r/whatcarshouldIbuy • u/-AirChina981- • 23h ago
Would you pay $19k for a K24-swapped 1988 Esprit Turbo?
galleryHey everyone, looking for some advice before I pull the trigger on this car.
I found a 1988 Lotus Esprit Turbo with a Honda K24 swap, and the seller is asking $19,000 firm.
I checked it out in person yesterday. Overall, I really like the car, but I’m not sure if the price makes sense.
Here’s what I know:
- K24 swap was completed in 2025
- Seller has a bunch of photos documenting the build
- Suspension bushings have all been replaced
- No visible cracks in the body
- Interior is okay, but nothing special
- Mileage is unknown
- Transmission seems fine
- Handbrake and windshield wipers don’t work
- The seller did a lot of the work himself
- Do not have an AC
One thing I’m trying to figure out is the title. The Wisconsin title was issued in July 2026, after the engine swap, but it doesn’t say “Street Modified.” I asked the DMV about it, but I haven’t gotten a definitive answer yet.
The seller says the price is firm, so I’m trying to figure out whether this is actually worth $19k or if I’m getting carried away because I like the car.