Evora and Aston, Porsche, Ferrari
Discussion
I’ve owned my Evora S for nearly a year now and done around 7,000 miles. I thought people might be interested in my experience to date and also how it compares to Astons, Porsches and Ferrari.
Quite simply it is the most amazing car I’ve owned. We do a lot of mountaineering so spend a lot of time driving up (and down!) mountain roads. Nothing else I’ve owned comes close to the Evora for being so good to drive up a twisty mountain road.
We live in a relatively rural part of Sussex so there are lots of quiet B-roads and even 7,000 miles into ownership it still brings a huge smile to my face when I’m driving it.
There have only been 2 problems
– a stiff gearbox which wouldn’t go into 1st without going into 2nd first – this was adjusted and fixed at the 1000 mile service
- a wrinkling of the leather on the door sill – this was replaced under warranty
So far it has been completely trouble free
Over the last 15 years or so I’ve been lucky enough to own Astons, Porsches and Ferraris, plus run 4 Lotuses (an Esprit, 2 Elises and now the Evora). Most of the time it has been exotic plus Lotus so I’ve been able to compare Lotus to exotic. There is no comparison. The Lotuses have all been 100% reliable whilst the exotics have been nightmare reliability wise. The Lotuses have sat outside in all weathers and always started. Despite being kept in the garage I have had numerous problems with the Astons, Porsches, and Ferraris. Every one of them has refused to start or broken down requiring a call to the breakdown service. Unbelievably the first Porsche I owned broke down on the day I bought it on the way home from the dealer (the oil pressure failure light came on – it was actually a faulty sender thankfully). I would happily have a Lotus as my only car, but I’d be worried if I had to rely on an Aston.
The other interesting thing is the service. I use Bell & Collvill and find them excellent. With one exception the other Lotus dealers I have used have also been very good. The one exception was truly awful (and has now gone out of business), but when I rang Lotus to complain the MD of Lotus Cars rang me back and sorted it out.
Contrast this to dire service from Aston Martin (dealers and factory), pretty poor from Porsche and ok from Ferrari.
So if Lotuses are so wonderful and AM etc so awful why have I kept buying exotics? Partly because I needed something bigger than an Elise for Mountaineering trips (need to take rope etc) and partly because even to a Lotus fan like me, Lotus lacks the emotional thing of owning a Ferrari or an AM. There is a real thrill to opening the garage door and seeing an Aston.
Recently though I’ve become increasingly disillusioned with owning a Ferrari or an Aston. Virtually all our holidays involve driving to some mountains in Europe somewhere and it’s infuriating to be spending your holiday in a dealer trying to get the car fixed. The Astons in particular seem incapable of completing a long trip without a warning light coming on or breaking down completely.
When the supercharged Evora came out I was very impressed, but still went and test drove a few others:-
V12 Vantage – fast, exciting to drive but felt a bit crude – reminded me of a 5 litre TVR Griffith I owned years ago
Ferrari 430 – good, although compared to the Evora it felt unsettled on bumpy B-roads. Very wide which makes real world B road driving difficult
Audi R8 V10 – fast, good on B-roads, very small boot.
Gallado – same as R8, worried about reliability
I eventually had 3 test drives in the Evora before making up my mind – I don’t suppose many people have traded in an Aston for an Evora. On the surface the Aston seems better made (eg more of a door clunk, better quality leather) but after driving a few miles you realise that the Evora is engineered more thoroughly.
So sorry if this has been a long and rambling post, but when I read comments on here they are so different from my own experience that I thought I’d post what I’ve experienced. Clearly I’m only one person, but it seems unlikely that I have been phenomenally lucky with the 4 Lotuses I’ve owned whilst simultaneously unlucky with the Astons etc.
Hopefully this post will reassure anyone considering an Evora. My experience is that they are reliable and in my view they are best car for driving on real roads.
There must be loads of people like me who are really pleased with their car but don’t normally post.
Anyone else have similarly positive experience?
Quite simply it is the most amazing car I’ve owned. We do a lot of mountaineering so spend a lot of time driving up (and down!) mountain roads. Nothing else I’ve owned comes close to the Evora for being so good to drive up a twisty mountain road.
We live in a relatively rural part of Sussex so there are lots of quiet B-roads and even 7,000 miles into ownership it still brings a huge smile to my face when I’m driving it.
There have only been 2 problems
– a stiff gearbox which wouldn’t go into 1st without going into 2nd first – this was adjusted and fixed at the 1000 mile service
- a wrinkling of the leather on the door sill – this was replaced under warranty
So far it has been completely trouble free
Over the last 15 years or so I’ve been lucky enough to own Astons, Porsches and Ferraris, plus run 4 Lotuses (an Esprit, 2 Elises and now the Evora). Most of the time it has been exotic plus Lotus so I’ve been able to compare Lotus to exotic. There is no comparison. The Lotuses have all been 100% reliable whilst the exotics have been nightmare reliability wise. The Lotuses have sat outside in all weathers and always started. Despite being kept in the garage I have had numerous problems with the Astons, Porsches, and Ferraris. Every one of them has refused to start or broken down requiring a call to the breakdown service. Unbelievably the first Porsche I owned broke down on the day I bought it on the way home from the dealer (the oil pressure failure light came on – it was actually a faulty sender thankfully). I would happily have a Lotus as my only car, but I’d be worried if I had to rely on an Aston.
The other interesting thing is the service. I use Bell & Collvill and find them excellent. With one exception the other Lotus dealers I have used have also been very good. The one exception was truly awful (and has now gone out of business), but when I rang Lotus to complain the MD of Lotus Cars rang me back and sorted it out.
Contrast this to dire service from Aston Martin (dealers and factory), pretty poor from Porsche and ok from Ferrari.
So if Lotuses are so wonderful and AM etc so awful why have I kept buying exotics? Partly because I needed something bigger than an Elise for Mountaineering trips (need to take rope etc) and partly because even to a Lotus fan like me, Lotus lacks the emotional thing of owning a Ferrari or an AM. There is a real thrill to opening the garage door and seeing an Aston.
Recently though I’ve become increasingly disillusioned with owning a Ferrari or an Aston. Virtually all our holidays involve driving to some mountains in Europe somewhere and it’s infuriating to be spending your holiday in a dealer trying to get the car fixed. The Astons in particular seem incapable of completing a long trip without a warning light coming on or breaking down completely.
When the supercharged Evora came out I was very impressed, but still went and test drove a few others:-
V12 Vantage – fast, exciting to drive but felt a bit crude – reminded me of a 5 litre TVR Griffith I owned years ago
Ferrari 430 – good, although compared to the Evora it felt unsettled on bumpy B-roads. Very wide which makes real world B road driving difficult
Audi R8 V10 – fast, good on B-roads, very small boot.
Gallado – same as R8, worried about reliability
I eventually had 3 test drives in the Evora before making up my mind – I don’t suppose many people have traded in an Aston for an Evora. On the surface the Aston seems better made (eg more of a door clunk, better quality leather) but after driving a few miles you realise that the Evora is engineered more thoroughly.
So sorry if this has been a long and rambling post, but when I read comments on here they are so different from my own experience that I thought I’d post what I’ve experienced. Clearly I’m only one person, but it seems unlikely that I have been phenomenally lucky with the 4 Lotuses I’ve owned whilst simultaneously unlucky with the Astons etc.
Hopefully this post will reassure anyone considering an Evora. My experience is that they are reliable and in my view they are best car for driving on real roads.
There must be loads of people like me who are really pleased with their car but don’t normally post.
Anyone else have similarly positive experience?
Edited by Evora Owner on Tuesday 24th January 12:26
I've driven various evoras and really really like them. I have to say though that in my experience a 430 is twice, three times the the car.... the real deal if you like and whilst the final chassis nuances over bumpy roads might not be as good (the evoras trump card), in every other respect its in a totally different league. But then it should be, just look at what they used to cost when new.
I have an Evora S here in Sydney. Only had for a couple of weeks. Before that I had an Exige 240, Elise 111R and an Elise S1. As an all rounder the Evora has everything. I wanted the rear two seats for my children. There are hardly any Evoras in Australia. On my list was an C 63, M3, GT-R or 911. All of them were a lot more expensive and simply didn't ride and handle as well. I think all the other cars are better in most repsects but don't have the X-factor.
The seats, the steering and handling are real standouts. It's no Ferrari or Lamborghini, but for the money here in Australia it's hard to beat if you want a true drivers car.
The seats, the steering and handling are real standouts. It's no Ferrari or Lamborghini, but for the money here in Australia it's hard to beat if you want a true drivers car.
In all honesty I agree with everything you say....I reckon most people that comment on evoras don't even own one or have driven one on a test drive or borrowed one for a few days...not long enough to get to know the car. Others only post when they have a problem...which I am also guilty of...but only because I seek genuine advice or reassurance. The evora is the connoisseurs choice...ferraris, porsches, astons...all too obvious a choice for the moneyed and play it safers. The dealership I have dealt with have been absolutely fabulous with both lotus cars I have owned...the mere mention of a niggle and they are like...right...get it in and we'll get it sorted...and oh by the way here's a top of the range BMW to drive in the meantime with a free tank of fuel. Jct lotus bentley Leeds.
Had my Evora for 2 months now and absolutely love it! Had 15 years of various Elises, but this time wanted a bigger car which still handled brilliantly. It can still be hustled down B roads like an Elise with no probs, yet will also see you nice and relaxed and comfy on a long run. For me it does both the Sports and GT car things very well. As said a short test drive may not get you hooked immediately, but once you have done a few long trips on twisty roads you realise how brilliant the chassis is and how much it controls the ride over uneven surfaces where the Elise would struggle. If I did more trackdays still, then I might have bought the new Elise S or kept my 111R - but in truth, I wanted a change after 3 Elises.
Re the 430 - I was lucky enough to have one (a Spyder) on loan direct from Ferrari GB (£161K) for 8 days and 2.5k miles for the 2006 Beaujolais run. Its a fantastic car with the F1 box, but in a completely different price sphere -and maint costs. My 1 yo Evora with all the packs, forged alloys and crb and 3k miles came with 2 years warranty remaining and sub £40k. Compared to the late Elises and Exiges I think that is very good value and a huge amount of car and engineering for the money.
If you like the way the Elise handles, you'll love the Evora package!
Re the other post about the number of nearly new Evoras for sale - as said, most are ex factory cars (mine was one) and dealer demos as both have been making way for the MY12 cars
Re the 430 - I was lucky enough to have one (a Spyder) on loan direct from Ferrari GB (£161K) for 8 days and 2.5k miles for the 2006 Beaujolais run. Its a fantastic car with the F1 box, but in a completely different price sphere -and maint costs. My 1 yo Evora with all the packs, forged alloys and crb and 3k miles came with 2 years warranty remaining and sub £40k. Compared to the late Elises and Exiges I think that is very good value and a huge amount of car and engineering for the money.
If you like the way the Elise handles, you'll love the Evora package!
Re the other post about the number of nearly new Evoras for sale - as said, most are ex factory cars (mine was one) and dealer demos as both have been making way for the MY12 cars
I cannot tell you all how refreshing it is to hear all positives for a change. I wish there were a way to somehow get write ups like these to the eyes of the masses so that more people would be apt to give the Evora the chance it deserves.
As far comparing it ti the likes of F430's and R8's and Lambos and Astons, I never really understood it and it seems to be common place, even among professional write ups. The Evora should never be mentioned in comparison unless to say of course that it does something better or as good as higher end cars. You have never read a review of a Carrera being compared to a Gallardo do you?
Of course the Evora isn't on par regarding quality as a car like the lambo costing 3x as much.
Nightmare- I agree with the looks, and that the front facia from thr gt car transformd it into what it should have been all along.
As far comparing it ti the likes of F430's and R8's and Lambos and Astons, I never really understood it and it seems to be common place, even among professional write ups. The Evora should never be mentioned in comparison unless to say of course that it does something better or as good as higher end cars. You have never read a review of a Carrera being compared to a Gallardo do you?
Of course the Evora isn't on par regarding quality as a car like the lambo costing 3x as much.
Nightmare- I agree with the looks, and that the front facia from thr gt car transformd it into what it should have been all along.
Ok I happen to love all Lotus cars - so adore a genuine postive review of an Evora but have to confess I find this is a very strange post!
Apologies OP if you are genuine but your posting saying your Evora is better than the 'Porsches, Astons and Ferraris' you have owned just strikes me as a bit well ... strange.
I don't think its a trolling post but just well ... it reads a little weird?
You are saying that every time you drive one of your 'Astons' it breaks down yet its the car you choose to go to Europe in because you can carry more than in your Evora?
Am I the only one on here who thinks its a bit weird?
Apologies OP if you are genuine but your posting saying your Evora is better than the 'Porsches, Astons and Ferraris' you have owned just strikes me as a bit well ... strange.
I don't think its a trolling post but just well ... it reads a little weird?
You are saying that every time you drive one of your 'Astons' it breaks down yet its the car you choose to go to Europe in because you can carry more than in your Evora?
Am I the only one on here who thinks its a bit weird?
Rakoosh said:
Ok I happen to love all Lotus cars - so adore a genuine postive review of an Evora but have to confess I find this is a very strange post!
Apologies OP if you are genuine but your posting saying your Evora is better than the 'Porsches, Astons and Ferraris' you have owned just strikes me as a bit well ... strange.
I don't think its a trolling post but just well ... it reads a little weird?
You are saying that every time you drive one of your 'Astons' it breaks down yet its the car you choose to go to Europe in because you can carry more than in your Evora?
Am I the only one on here who thinks its a bit weird?
I read it as a compensatory post. People often write stuff like that when in truth, deep down, they aren't too sure. It's a way of verbalising something out loud in an attempt to validate or justify one's choices. No offence to OP and I could be completely wrong but that's how it comes across.Apologies OP if you are genuine but your posting saying your Evora is better than the 'Porsches, Astons and Ferraris' you have owned just strikes me as a bit well ... strange.
I don't think its a trolling post but just well ... it reads a little weird?
You are saying that every time you drive one of your 'Astons' it breaks down yet its the car you choose to go to Europe in because you can carry more than in your Evora?
Am I the only one on here who thinks its a bit weird?
Evoras are still wonderful special cars though but no motor is the bee all and end all. Whatever you buy you are basically purchasing a set of compromises at the end of the day. Every single car mentioned here has its own goody box of weakpoints and foibles.
Nightmare said:
i really am tempted...and this particular thread has only reinforced that....i just wish i could have one with the GTE front bumper. or fit a copy. it just utterly transforms the look of the car and i don't quite love how it looks enough......not quite...
Really? Entirely subjective I know, but I reckon the front is the best bit, looks proper super car. It's the back I feel is flawed...bit out of proportion with rest of the car...Elise S2 back end is nicer.1981linley said:
Really? Entirely subjective I know, but I reckon the front is the best bit, looks proper super car. It's the back I feel is flawed...bit out of proportion with rest of the car...Elise S2 back end is nicer.
I'd agree with that. It looks a bit heavy set from the rear three quarters view and the spoiler looks a tad dated - very Honda NSX in fact.The front is stunning, although the Mansory concept car (and Evora GTE) beefs it up a little.
Really glad other people are enjoying their Evoras too. Goodness knows how many people are put off buying one by what they read on the internet.
Rakoosh, sorry if it came across as a little weird; it was when I had the Elise that we had to take a bigger car. Last summer we took the Evora and it was amazing.
And I’m not saying an Evora is better than a Ferrari. On the right road, in the right conditions of course a Ferrari is better. I had some amazing drives in the Highlands in mine. The trouble is most of the time on the B123 an Elise or an Evora is more fun.
Rakoosh, sorry if it came across as a little weird; it was when I had the Elise that we had to take a bigger car. Last summer we took the Evora and it was amazing.
And I’m not saying an Evora is better than a Ferrari. On the right road, in the right conditions of course a Ferrari is better. I had some amazing drives in the Highlands in mine. The trouble is most of the time on the B123 an Elise or an Evora is more fun.
I am giving serious consideration to an Evora or more something more hardcore, the Exige V6S
In the past the difficulty of getting in and out of the things just ruled it out. Never got as far as worrying about reliability.
But the clincher, the absolute deal breaker was the engines. Just so uninspiring.What Lotus needs more than anything else is a 6 cylinder+ charismatic motor that gives its wonderful chassis some heart.
I dont think this Toyota V6 is that engine.
Saying you prefer the Lotus to a Ferrari or Porsche ignores the magic of their engines. Listening to an Aston V8 or a GT3 at high revs is a huge part of the experience.
Even cars like a GTR have awesome engines , its the absolute centre of any car.
On the comparison front, the Evora is a £60k car and that means top of the range Caymans or slightly used Carreras. Formidable competition
They're going the right way, more credibility required, better engines, better materials but dont lose the magic.
Fingers firmly crossed
In the past the difficulty of getting in and out of the things just ruled it out. Never got as far as worrying about reliability.
But the clincher, the absolute deal breaker was the engines. Just so uninspiring.What Lotus needs more than anything else is a 6 cylinder+ charismatic motor that gives its wonderful chassis some heart.
I dont think this Toyota V6 is that engine.
Saying you prefer the Lotus to a Ferrari or Porsche ignores the magic of their engines. Listening to an Aston V8 or a GT3 at high revs is a huge part of the experience.
Even cars like a GTR have awesome engines , its the absolute centre of any car.
On the comparison front, the Evora is a £60k car and that means top of the range Caymans or slightly used Carreras. Formidable competition
They're going the right way, more credibility required, better engines, better materials but dont lose the magic.
Fingers firmly crossed
Diamond blue said:
I am giving serious consideration to an Evora or more something more hardcore, the Exige V6S
In the past the difficulty of getting in and out of the things just ruled it out. Never got as far as worrying about reliability.
But the clincher, the absolute deal breaker was the engines. Just so uninspiring.What Lotus needs more than anything else is a 6 cylinder+ charismatic motor that gives its wonderful chassis some heart.
I dont think this Toyota V6 is that engine.
Saying you prefer the Lotus to a Ferrari or Porsche ignores the magic of their engines. Listening to an Aston V8 or a GT3 at high revs is a huge part of the experience.
Even cars like a GTR have awesome engines , its the absolute centre of any car.
On the comparison front, the Evora is a £60k car and that means top of the range Caymans or slightly used Carreras. Formidable competition
They're going the right way, more credibility required, better engines, better materials but dont lose the magic.
Fingers firmly crossed
Quite. But no car is the perfect all round package. What is said here about the engine of an Evora could be applied in equal measure to the body work and interior of the said Cayman or Carrera.....uninspired. Ferrari is a little more rounded....but then in a different price bracket completely in terms of purchase and running costs. For me, the engine matters less than the looks, handling and overall feel and I find it more than adequate in terms of performance balanced with everyday practicalities like erm....fuel economy and oh, reliability. The Toyota engine ought to be bomb proof. So, all in, super car looks, Lotus prestige, rarity, relative lightness and handling, combined with japanese reliability for the expensive parts is about as good as it gets. I also either guess you are either a it mainstream and get the whole German thing or you don't...I don't and prefer things a lot more unique and bespoke.In the past the difficulty of getting in and out of the things just ruled it out. Never got as far as worrying about reliability.
But the clincher, the absolute deal breaker was the engines. Just so uninspiring.What Lotus needs more than anything else is a 6 cylinder+ charismatic motor that gives its wonderful chassis some heart.
I dont think this Toyota V6 is that engine.
Saying you prefer the Lotus to a Ferrari or Porsche ignores the magic of their engines. Listening to an Aston V8 or a GT3 at high revs is a huge part of the experience.
Even cars like a GTR have awesome engines , its the absolute centre of any car.
On the comparison front, the Evora is a £60k car and that means top of the range Caymans or slightly used Carreras. Formidable competition
They're going the right way, more credibility required, better engines, better materials but dont lose the magic.
Fingers firmly crossed
Diamond blue said:
On the comparison front, the Evora is a £60k car and that means top of the range Caymans or slightly used Carreras. Formidable competition
If you are going to be doing comparisons, at least compare apples with apples. A NEW Evora S is 60k well spec'd. You won't get a new 911 for that, even with no spec. Used fair enough, but a used Evora is low 30's now..
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