Being honest, there aren't many days that pass without looking at Evoras in the PH classifieds. Having been so beguiled by the
Sports Racer
we ran a little while back (the thread is at 760 comments!), I can't help but hold a huge soft spot for the Lotus and like to see where prices sit. Caymans are regularly checked up on too, but that's to follow shortly...
Well you won't see many others
Evora is the most affordable in the PH classifieds and is actually comfortably below £30K at £28,950. Shot in a studio in graphite grey doesn't do the Evora too many favours on the looks front perhaps. Seeing a
red car
with both the Sport Pack and Tech Pack arguably makes the case against the grey car stronger but then that isn't under £30K. Although it could be with some haggling...
The case for any Evora is a strong one though, particularly used. Running an off-the-shelf Toyota V6 may not make for the most exciting engine in the world but at least it shouldn't cause any problems. There actually doesn't seem too much to be wary of bar a few trim and finish issues. It seems that most have been purchased as occasional cars too, which means even the highest mileage 2009 cars have fewer than 50,000 miles on them. Furthermore, at less than they were new the case for one as a weekend car is easier; £30K for a fun car is more justifiable than £50K.
And it's the 2+2. Oh goody (!)
Don't get me wrong however, an Evora could be used everyday. The beautiful compliance of the suspension means it will be comfortable and that unstressed lump behind is fast enough. And all the time you can enjoy some of the best power steering ever known and a mini-supercar silhouette in shop windows. But getting in is a faff, the infotainment isn't great and the pedals are skewed. That sort of thing would likely get annoying.
Probably best mention the Porsche now. I quite like those too, although having only driven the 981 Cayman. They're out of budget currently but models like this 2009 3.4S are right on the money compared to the Evora. We all know how talented the Porsche is, and the higher numbers produced means more choice secondhand and the manual's nicer and...
There's still something about the Evora though. Try one and experience it for yourself. It must make more sense secondhand after all. And if you do fancy a punt on a new one, what about this gorgeous Daytona Blue S?
LOTUS EVORA
Price: £28,950
Why you should: One of the best recent sports cars to drive, now under £30K
Why you shouldn't: Porsches are quite good too...
See the original advert here.