1998 Lotus Esprit for sale
None for sale by us right now: rent one for a week first, or ask us to find one. Rated 14.7 L/100 km combined (EPA). 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.
- For sale by us
- 0
- Combined
- 14.7 L/100 km
- Recalls
- 2
For sale
We do not have a 1998 Lotus Esprit for sale right now. We are a rental company: rent one for a week to try it, or tell us what you want and we look for one for you.
1998 Lotus Esprit specs
| Engine | 3.5L 8-cylinder turbo |
|---|---|
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel | Premium gas |
| City | 16.8 L/100 km |
| Highway | 11.2 L/100 km |
| Combined | 14.7 L/100 km |
| CO₂ | 345 g/km |
| Cost to drive 100 km | $25.73 |
1998 Lotus Esprit: every figure
| Displacement | 3.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 8 |
| MPG city (US) | 14 |
| MPG highway (US) | 21 |
| MPG combined (US) | 16 |
| MPG combined (Imperial) (converted from the US figure) | 19 |
| Fuel cost a year (EPA) (EPA: 15,000 miles at its fuel prices) | US$5,150 |
| Fuel cost for 20,000 km (at $1.75 a litre for premium) | $5,146 |
Sources: fuel use, MPG, CO2, electric range, battery, charge time, luggage volume and the annual fuel cost are the US EPA's (fueleconomy.gov). Imperial MPG, litres, inches and pounds are converted from those figures. Figures no free source publishes for this car (power, torque, acceleration, top speed, fuel tank, towing) are left out.
What to check when buying the 1998 Lotus Esprit
- NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Ask the seller for proof each one was fixed; a dealer can check it by the VIN.
- Owners filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, most often about electrical system (1). Have those parts checked before you buy.
| Campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V001000 | 2004-01-05 | equipment:other:labels | CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO, 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." CERTAIN AIR BAG WARNING LABELS ARE REQUIRED ON BOTH SUN VISORS AND THE ABOVE VEHICLES FAILED TO HAVE THE REQUIRED LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR. |
| 98V135000 | 1998-06-22 | wheels:rim | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. CERTAIN WHEELS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED FOR HARDNESS. THE REAR WHEELS COULD CRACK AND BREAK. |
Source: NHTSA (US) recall campaigns and owner complaints for this model year.
The 1998 Lotus Esprit for buyers
We are a rental company, not a dealer, so there is no 1998 Lotus Esprit for sale by us right now. Before buying the 1998 Lotus Esprit, read what the figures say and how to try one first.
Recalls and complaints
Have a mechanic inspect a used one before you buy it. In Ontario, a used car needs a Safety Standards Certificate to be registered. Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system; have those parts checked. Check whether every recall was done, by the VIN, before you pay.
Engine and fuel
The engine is the 3.5L 8-cylinder turbo, with rear-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual. The turbo gives a small engine the pull of a bigger one when you need it. Rear-wheel drive gives balanced handling; in winter, the tires make the biggest difference.
At 14.7 L/100 km combined, a 300 km drive takes roughly 44 litres of fuel. Driving 300 km costs roughly $77.19 at our price setting. At US fuel prices, the EPA estimates US$5,150 a year for 15,000 miles.
Best uses
It uses more fuel than most, so it suits shorter trips or people who need its size. It suits anyone who needs a car for a few days, a week or a month without buying one.
What the Esprit is like
As a two-seat sports car, it puts the driving first and the luggage second.
A longer test drive
A week of your own driving tells you more than a test drive: the commute, the parking, the fuel. A week with the Esprit answers more than any brochure. Rent the Esprit first, and buy only if it fits your life.
Narrowing it down
Set a budget that includes tax, licensing, insurance and the first set of tires. A newer year is not always better; check what changed before paying more for it. Ask the seller which trim it is; badges can be swapped and options vary.
What it costs to run
Ask what a set of tires costs for this trim; sizes and prices vary. The EPA estimates US$5,150 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices. Premium gas adds to the running cost compared with a car on regular.
Make a request
Want to try before you buy? Ask for your dates.
Rent it for a week before you buy
A week of your own driving tells you more than a test drive: the commute, the parking, the fuel. Rent a 1998 Lotus Esprit from us first.
Find me this car
Tell us your budget and when you want to buy; we look for a 1998 Lotus Esprit for you and reply within one business day.
Buying the 1998 Lotus Esprit
Does CarmaCars sell the 1998 Lotus Esprit?
Not right now. CarmaCars rents cars; it sells one only now and then. Tell us what you want and we look for one, or rent one for a week first.
Can I rent a 1998 Lotus Esprit before I buy one?
Yes. Request it for a week (or longer, up to 365 days) and drive it as your own; nothing is charged until we confirm and you approve.
Does the 1998 Lotus Esprit have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for it, in the table on this page. Ask for proof each was fixed.
What does the 1998 Lotus Esprit cost in fuel a year?
EPA puts it at US$5,150 a year for 15,000 miles at its fuel prices; at our price setting, 20,000 km cost about $5146.00.
Where do the figures come from?
Fuel use and fuel cost from the US EPA (fueleconomy.gov), dimensions and weight from NHTSA vPIC Canadian specifications, recalls and complaints from NHTSA. We leave out any figure no free source publishes.