What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

For The Esprit delivers excellent handling, quick acceleration and good fuel economy

Against It has a cramped cockpit, a lack of safety equipment, and the V8's engine note is all wrong

Verdict The interior betrays the Esprit's 1980s heritage, but it’s a proper supercar

Go for… V8

Avoid… GT3

Lotus Esprit Coupe
  • 1. If you're looking at a car from 1996-98, check the alloys, as some suffered hairline cracks
  • 2. Parts are expensive and the service intervals are only 6000 miles apart, which makes this an expensive car to run
  • 3. Suspension and brakes should be overhauled annually to keep them in tip-top condition
  • 4. Beware of failing turbochargers and catalytic converters that can die on you
  • 5. Anyone six feet tall or more will struggle to get into the driver's seat
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