Thinking about an Evora S
Discussion
Figured this would be the place to ask.
I've had my Aston Martin for over 2 years now, and as much as I love the car (pretty much everything about it), the running costs are beginning to irk. Servicing is expensive, parts are inexplicably expensive and it drinks fuel.
Having looked at a local Lotus dealer's website, I've noticed that the Evora S can be had for reasonable money now and I'm thinking of going to the garage to have a look at the two he has in stock at the sort of price I'm thinking about.
It's down on power compared to the V8 Vantage but weighs less, is supercharged so it should feel quicker and midengined is something I'm yet to experience, so I genuinely think I could be onto something here...
What I want to know is how are they for servicing costs? Do they feel "special"? Every review I've read suggests they do but reviews are short term tests. I want to park up after 2 years and still look back as I walk away, as I currently do with the Aston. Can I grab it by the scruff of the neck on an otherwise mundane drive and scare the girlfriend from her slumber?
As I said I've yet to view one, figured I'd do some research first rather than waste a(nother) salesman's time.
I've had my Aston Martin for over 2 years now, and as much as I love the car (pretty much everything about it), the running costs are beginning to irk. Servicing is expensive, parts are inexplicably expensive and it drinks fuel.
Having looked at a local Lotus dealer's website, I've noticed that the Evora S can be had for reasonable money now and I'm thinking of going to the garage to have a look at the two he has in stock at the sort of price I'm thinking about.
It's down on power compared to the V8 Vantage but weighs less, is supercharged so it should feel quicker and midengined is something I'm yet to experience, so I genuinely think I could be onto something here...
What I want to know is how are they for servicing costs? Do they feel "special"? Every review I've read suggests they do but reviews are short term tests. I want to park up after 2 years and still look back as I walk away, as I currently do with the Aston. Can I grab it by the scruff of the neck on an otherwise mundane drive and scare the girlfriend from her slumber?
As I said I've yet to view one, figured I'd do some research first rather than waste a(nother) salesman's time.
Firstly the S will be quicker than a v8 vantage, the n/a car is about the same. You have to rev the lotus higher but it's more of a sports car than the vantage, it feels more alive IMO.
I like the interior but it's not as well made as the vantage and it's more "sports car" on the frills, eg no climate control, no electric seats.
I love mine and use it as my daily driver. The biggest downside is getting out of the car in a tight car park.
Strangely, after another year of two in the Evora I fancy a vantage, for its interior build? V8 and more relaxed gt style.
Ps. Evora seats are really comfy.
Forgot to add that running costs are similar to my Audi A6. It even uses the same tyres on the rear. Rear tyre wear is high 6 to 8 k a set but fronts last forever. Typical service is £400. Some parts like interior trim are expensive and clutches are expensive to change at about £3000. When I bought my car I did loads of research and concluded that the Lotus was cheaper to run than the Aston by some margin.
I like the interior but it's not as well made as the vantage and it's more "sports car" on the frills, eg no climate control, no electric seats.
I love mine and use it as my daily driver. The biggest downside is getting out of the car in a tight car park.
Strangely, after another year of two in the Evora I fancy a vantage, for its interior build? V8 and more relaxed gt style.
Ps. Evora seats are really comfy.
Forgot to add that running costs are similar to my Audi A6. It even uses the same tyres on the rear. Rear tyre wear is high 6 to 8 k a set but fronts last forever. Typical service is £400. Some parts like interior trim are expensive and clutches are expensive to change at about £3000. When I bought my car I did loads of research and concluded that the Lotus was cheaper to run than the Aston by some margin.
Edited by blueg33 on Monday 6th April 08:04
There are a few contributors on here who have owned both and the basic comment is that the Aston is beautifully finished etc but the Evora is a superior driving experience and probably more comfortable! Try one for a few miles, It'll knock spots off virtually anything from a driving experience point of view, oh yes and do not fall for magazine reports....I've driven several Boxster/Caymen variants and the Evora is far more of an experience. If you really want to scare your girlfriend, buy an Exige!
The ones locally are
http://www.lotusnewcastle.co.uk/lotus-evora-v6-s-4...
http://www.lotusnewcastle.co.uk/lotus-evora-v6-s-4...
Prefer the black one but not sure if these are good prices, would I expect to haggle much off of that.
It all depends on what I can get in offer of part exchange on the Aston Martin too.
A test drive will reveal if I "get" the Evora or not, I couldn't care less about numbers as long as the car is quick and feels good. I've driven the old V10 M6 before and it was too fast, to have fun you had to be at 9 tenths and risk losing your license.
To me a sportscar is about having fun but working at it too. I often think about getting a GT-R but if a car does all the work, I'm just a buffoon smashing a pedal and turning a wheel.
I would kill for a new Exige S but the cheapest online is £45k. A touch too expensive still, though whilst I'm at the local dealer I will have a look around it and see if a test drive is possible, there's always man maths to consider
http://www.lotusnewcastle.co.uk/lotus-evora-v6-s-4...
http://www.lotusnewcastle.co.uk/lotus-evora-v6-s-4...
Prefer the black one but not sure if these are good prices, would I expect to haggle much off of that.
It all depends on what I can get in offer of part exchange on the Aston Martin too.
A test drive will reveal if I "get" the Evora or not, I couldn't care less about numbers as long as the car is quick and feels good. I've driven the old V10 M6 before and it was too fast, to have fun you had to be at 9 tenths and risk losing your license.
To me a sportscar is about having fun but working at it too. I often think about getting a GT-R but if a car does all the work, I'm just a buffoon smashing a pedal and turning a wheel.
I would kill for a new Exige S but the cheapest online is £45k. A touch too expensive still, though whilst I'm at the local dealer I will have a look around it and see if a test drive is possible, there's always man maths to consider
If you like to work at it you may want to consider an N/A, you don't have the torque so you have to work the gear box. Has the added benefit of much better mpg, not needing 98 fuel, lower tyre wear, cheaper tyres and cheaper road tax.
The black car is a better spec and is an IPS. Lots of people rate the IPS but I didn't get along with it (note, only a short drive and really I'd like to experience one for a period at some point).
Price wise they look quite reasonable, but my experience is that you won't get a lot off.
The black car is a better spec and is an IPS. Lots of people rate the IPS but I didn't get along with it (note, only a short drive and really I'd like to experience one for a period at some point).
Price wise they look quite reasonable, but my experience is that you won't get a lot off.
I'd double check that the black Evora IPS listed at the Newcastle Lotus franchise dealer is a supercharger.
It look like a N/A IPS that has been incorrectly listed maybe? Compare with the blue de-badged 60 plate Evora S mentioned; the black one doesn't have the correct rear diffuser grille assembly or exhaust tail pipe (assuming it's a standard system). Another give away is that the bumper badge is missing the "S" (I know these have a tendency to break off though if caught during waxing, but my suspicions have been aroused by the two aforementioned details).
It's a shame that the dealer didn't include a shot of the car with the tailgate open, then that would show whether the car has got a supercharger or not.
It look like a N/A IPS that has been incorrectly listed maybe? Compare with the blue de-badged 60 plate Evora S mentioned; the black one doesn't have the correct rear diffuser grille assembly or exhaust tail pipe (assuming it's a standard system). Another give away is that the bumper badge is missing the "S" (I know these have a tendency to break off though if caught during waxing, but my suspicions have been aroused by the two aforementioned details).
It's a shame that the dealer didn't include a shot of the car with the tailgate open, then that would show whether the car has got a supercharger or not.
Edited by EuropaSman on Monday 6th April 20:58
Thanks for the information guys, still think I'd prefer a manual (didn't no IPS was the auto) but I'd be willing to try the IPS.
I'll double check the black one is an S too!
Great article on the Evora
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-compariso...
I'll double check the black one is an S too!
Great article on the Evora
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-compariso...
I owned the V8 Vantage N400 and changed to an Evora S (Elise S1 for 9 months inbetween)
The Vantage had a great interior, looked and sounded fantastic but for me wasn't a car that was great fun on UK roads. The Evora is fantastic, a great car to drive and so very few on UK Roads. Interior is luxury compared to an Elise, but doesn't match up to an Aston, but it's certainly not lacking it's just a bit plain.
The way it delivers the power is addictive and unlike the Vantage you know you're going fast. You really felt the weight of the Vantage on tight twisty A and B roads I felt it could go backwards into a hedge at any moment, but the Evora feels like it just won't stop gripping (and I've put Continental Sport Contact 5P tyres on which last longer and come top in many tests for Performance Cars, £200 to £250 a corner but should last a long time compared to the OEM P Zero's).
Insurance - same
MPG - 18mpg in Aston, 20 to 22 in the Evora (if you do a lot of motorway miles you'll get closer to 25/27 average)
Tax - I don't care enough to remember. Always an afterthought with my car purchases.
Service - cheaper
Parts - all done under warranty so no idea.
Fuel - someone says above you have to use Premium. But JCT600 Lotus engineer told me that standard was fine, though I've run it on Super except when I managed to pull into a station with no super and hence it's had 2 tanks of standard in it's life with me and there was no noticeable difference, but you might if you pushed it hard I suppose - I know the N400 unlocked 20bhp (380 upto 400) when using Super.
The Vantage had a great interior, looked and sounded fantastic but for me wasn't a car that was great fun on UK roads. The Evora is fantastic, a great car to drive and so very few on UK Roads. Interior is luxury compared to an Elise, but doesn't match up to an Aston, but it's certainly not lacking it's just a bit plain.
The way it delivers the power is addictive and unlike the Vantage you know you're going fast. You really felt the weight of the Vantage on tight twisty A and B roads I felt it could go backwards into a hedge at any moment, but the Evora feels like it just won't stop gripping (and I've put Continental Sport Contact 5P tyres on which last longer and come top in many tests for Performance Cars, £200 to £250 a corner but should last a long time compared to the OEM P Zero's).
Insurance - same
MPG - 18mpg in Aston, 20 to 22 in the Evora (if you do a lot of motorway miles you'll get closer to 25/27 average)
Tax - I don't care enough to remember. Always an afterthought with my car purchases.
Service - cheaper
Parts - all done under warranty so no idea.
Fuel - someone says above you have to use Premium. But JCT600 Lotus engineer told me that standard was fine, though I've run it on Super except when I managed to pull into a station with no super and hence it's had 2 tanks of standard in it's life with me and there was no noticeable difference, but you might if you pushed it hard I suppose - I know the N400 unlocked 20bhp (380 upto 400) when using Super.
To the OP: I asked a similar question over on the Aston section recently. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=148...
The upshot is that my V8V is about to be collected by a dealer. I pick up an Evora S in a couple of weeks time.
The upshot is that my V8V is about to be collected by a dealer. I pick up an Evora S in a couple of weeks time.
Whilst trying to avoid being defamatory, to me I feel that that doesn't sound good (definitely not what the marque needs right now in terms of reputation at the selling end).
Just my personal opinion but I've dealt with JCT600, Lotus Silverstone and Bell & Colvill, and all three dealerships were very helpful when I was looking for an Evora.
Just my personal opinion but I've dealt with JCT600, Lotus Silverstone and Bell & Colvill, and all three dealerships were very helpful when I was looking for an Evora.
Thanks! 
(not able to view my emails on the company network too easily) I went the other way, Evora NA to V8 Vantage (4.7). I have a reasonably lengthy ownership report in this forum somwhere if you have an hour to kill 
The Evora is all round, utterly brilliant. I really miss mine. In fact i was looking at swapping back last week.
Running costs, the only main change I am finding is service costs. £800 V8, £350 Evora. Tyres and petrol are much the same, i am averaging around 23mpg in both, although I think the Evora was driven quicker due to its nature, where the V8 tends to be more of A cruiser.
To drive there is no comparison. The Evora wins hands down. Track, back road, motorway, i prefer the Evora.
To own, I think the Vantage probably edges it. Interior is miles ahead on the Vantage, as is the build quality. No issues With my V8 where the Evora (bought new) had a fair few niggles.
Vantage sounds glorious, although I find it a bit muted inside. Looks are personal. Both are great looking cars.
I would say that a 20 minute test drive in the Evora really wont show off its range of talents. I found it very difficult to find a worthy replacement.
The Evora is all round, utterly brilliant. I really miss mine. In fact i was looking at swapping back last week.
Running costs, the only main change I am finding is service costs. £800 V8, £350 Evora. Tyres and petrol are much the same, i am averaging around 23mpg in both, although I think the Evora was driven quicker due to its nature, where the V8 tends to be more of A cruiser.
To drive there is no comparison. The Evora wins hands down. Track, back road, motorway, i prefer the Evora.
To own, I think the Vantage probably edges it. Interior is miles ahead on the Vantage, as is the build quality. No issues With my V8 where the Evora (bought new) had a fair few niggles.
Vantage sounds glorious, although I find it a bit muted inside. Looks are personal. Both are great looking cars.
I would say that a 20 minute test drive in the Evora really wont show off its range of talents. I found it very difficult to find a worthy replacement.
Had my Evora S SR since last year and it is going in for its first service on Monday. Coming up for 6k miles and its now my daily driver as it was a waste to leave it sitting in the garage. I expect the service to be about £400 with a brake bleed. It has the 19 and 20 inch wheels which I have just changed as the Pirelli P zero Corsas rears were on the markers at 4500 miles. £700 for a full set of Michelin pilots Super Sports which have now done 750 miles and I would not go back to the Corsas. Brake pads are over half worn but they have seen heavy use.
Its had minor niggles, clutch pedal clicking , door seal adrift and air con tripped out which have been simple instant fixes. Dealer service department have been excellent.
In answer to does it feel special. It took me a while to “get” the car , thought it was too soft and considered changing for an Exige, so glad I never as this year it has really clicked. It gets a lot of attention, people talk to you at petrol stations and so far it always been positive. The car is more than capable of rousing a passenger, top tip warn them they will feel acceleration in their stomach before a spirited drive. Maybe add a pee to the list if she is over 40. LOL.
The only negative I would say can be the fuel consumption at times. Last year on a long run I got 32mpg which was a surprise. Last 3 days I have done 650 miles and could not break 24mpg heading south and 26mpg North. Only difference is it was much cooler on the recent trip. Spirited runs are 15-18mpg and blasts are 10-12mpg.
From really poor back roads to sweeping A roads the ride is just superb and the steering is epic. Was in the car 5 hours yesterday and was perfectly comfortable. Worth every penny.
Justin’s post are excellent reading.
Its had minor niggles, clutch pedal clicking , door seal adrift and air con tripped out which have been simple instant fixes. Dealer service department have been excellent.
In answer to does it feel special. It took me a while to “get” the car , thought it was too soft and considered changing for an Exige, so glad I never as this year it has really clicked. It gets a lot of attention, people talk to you at petrol stations and so far it always been positive. The car is more than capable of rousing a passenger, top tip warn them they will feel acceleration in their stomach before a spirited drive. Maybe add a pee to the list if she is over 40. LOL.
The only negative I would say can be the fuel consumption at times. Last year on a long run I got 32mpg which was a surprise. Last 3 days I have done 650 miles and could not break 24mpg heading south and 26mpg North. Only difference is it was much cooler on the recent trip. Spirited runs are 15-18mpg and blasts are 10-12mpg.
From really poor back roads to sweeping A roads the ride is just superb and the steering is epic. Was in the car 5 hours yesterday and was perfectly comfortable. Worth every penny.
Justin’s post are excellent reading.
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