets chewed up because of the wide gear spread - shift slow or upgrade transmission to close ratio gears.

Belts need adjusting every 18 months / 12,000 miles - $800 bucks to have done at dealer
If your cylinder liners leak - big money full re-build - $7000 up depending on how good of job you do and how much you do yourself.

Radiators suck - $1000 bucks for after market upgrade one, a swine of a job to replace. ( High engine temperatures is thought to be one of the causes of the leaky liners as it degrades the sealant)

Alternators pack up - replace the crappy 100 amp valeo one with a 130 amp Bosch Caddy Catera one. Its a game to get it out and the new one in.

Other stupid stuff

Turbo actuators rust / hang up
Coil packs
Fuel pumps - GM no biggy
Oil seal leaks
Transmission axle seal leaks
Rear wheel bearings - 150 bucks
IAC control valve - Bosch part

Almost all sensors and controls are GM or Bosch ....I have secured quite a bit at my local autoparts stores

If you do your own work and are mechanically competent its really not that hard of a car to maintain and or fix if need be.

Going on 9 years of ownership mine sits patiently waiting in the garage and starts right up when I want it. Sure I fiddle with it and watch out for the above but they are more then capable to drive around with out worrying if it is going to make it home. Now if you plan on driving it everyday , commute in it, or as your only car - best of luck. It is what its, Its a hand built , low production run, high performance car that utilizes parts from other vehicles to save on development costs and has had limited development and durability testing in order to keep vehicle profit margins in line. Is it unreliable, no. But your not going to go out hammer it all day long like a clapped out Jeep and expect it to faithfully get you to work the next day with out some TLC.

 

Great post. Very informative.

These cars do seem like huge value for money.

 

I have two freinds that each own a Lotus one 2004 turbo and the other a 2000 non turbo.

Both of them have had fairly dood experience with the cars. The 3004 which I have spent more time around is very cool in appearance and sound. Power is about 360 Modena Ferrari level. His car felt stiff to me at least compared to Ferrari.

Good luck to you whatever you buy.

Lee

 

I would like to see what the 3004 Lotus looks like!

 

And a 2000 non-turbo. I have a 2000 V8TT and I love it. Great power and nimble handling. It doesn't have the sound of a Ferrari and the interior is not the most roomy (especially for taller folks)...