Used Lotus Esprit Coupe 93-03

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.

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.

Next Ownership costs