Used Lotus Esprit Coupe 1993 - 2003 review

What's the used Lotus Esprit like?

Okay, so the basic design is 25 years old, but that doesn't matter if the driving experience is this good. A proper member of the supercar pack, the Esprit's got pin-sharp steering and goes in and out of corners with balance and poise. The ride is cracking, too. There's a real suppleness to it that you don't expect from a two-seater coupe that's so close to the road.

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Overview

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

Pros

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

Cons

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

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Versions in the 1998-2003 bracket were very refined in comparison with early ones, and the rough edges had been smoothed out. Sadly, the engine doesn't make a V8-style noise.

Getting in the cabin isn't easy, with low doors and even lower sills. Once you're inside, the car can't hide its 1980s heritage; it looks and feels dated by modern standards and anyone approaching six feet tall will struggle to get in it. There are no airbags, and the boot is small, too.

Our recommendations

Which used Lotus Esprit should I buy?

Three models were available and specialist dealers who know the Esprit well are the best place to look for them.

The standard V8 was launched in 1996, powered by a 3.5-litre 349bhp turbocharged engine linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. In 1998, there was an improved model with a revised interior and some mechanical changes. There followed another upgrade in 2002, when it got new wheels and rear light clusters.

The basic V8 is the one we like best, and if you can find a post-2002 example, it will hold its value best. The second version was the V8 GT, which sold from 1997-2001, and was essentially a V8 with GT3 trim. Finally, there was the GT3 itself, which was a stripped-out model - no wood or leather here - with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit and 240bhp. It was available from 1996-99.