Just about to order an S3 Exige S roadster

[BillTheButcher]

I've owned a 987 Cayman S (my third Porsche) for about a year. It's a great car but I decided recently that I wanted something more focused, raw and involving.

Amongst others, I test drove an S3 Exige S roadster last weekend. Within about 30 seconds of climbing in, I knew I had to have one.

I was told that there would be a lead time of about five months for a new build. I didn't think I could wait that long so I started looking at nearly-new ones but that would mean that I wouldn't get the three years' free servicing or 50/50 finance deal.

While I was trying to decide what to do I got a call yesterday to tell me that a November build had become available.

Final spec:
Starlight Black (or Carbon Grey; I can't quite make my mind up) Exige S Roadster
Premium Pack Sport
Convenience Pack
Air Conditioning
Rear Parking Sensors
Hard top (for when it's parked up outside for any length of time)

The main reason I went for the roadster over the coupe was looks: I much prefer the cleaner lines without the splitter and wing.

I'm so excited I feel a bit sick.

[stuttgart737]

Lucky man. I'd like to test drive an S3 but I know it wouldn't end well (have previous form in this area).

[BillTheButcher]

stuttgart737 said:

Lucky man. I'd like to test drive an S3 but I know it wouldn't end well (have previous form in this area).

[otolith]

Jammy git

[quantum2000]

Carbon grey definitely suits the roadster, here's my coupe and a friends carbon grey roadster

[BillTheButcher]

^ Grey is lovely.

I've just confirmed Starlight Black but really either one looks great.

[Moospeed]

Agree on the roadster comment, well done BillTheButcher.

One day my savings and roadster 2nd hand prices may meet and I can upgrade. If I could just stop buying all these interim Lotuses and upgrades

[CTE]

I had almost exactly the same experience. I convinced myself that the all round car for me was a new Boxster S, one of which I duly test drove. It was very competent and beautifully finished etc., so I ordered one. Anyhow, luckily, I got messed around with availability and spec by Porsche, and as luck would have it a Carbon grey Exige roadster appeared in our local Lotus dealership...it was love at first sight, and like you, after 30 yards the decision was made. Needless to say I cancelled the Boxster immediately, much to the Porsche dealers annoyance, and told them I thought their car was dull, which it is in comparison. I use my car daily and in six months have completed 10000 trouble free miles (touch wood!) which includes two road trips, one down to the Alps, and one last week to the Pyrenees. Needless to say the Exige faired very well when compared to some very powerful and expensive metal...and I have to say every journey is an event. For heavens sake it has even got air con (which works), reverse sensors, cruise control...the only thing it does not have is a paddle shift gearbox, although you can order an IPS or a sequential gearbox at great cost. I do wonder how much quicker the acceleration times would be with a PDK type gearbox, but the manual works well and has loosened a lot with a few miles on the clock.

You will definitely enjoy your car.

[GTRene]

you can ad something like this set up, 425hp, must go pretty fast >

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFiXvIAe9yU&fe...