Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Lotus 340R

Our Lotus 340R comes out of a three-and-a-half year hibernation

Lotus 340R

The last time the 340R appeared in these pages was in October 2005. Back then the front radiator had just split, which meant the body would have to come off. The result was that the car went into hibernation for a while…

When I finally got round to replacing the rad I discovered the immobiliser had given up the ghost too, which meant the 340R had to be sent to the service department at Hethel. It came back fully functioning and serviced, with new discs and pads up front and fresh tyres all round – and a bill for £3023.06. The charge for the service alone was £1681.59, thanks mainly to it needing eight hours of workshop time to complete. Good job the 340R is still as special to drive as it ever was…

Running Costs

Date acquiredJuly 2000
Total mileage13,450
Costs this month£3023 (see text)
Mileage this month620
MPG this month22.6
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best cars of the 1980s – performance icons from the decade of excess
Best '80s cars
Best cars

Best cars of the 1980s – performance icons from the decade of excess

The performance car as we’ve come to adore it has its origins in the 1980s. Family cars got fast, fast cars got faster, all of them were huge fun
19 Aug 2025
Mercedes-Benz EQS 2025 review – electric S-class takes aim at the BMW i7
Mercedes EQS – front
In-depth reviews

Mercedes-Benz EQS 2025 review – electric S-class takes aim at the BMW i7

Mercedes put all of its resources into creating a bespoke all-electric flagship, but it’s not quite worthy of replacing the S-class yet
18 Aug 2025
Aston Martin Vantage (2006) Fast Fleet test – living with a £30k V8 Aston
evo Fast Fleet Aston Martin Vantage
Long term tests

Aston Martin Vantage (2006) Fast Fleet test – living with a £30k V8 Aston

How much does an early V8 Vantage really cost to run? We’re starting to find out
21 Aug 2025