Need advice from the peanut gallery on a trade

[revkev]

My '95 993 Cabriolet with 79k miles for:

1. 1973 Mach 1 with 83k miles. All original but a respray in the '80s.
2. 1995 Lotus esprit S4S.

He wants to do an even trade. Love the Mach 1. Can appreciate the looks of the Lotus but I hear upkeep is a *****. Never met the guy so have no idea of the history of the cars.

Would I be a dumbass to do this?

[billh1963]

Interesting trade offers. It's not a bad way to go; however, trading a known car for two unknowns is very risky.

The only way I would ever trade cars is if I am picking up so much equity that I can't lose even if issues are discovered.

In other words, if my car was worth $60k retail I wouldn't trade for two cars worth less than $75 or $80k retail....especially if your car is a hot commodity and the other two aren't.

I love the Esprits; however, they aren't exactly flying off the shelves.

I don't have a feel for early '70's Mustangs

[Norm K]

Forget the Mustang, IMHO of course, as by 1973 it was a Mustang in name only, Mach I nomenclature notwithstanding. Ugly, slow and least among the mid-sized Mustangs, it amounted to little more than an introduction to the compact Mustang-II that arrived the following year. Bottom line, if you think the `73 Mach I is a muscle car ... think again. Can you tell I have a lowly opinion of the `73 Muskrat?

I don't know the Lotus well so best that I let others speak for (or against) it.

_

[2ndTARGA]

I owned and loved an Esprit Turbo (1987) for many years. Reliability is actually not bad - mainly they suffer from fit and finish issues and if that sort of thing is annoying then there are a lot of things to fix- especially if the car has been neglected, which many have been. But the cars were practically assembled by hand using simple parts and everything mechanical is pretty easy to fix. Parts are not that big an issue (except for bodywork, glass, and the turbo and waste gate) and you certainly will get attention.

My only big warning would be on comfort and usability - if you plan long trips and like things like effective A/C - you will definitely miss your 993.

Unless you really dig the '70's Mustang, my advice would be to take the time to properly market your 993, sell it and then take even more time to source the best Esprit you can find. I personally think that unless the collector car market crashes, they are good values right now.

EDIT: Some good info here - http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Lotus_Esprit_Buyers_Guide.htm

and here: http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EBuying/checklist.html

[gshiwota]

I wouldn't do it especially since you don't know the guy or the cars. . If you really want those cars, I think you'd be better off selling your 993 and looking for the perfect Mustang and Esprit. It's a sellers market for air cooled Porsches and it's a buyers market for those other cars. I own a mild restomodded 67 Mustang and I love it. One reason I love it is because it's a relatively cheap classic car especially compared to my 911. There's no way I would have traded a 911 for it.

If you do go through with it, I'll trade you 2 1 owner Schwinn cruisers for the Mustang when you get tired of it.

[mattC2993]

I wouldn't make either of those trades. The Mustang is certainly worth a lot less than your 993.

[soundbehindyou]

If your cab is in great condition is should be worth $40 -$46K in my have not seen the car opinion.
Could not tell you what the other two should sell for.
Easier to buy a car then sell one no matter the condition.

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by mattC2993

I wouldn't make either of those trades. The Mustang is certainly worth a lot less than your 993.

I think the trade is both cars for the 993

[revkev]

Yes, 2 cars for my 1.

Thanks for the great info and links. Been doing some research. Some say the S4S is the most reliable and best 4 cycl Espirit. Others say these cars really needed their maintenance kept or these go down hill fast. Always been a fan, but did a Fleabay scan and these are going for low $20's ASK. Finally, living in SF< parking is limited and will have to rent another $250/month spot. Might have to pass on this, but the ol 2 for 1 got my juices flowing a little.

[2ndTARGA]

San Francisco?, Esprit? Now I get it........... it has to have something to do with this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXAlmer20iY

Seriously, if you still have interest, connect with the good people at the Golden Gate Lotus Club GOLDEN GATE LOTUS CLUB - Lotus Car Club for Lotus Enthusiasts - Track Days, Autocrosses, Meets, Tours, Vintage Racing & More!

[Nachtfalter]

Exige, yes.... Esprit, no.
The Mustang is a boat anchor.

Keep the 911.

[Cal44]

I know both Marques. Usually when someone wants to trade it is because they can't sell what they have.

[revkev]

Originally Posted by Cal44

I know both Marques. Usually when someone wants to trade it is because they can't sell what they have.

That was what I was thinking.

[timchar]

Don't do it...

[mattC2993]

Originally Posted by Rick Brooklyn

I think the trade is both cars for the 993

Missed that. Still wouldn't do it Just sell the 993 and buy what you want.

[specialtyoneinc]

Originally Posted by timchar

Don't do it...

Driven a couple Esprits in my life and they are POS. Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious. Run.

[christiandk]

Originally Posted by revkev

My '95 993 Cabriolet with 79k miles for:

1. 1973 Mach 1 with 83k miles. All original but a respray in the '80s.
2. 1995 Lotus esprit S4S.

He wants to do an even trade. Love the Mach 1. Can appreciate the looks of the Lotus but I hear upkeep is a *****. Never met the guy so have no idea of the history of the cars.

Would I be a dumbass to do this?

Affirmative!