peridically I find myself scanning the used car auctions at eBay for 308/328s (308 for the aggressive body style, 328 for the improved motor & brakes) and Lotus Esprits.

I've only rented a 1984 308 GTSi once and really enjoyed it... and I've always had a warm spot in my heart for Lotus Esprits, esp. the V8 models (although I'm not above their screaming turbo 4-cylinder for the right price, as the V8s still tend to go for a premium.)

I keep toying with the idea of picking up one of these fully depreciated "low end" exotic cars. to me, what they may lack in power compared to modern offerings, they more than make up in classic styling, rarity and sex appeal.

mid-80s 930/935s with the big whale tails and huge wheel arches get special mention too. I really think ever since then the 911 has become more and more effeminate looking. one thing though... I've always hated the drab unexciting interiors of P-cars.

any owners or previous owners of these vehicles? particularly the Lotus and F-car 308/328s?

bet you'll never guess that as a kid was glued to the tv whenever Miami Vice came on.

 

damn, this 935 in black is just pure badass sexiness.

 

 

 

I am with you on all those cars. I do the same thing.

 

the problem with 80's sportscar to me is that they have no headroom. even if i really wanted one, there's no way i can drive those things comfortably. so in that sense, yeah i admire them, but i never desire them...

 

I'm a HUGE 308 fan it is my favorite car. I almost bought one a couple of years ago I found an 83 QV for 24,500 but it had some issues. These cars can be very $$ to fix. A major service is recommended every five years which includes changing the belts and the 308 is an interference engine so if you skip this and a belt breaks you are looking at a big repair bill. The major service itself runs 4-5k which is expensive but thats having it done and includes replacing all fluids/filters,belts,tensioners water pump etc. If you can do the work yourself you could save quite a bit also.
I had been lusting after one and saving for one for a very long time but when the time did come I bought my S instead as I felt I didn't have enough put away for repairs to purchase a 308. Someday I hope to have one however.
There is a Lotus listed here cannillomotorsports.com Do you know what Lotus stands for? Lots
Of
Trouble
Usually
Serious

 

I see your point, I read about these cars all my life. However, I don't think I'd be comfortable owning one. I don't work on cars and I don't know any good mechanics so I'd be scared of repair bills.

I don't think I'd go for a car older than 1990-95 or so.

For me an old car is something like a e36 M3 or NSX


I've read the road tests of those early F-car V8s and they aren't as fast as neon is now.

IMO a new or used 350Z will have all the performance and more useability than a 308/328. Want mid-engined I'd rather have a boxster or nsx the newer the better.

Also elise (IMO) is the best Lotus ever sold in the US.

 

A friend of had a turbo 4-cylinder Lotus and while he did have a few issues with it he used it for a daily driver and had well over 100K miles on it when he sold it. The car was still fun to drive and very quick when he sold it.

 

[quote name='rai' date='Jan 30 2005, 06:58 AM'] I see your point, I read about these cars all my life.