[jtrealty]

Keep in mind you are looking for a very limited production car. Refining that search by particular color choices can make your search almost impossible (that combination is rarer still). Compound that by tryiing to find a good, well maintained example and you won't find it. Just about every year/model of Lotus has it's known problems, some are more expensive to fix than others. If you are looking for reliability you should try to find the newest, best taken care of car you can find (or afford), never mind the colors. Colors can be changed but it will cost $$$$ and it won't be original. The Bosch FI was one of the best systems of it's era but now there are not many places that can service it and parts are expensive and scarce. The 88's big known problems are the transmission, fuel tank vapor hoses, and the rusting fuel tanks. If the car was not well taken care of there can be a LOT of other problems but that can be said for just about any Lotus. Beware of a car that has gone through many owners, it usually means it has problems and each owner got out before spending a lot of money. The very best money you will spend will be for a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) BEFORE you buy a Lotus. If there are no or missing service records, either pass on the car or get it cheap enough that you can afford to do whatever is necessary. Avoid cars with an accident history of a serious accident, it makes the car difficult to resell and reduces it's value significantly. Don't limit your search geographically, what you are looking for is rare and you have to broaden your search accordingly. Go over to Lotus World for more information about each year/model. Depending on the reason you are buying the car, some years/models may make more sense than others. Lotus cars generally don't fit large people well so before you buy, try to drive the year/model you think you want to make sure you are comfortable in it. If you are thinking of buying a particular Lotus just because you think it is "cool" or nearby, see one up close and drive it or you may not be happy with it once you get it.
David Teitelbaum

 

[SG951]

You should be happy that you didn't win that car, unless you are a mechanic. That car needs a lot of work. Fuel tanks needs to be replaced and that's an engine out job. There is so much rust underneath the car. The springs and suspension need to be replaced as well. All the gear linkage is also rusted.

I bought that car for the color combo/interior condition, dash/binnacle condition, mileage which seems verifiable/consistent and going to sell both set of wheels that are coming with it as I already have a set of V8 Futuras in hand. Its immediately getting the motor/trans pulled, new tanks and basically anything I can replace while those are out along with some much needed clean up top/bottom. Looked worth saving to me however it definitely has plenty of issues to sort out. Funny thing is I looked for ages and for some reason that one just spoke to me haha, fingers crossed.

 

[esprit888]

This one popped up on Ebay today, very low Km's. Not 100% original (chrome wheels) but other than that she looks nice a nice example.

1988 Lotus Esprit | eBay

Garage kept and in excellent condition 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo #3 of 88 for the collector. This Lotus Esprit has a touch over 10K original miles and it shows! The Paint is flawless, and she has recently been checked out at Rosso Exotic Service.

www.ebay.com