Exige 380/350 - discounts off new
Discussion
Hi All,
I am going for a test drive of Exige 380 and Evora 400 tomorrow, but I expect I will either go for new or used Exige as I am looking for a fun road and track car. I have an RS6 for everyday so don't need the comfort.
This is will be the first Lotus I would buy, so wondered what I should be expecting by way of discount?
I can do cash or finance depending upon the best approach for Lotus. Any views appreciated.
Gareth
I am going for a test drive of Exige 380 and Evora 400 tomorrow, but I expect I will either go for new or used Exige as I am looking for a fun road and track car. I have an RS6 for everyday so don't need the comfort.
This is will be the first Lotus I would buy, so wondered what I should be expecting by way of discount?
I can do cash or finance depending upon the best approach for Lotus. Any views appreciated.
Gareth
If you want a track car, you are going to have a problem with the Evora 400 as it is too loud for pretty much all UK tracks. Fantastic thing otherwise and I want one to go with my V6 Exige.
Listen carefully to the 380 Exige as well - I am fairly sure that it is running the same exhaust system as the 400 and the consensus on the owners forums based on video evidence is that it is probably going to be too loud for most UK tracks as well! Although I don't think anyone beyond the journalists has actually driven one yet.
I had a go in the 350 sport a couple of months ago. Didn't think it was worth upgrading my V6 to one, but as you don't have one already that will not be a problem for you! Either way, enjoy the test drives and hope you decide to purchase one or the other.
Listen carefully to the 380 Exige as well - I am fairly sure that it is running the same exhaust system as the 400 and the consensus on the owners forums based on video evidence is that it is probably going to be too loud for most UK tracks as well! Although I don't think anyone beyond the journalists has actually driven one yet.
I had a go in the 350 sport a couple of months ago. Didn't think it was worth upgrading my V6 to one, but as you don't have one already that will not be a problem for you! Either way, enjoy the test drives and hope you decide to purchase one or the other.
Both cars are where its at. Would expect you to get a better deal on the Evora. The 380 has only just been launched, can't see them offering too much if anything. However, I would expect them to come up with a tremendous deal on a 350 Sport. Then its up to you to decide which way to go.
Thanks for your responses.
Great test drive at Bell and Colvill. I know this will come as no surprise to you guys, but I was shocked how different the Evora is to the Exige. Stepping from the RS6, I was surprised how slowly they accelerated and if I was looking at the Evora, I would have to find the money for a used Macca MP4 instead - For the price it doesn't do enough to stop me looking to bridge the gap.
But the Exige was visceral, a selfish car, loved the thrill and not sure what else there is out there that does this. But don't think I need to buy the 380, the 350 would probably be good enough for me, as I am probably the limiting factor not the car.
Which as I am a cash buyer, probably then I look to used car and makes me wonder V6 S or 350...
Great test drive at Bell and Colvill. I know this will come as no surprise to you guys, but I was shocked how different the Evora is to the Exige. Stepping from the RS6, I was surprised how slowly they accelerated and if I was looking at the Evora, I would have to find the money for a used Macca MP4 instead - For the price it doesn't do enough to stop me looking to bridge the gap.
But the Exige was visceral, a selfish car, loved the thrill and not sure what else there is out there that does this. But don't think I need to buy the 380, the 350 would probably be good enough for me, as I am probably the limiting factor not the car.
Which as I am a cash buyer, probably then I look to used car and makes me wonder V6 S or 350...
GarethX22 said:
Oh and getting back in the RS6 at the end, it felt like a big, old, quiet, barge on stilts. 
I drive an S8 daily but since getting a Sport 350 mid last year, it's amazing how it's a constant reminder of how much feel/engagement you get from driving when it's so connected as a 350 is. I love the chalk and cheese nature The 350 is so good, even at -5c yesterday morning I jumped into it as I needed my 'fix' from being in the S8 for a week I agree, with the benefit of a comfy daily the Evora does not make sense, the Exige is where it's at. Cracking deals on some 350's just now too.
I am very fortunate to have all three, although the Exige is a company car.
Agree with most of the comments. The trouble is which is best...and there are lots of factors to take into consideration.
The Exige is most fun most of the time, but it is also a bit of a pain this time of year (noisey/headlights on dip weak, plus oncoming vehicles are higher so the lights dazzle when you get close).
The Evora is so all year/purpose capable. Its one of those cars you have to drive quite a bit before you get tuned into it, once you have you`ll realise just how quick it can be.
The 12c is awesome, but by the same token its so good that it also feels a little disconnected. It cannot achieve what it does without the help of electronics and clever suspension in all conditions with average drivers.
If I had to choose one car, it would probably be the Evora, but possibly in 410 specification. For me the only thing the Evora lacks is torque (for road use), or the gearing is too tall to give the instant response you get in the Exige, but this can be resolved by fitting the Komotec 460 kit, which gives a significant chunk more torque, but admittedly at the expense of gearbox life. Its as much fun to drive as the 12c (pro`s/con`s) but it has a fraction of the running costs, although to offset that the 12c has not depreciated in my 18 months of ownership.
Agree with most of the comments. The trouble is which is best...and there are lots of factors to take into consideration.
The Exige is most fun most of the time, but it is also a bit of a pain this time of year (noisey/headlights on dip weak, plus oncoming vehicles are higher so the lights dazzle when you get close).
The Evora is so all year/purpose capable. Its one of those cars you have to drive quite a bit before you get tuned into it, once you have you`ll realise just how quick it can be.
The 12c is awesome, but by the same token its so good that it also feels a little disconnected. It cannot achieve what it does without the help of electronics and clever suspension in all conditions with average drivers.
If I had to choose one car, it would probably be the Evora, but possibly in 410 specification. For me the only thing the Evora lacks is torque (for road use), or the gearing is too tall to give the instant response you get in the Exige, but this can be resolved by fitting the Komotec 460 kit, which gives a significant chunk more torque, but admittedly at the expense of gearbox life. Its as much fun to drive as the 12c (pro`s/con`s) but it has a fraction of the running costs, although to offset that the 12c has not depreciated in my 18 months of ownership.
rs200evo said:
GarethX22 said:
Oh and getting back in the RS6 at the end, it felt like a big, old, quiet, barge on stilts.
I drive an S8 daily but since getting a Sport 350 mid last year, it's amazing how it's a constant reminder of how much feel/engagement you get from driving when it's so connected as a 350 is. I love the chalk and cheese nature The 350 is so good, even at -5c yesterday morning I jumped into it as I needed my 'fix' from being in the S8 for a week I agree, with the benefit of a comfy daily the Evora does not make sense, the Exige is where it's at. Cracking deals on some 350's just now too.
Got my Exige for £55000, retail was £62000 and could have got another £1500 off if I hadn't used the 0% finance facility. Snows had a 350 at £52000 a while ago but this disappeared very quickly and I think lotus spat there dummy out at all the dealerships over discounts and devaluing the brand. I would say the deals are still there but you may have negotiate hard. Mine was also a car in stock but there's plenty around.
There are some nice cars out there. Decide what you want. Colours and spec will be key factors on the pricing. Lightly used will save you a packet. I'd be looking at 2016 Exige CR from £45000 2016 Exige S from £49950, A 2016 Exige sport from £53000. Sales aren't strong at the moment. Afterwards its down to your negotiating skills, how ready you are to proceed, finance, part ex etc etc. Its not rocket science. Dont get too hung up about getting the best price because otherwise you'll never get the car.
Hi folks, I appreciate I'm coming to this a month late (and hence this thread might be very cold) but I'm in exacly that same position (here in March 2017) i.e. looking to buy a new Exige 350 Sport (on the 50/50 0% deal) and wondering how much I'm likely to be able to negotiate as a discount.
Clealry a dealer will want to maximise theirt profit (they are a business after all) but equally if you don't ask you don't get, and the less of my hard earned (well hard-ish) cash I have to part with the better.
Any feedback would be really appreciated
Clealry a dealer will want to maximise theirt profit (they are a business after all) but equally if you don't ask you don't get, and the less of my hard earned (well hard-ish) cash I have to part with the better.
Any feedback would be really appreciated
Having been looking myself for a while (but not bought yet) I recon 10% off UK list (Model Year 2017 Sport 350 + any extras fitted) should be possible for cash, about £1500 extra if you need the 50:50 deal, as that has a cost to the dealer.
Be aware Lotus Cars have increased the List price twice over a 6-9 months period on the Sport 350, so depending how long the Sport 350 has been in stock, this could be a factor.
There are some older Exige S & Club Racers (new) still knocking around. Some dealers are claiming them to be 2016 or 2017 Model Year, but Lotus moved over to Sport 350 production Oct / Nov 2015 from memory. Clearly these cars should be much cheaper to buy.
If any actual buyers feel differently, chip-in
Be aware Lotus Cars have increased the List price twice over a 6-9 months period on the Sport 350, so depending how long the Sport 350 has been in stock, this could be a factor.
There are some older Exige S & Club Racers (new) still knocking around. Some dealers are claiming them to be 2016 or 2017 Model Year, but Lotus moved over to Sport 350 production Oct / Nov 2015 from memory. Clearly these cars should be much cheaper to buy.
If any actual buyers feel differently, chip-in
Edited by cain-it on Tuesday 14th March 06:05
cain-it said:
Having been looking myself for a while (but not bought yet) I recon 10% off UK list (Model Year 2017 Sport 350 + any extras fitted) should be possible for cash, about £1500 extra if you need the 50:50 deal, as that has a cost to the dealer.
Be aware Lotus Cars have increased the List price twice over a 6-9 months period on the Sport 350, so depending how long the Sport 350 has been in stock, this could be a factor.
There are some older Exige S & Club Racers (new) still knocking around. Some dealers are claiming them to be 2016 or 2017 Model Year, but Lotus moved over to Sport 350 production Oct / Nov 2015 from memory. Clearly these cars should be much cheaper to buy.
If any actual buyers feel differently, chip-in
Many thanks for the reply - that's really useful. I hadn't realised there was a cost implication to the dealer for offering the 50/50 I had (perhaps naively) assumed this was something that Lotus themselves subsidised to stimulate new car sales.Be aware Lotus Cars have increased the List price twice over a 6-9 months period on the Sport 350, so depending how long the Sport 350 has been in stock, this could be a factor.
There are some older Exige S & Club Racers (new) still knocking around. Some dealers are claiming them to be 2016 or 2017 Model Year, but Lotus moved over to Sport 350 production Oct / Nov 2015 from memory. Clearly these cars should be much cheaper to buy.
If any actual buyers feel differently, chip-in
Edited by cain-it on Tuesday 14th March 06:05
This type of discount was broadly what I'd assumed so it's useful to know I'm not wildly out before negotiating.
Thanks again
I've agreed a deal on a well specced 380 at 6% off list. I didn't dig my heels in too much, as I wanted the car and I'm impatient. I imagine you'd get more off a 350, as there are more of them sat around at dealers and they're no longer the latest thing.
I have read, and this was also mentioned by my dealer, that Lotus are putting pressure on dealers to reduce discounts to try to create stronger residuals. Whether they're succeeding with that is of course a moot point.
Good luck.
I have read, and this was also mentioned by my dealer, that Lotus are putting pressure on dealers to reduce discounts to try to create stronger residuals. Whether they're succeeding with that is of course a moot point.
Good luck.
Yeah, I guess the 380, being the new kid will be a bit meaner on discount.
By comparison, I was offered 6% of list / fitted options back in July '16 on a 350 for cash... this is before the recent list price increases. The discount was offered without any pushing, so I got the impression a final deal would be better.
By comparison, I was offered 6% of list / fitted options back in July '16 on a 350 for cash... this is before the recent list price increases. The discount was offered without any pushing, so I got the impression a final deal would be better.
five50 said:
Anyone driven the sport 350 vs earlier v6s? Do the new gearshift and revised steering geometry make much difference?
IMHO yes. The new gear change is very imoresisve. Having driven the Silverstone demo 350 with forged alloys and two part brakes, I found the steering was much more compliant over the bumpy roads around the Silverstone and front end biting in harder on the corners. Go drive one back to back with V6S. I drove 3 x V6S back to back at Silverstone before choosing the car to buy.
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