Apparently you can own/drive a Lotus Europa when you have 3 kids, but the minute the 4th one is on the way you need to sell it and start looking for something with more seats. Or so it would seem from the seller's description of this 1973 Lotus Europa Big Valve available in Sunnyvale, CA for $14,000 via craigslist. Kids or not, the Lotus Europa is a fantastic automobile for the enthusiast on a budget and is way cooler than a minivan. Tip from Kaibeezy.
The Lotus Europa has a place on our top ten list of best used cars for less than $20k because it provides a high level of performance, style and exclusivity at a great price. This example has only 35k miles on the odometer and looks to be a great driver for cheap.
The engine bay hasn't been detailed, but we'd prefer paying a few grand less for a car with a dirty engine than top dollar for something that has gotten a $200 detailing job and is slick with Armor-All. This Europa is equipped with the "Big Valve" Lotus engine that puts 126 horsepower into a 5 speed manual gearbox.
The inside of this Europa looks decent and the addition of a fire extinguisher is probably linked to the seller statement that he "owned 2 Europas previously."
This isn't a bad price for a Big Valve equipped Europa considering that another yellow one recently failed to meet reserve on ebay at $16,500. At $14k this one is looking good!
See a better British El Camino without a bed? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
DT: I'm curious about the other nine that complete your Top 10 list of best used cars under $20K. Might provoke some good discussion down the road.
ReplyDeleteMatthew,
DeleteWe did a guest post a few months back on Motoringconbrio about our top 10, link here:
http://motoringconbrio.com/2013/03/29/guest-contributor-vince-b-of-daily-turismo-on-the-best-used-car-bargains-between-5k-15k/
-Vince B @DT
The Lotus Europa is conspicuous by its absence from the list on Motoringconbrio, but consider it a "living document"...and maybe 10 is too few of a limitation to list the top used cars under $20k.
DeleteHey guys, thanks for the replies and the link. Great choices!
DeleteThe advert stated a 4speed box. Did they have a five speed/OD? Been toying with trying to pick up one of these...not many around the DC area. I need to try out the fit as I am 6'2" and it may be a bit snug.
ReplyDeleteApparently the engine needed a rebuild at 28K miles, that does seem rather premature doesn't it ? Does anyone here have experience with these motors, are they generally reliable and what be considered normal mileage before requiring a rebuild ? How about the transaxle, are they considered reasonably robust ?
ReplyDeletecheers...JeffH
@PeteL. They are snug. It is not just height it will also be the series of the car, your shoulder width, shoe size, arm length and leg length. Try one on for size that is the same series and close to the year you are looking at. I am 6" and average dimensions. I feel tight in a series 1 and cozy in the others. I like snug. I don't mind looking up to see the tail pipes of SUV's. Other people not so much. These are wonderful cars.
ReplyDelete@JeffH. There will be a story behind why there was a rebuild at 28K. It is not that usual. These cars are fragile for street cars. Great performers due to the light weight which makes them fragile. Also limited production, hand built etc. etc.. Again these are great cars. Going to try and take a look this weekend.
Seem to recall this being sold not too long ago in AZ or TX
San Jose Scot