Time to move on? (Lotus s3 exige, M2 comp, Jaguar F type)
Discussion
Afternoon all
I currently have a GT86 which I have owned for about 5 years now. It ticks all of the boxes for me at present. however I keep getting the feeling I need to scratch the itch for a new car whilst I have the opportunity. Despite been happy with the 86 I feel I may regret not trying the next step up the performance car ladder whilst I can get away with a 2 seat car and have the funds to do so.
My usage for a car is an occasional track day or just taking it out for a drive for the sake of a drive or going to a car and coffee morning etc etc. I am fortunate enough to commute by bicycle to work at the local hospital and have the other half's diesel clio 4 available for anything mundane if needed.
So as much as I like the M2 I feel I would be buying into a car that has a lot of comfort and features that I don't really need? However I have shared a track day with a mate when he was in his M2 and as a passenger at least it does feel a very exciting drive. Also love the look of the M4 and M3 but feel again this is a big car I don't really need.
As for the F type its a car I have always loved since launch and would like to scratch the v8 car itch whilst they are still obtainable. However I have never driven one and have heard they are a bit barge like maybe not what I am after. Spent a week with a current gen V8 mustang in the states the other year and never really got on with it. Just felt a heavy lump even if it did go, sound and look nice.
The V6 exige I feel would be the most exciting of the trio if I was using it just for driving pleasure. However the two things I need to check out are A) if I fit in one comfortably as I am 6ft+ and the logistics of owning one without a garage. Have I nice secure driveway but it would be kept out in the elements and I didn't know if this would be a suitable ownership propitiation.
Also open to other options if there are any other suggestions I have not considered
Also I have funds to purchase out right but I was thinking if there was any benefits to financing anything so that a large chunk of money is not tied up in one asset. But then on the other hand why pay interest on a loan I don't need?
Thanks for reading
Gavin
I currently have a GT86 which I have owned for about 5 years now. It ticks all of the boxes for me at present. however I keep getting the feeling I need to scratch the itch for a new car whilst I have the opportunity. Despite been happy with the 86 I feel I may regret not trying the next step up the performance car ladder whilst I can get away with a 2 seat car and have the funds to do so.
My usage for a car is an occasional track day or just taking it out for a drive for the sake of a drive or going to a car and coffee morning etc etc. I am fortunate enough to commute by bicycle to work at the local hospital and have the other half's diesel clio 4 available for anything mundane if needed.
So as much as I like the M2 I feel I would be buying into a car that has a lot of comfort and features that I don't really need? However I have shared a track day with a mate when he was in his M2 and as a passenger at least it does feel a very exciting drive. Also love the look of the M4 and M3 but feel again this is a big car I don't really need.
As for the F type its a car I have always loved since launch and would like to scratch the v8 car itch whilst they are still obtainable. However I have never driven one and have heard they are a bit barge like maybe not what I am after. Spent a week with a current gen V8 mustang in the states the other year and never really got on with it. Just felt a heavy lump even if it did go, sound and look nice.
The V6 exige I feel would be the most exciting of the trio if I was using it just for driving pleasure. However the two things I need to check out are A) if I fit in one comfortably as I am 6ft+ and the logistics of owning one without a garage. Have I nice secure driveway but it would be kept out in the elements and I didn't know if this would be a suitable ownership propitiation.
Also open to other options if there are any other suggestions I have not considered
Also I have funds to purchase out right but I was thinking if there was any benefits to financing anything so that a large chunk of money is not tied up in one asset. But then on the other hand why pay interest on a loan I don't need?
Thanks for reading
Gavin
So it sounds like you want (a) to buy a brand new car (choosing the colour, spec, having it brand new) and (b) a sports car for fun on road & trackdays.
I'd be looking for something a similar size/weight to your GT86, but with a stronger engine. That way you're not losing any agility or fun factor, but get to enjoy the step up in performance you're looking for.
As such, personally I'd scratch the F-Type & M2 from your shortlist, keep the Exige, and add a Cayman GTS / GT4 and Alpine A110. (HarryM weighed the Boxster GTS 4.0 at just under 1300kg, so lighter than on paper).
samoht said:
So it sounds like you want (a) to buy a brand new car (choosing the colour, spec, having it brand new) and (b) a sports car for fun on road & trackdays.
I'd be looking for something a similar size/weight to your GT86, but with a stronger engine. That way you're not losing any agility or fun factor, but get to enjoy the step up in performance you're looking for.
As such, personally I'd scratch the F-Type & M2 from your shortlist, keep the Exige, and add a Cayman GTS / GT4 and Alpine A110. (HarryM weighed the Boxster GTS 4.0 at just under 1300kg, so lighter than on paper).
This.I'd be looking for something a similar size/weight to your GT86, but with a stronger engine. That way you're not losing any agility or fun factor, but get to enjoy the step up in performance you're looking for.
As such, personally I'd scratch the F-Type & M2 from your shortlist, keep the Exige, and add a Cayman GTS / GT4 and Alpine A110. (HarryM weighed the Boxster GTS 4.0 at just under 1300kg, so lighter than on paper).
2 seater sports car needed - Cayman and A110 got to be worth a look in (and are probably the best in class).
samoht said:
(HarryM weighed the Boxster GTS 4.0 at just under 1300kg, so lighter than on paper).
Harry's scales are off judging by other cars he weighted, they're at least 100kgs optimistic . I can't see Porsche overstating the weight of their cars either. Which would put the Cayman at around 100kgs less than an original M2. That's a car I wouldn't discount test driving either if I was the OP. Decent on track on just pads IME too.
I can probably help you out here.
I previously owned a V6 Exige before my M2 which I have now. The Exige has well and truly ruined cars for me, it's that good. Lots of people hype M2's and they're good cars but for me it doesn't touch the experience of the Lotus. The Exige was a 2nd car for me, it's not something you can use everyday unlike the M2.
The M2 handles very well out the box and steering feel is also good for a modern car but coming from no power steering it feels pretty numb in comparison. M2 is just as quick on the road though in my opinion..
The reason I sold my Exige was due to going down to 1 car, now a year into M2 ownership looking at other options.
Maybe I just need the M2 on track to truly appreciate it..
I previously owned a V6 Exige before my M2 which I have now. The Exige has well and truly ruined cars for me, it's that good. Lots of people hype M2's and they're good cars but for me it doesn't touch the experience of the Lotus. The Exige was a 2nd car for me, it's not something you can use everyday unlike the M2.
The M2 handles very well out the box and steering feel is also good for a modern car but coming from no power steering it feels pretty numb in comparison. M2 is just as quick on the road though in my opinion..
The reason I sold my Exige was due to going down to 1 car, now a year into M2 ownership looking at other options.
Maybe I just need the M2 on track to truly appreciate it..
given you like the 86 and this is just a fun car I'd forget about the F-Type, and put the M2 on reserve list too.
an Elise 220 lacks a V6 but is a better steer down a B road in the real world. Cayman GTS has a glorious engine.
The Alpine isn't raw enough for OP's stated needs. Evora too civilised too, in comparison to exige, more an F-type competitor.
an Elise 220 lacks a V6 but is a better steer down a B road in the real world. Cayman GTS has a glorious engine.
The Alpine isn't raw enough for OP's stated needs. Evora too civilised too, in comparison to exige, more an F-type competitor.
Jackmuirhead6 said:
I can probably help you out here.
I previously owned a V6 Exige before my M2 which I have now. The Exige has well and truly ruined cars for me, it's that good. Lots of people hype M2's and they're good cars but for me it doesn't touch the experience of the Lotus. The Exige was a 2nd car for me, it's not something you can use everyday unlike the M2.
The M2 handles very well out the box and steering feel is also good for a modern car but coming from no power steering it feels pretty numb in comparison. M2 is just as quick on the road though in my opinion..
The reason I sold my Exige was due to going down to 1 car, now a year into M2 ownership looking at other options.
Maybe I just need the M2 on track to truly appreciate it..
That summarises the M2's main strenght indeed:versatility. It is not the best at anything but its is excellent at loads of things. I previously owned a V6 Exige before my M2 which I have now. The Exige has well and truly ruined cars for me, it's that good. Lots of people hype M2's and they're good cars but for me it doesn't touch the experience of the Lotus. The Exige was a 2nd car for me, it's not something you can use everyday unlike the M2.
The M2 handles very well out the box and steering feel is also good for a modern car but coming from no power steering it feels pretty numb in comparison. M2 is just as quick on the road though in my opinion..
The reason I sold my Exige was due to going down to 1 car, now a year into M2 ownership looking at other options.
Maybe I just need the M2 on track to truly appreciate it..
It's surprisingly good on track for a 1.5t car. You just need pads.
240Cup said:
Have had an S3 Exige (V6 Cup) as well as a vast array of other Lotus and I wouldn't have one either as a daily driver or being kept outdoors.
Cheers for the input. Wouldn't be a daily driver but I was afraid not having a garage to keep it warm and dry in would be the deciding factor. 
Cheers for the input all.
Think I need to have a look at gts caymans. Did look at porches briefly but there were so many different categories to look through I got confused lost interest looking.
I think now the dealers are more open again. I will have to go and sit in and drive some options.
Another point I didn't mention was that something that doesn't depreciate like a stone would be fairly high on the list too just in case family circumstances change in a couple of years and I need to ditch the 2 seater format.
Think I need to have a look at gts caymans. Did look at porches briefly but there were so many different categories to look through I got confused lost interest looking.
I think now the dealers are more open again. I will have to go and sit in and drive some options.
Another point I didn't mention was that something that doesn't depreciate like a stone would be fairly high on the list too just in case family circumstances change in a couple of years and I need to ditch the 2 seater format.
Yeah, Porsche do make things complicated with all the model grades. The GTS gets the 4.0 flat six https://www.porsche.com/uk/models/718/718-models/7... , or there's the S with the turbo flat four.
In terms of depreciation, the 'best' option is to buy a 15+ year old car. It's always hard to predict future values, especially in these (cliche alert) unprecedented times, but anything brand new will depreciate. I think generally more focused pure sports cars tend to depreciate less than more 'ordinary' or less focused cars. The Exige could benefit from being 'last of the line' of Elise based cars; the A110 may similarly depending how much longer it's produced. The Cayman GT4 could hold value better than the GTS, although obviously it's more expensive to start with. I'd imagine these would hold more value than the BMWs or the F-Type, barring any new discounts on those.
Assuming you are buying new, one benefit of PCP is that if depreciation is heavier than expected, below the GFV it's no longer your problem, just hand it back and the manufacturer eats any further loss. So if you're worried about big shocks, it gives some sort of 'stop loss'. Of course you're paying interest tho, and the GFV may be pessimistic compared to the predicted future value.
Oh, and check delivery times if looking at a new car, stock is tight and many models are quite back-ordered I think.
samoht said:
Yeah, Porsche do make things complicated with all the model grades. The GTS gets the 4.0 flat six https://www.porsche.com/uk/models/718/718-models/7... , or there's the S with the turbo flat four.
In terms of depreciation, the 'best' option is to buy a 15+ year old car. It's always hard to predict future values, especially in these (cliche alert) unprecedented times, but anything brand new will depreciate. I think generally more focused pure sports cars tend to depreciate less than more 'ordinary' or less focused cars. The Exige could benefit from being 'last of the line' of Elise based cars; the A110 may similarly depending how much longer it's produced. The Cayman GT4 could hold value better than the GTS, although obviously it's more expensive to start with. I'd imagine these would hold more value than the BMWs or the F-Type, barring any new discounts on those.
Assuming you are buying new, one benefit of PCP is that if depreciation is heavier than expected, below the GFV it's no longer your problem, just hand it back and the manufacturer eats any further loss. So if you're worried about big shocks, it gives some sort of 'stop loss'. Of course you're paying interest tho, and the GFV may be pessimistic compared to the predicted future value.
Oh, and check delivery times if looking at a new car, stock is tight and many models are quite back-ordered I think.
Cheers. Yes my gut feeling was something more pure sports car and low volume would be a safer bet on the depreciation scale then something like an M2 of F type.In terms of depreciation, the 'best' option is to buy a 15+ year old car. It's always hard to predict future values, especially in these (cliche alert) unprecedented times, but anything brand new will depreciate. I think generally more focused pure sports cars tend to depreciate less than more 'ordinary' or less focused cars. The Exige could benefit from being 'last of the line' of Elise based cars; the A110 may similarly depending how much longer it's produced. The Cayman GT4 could hold value better than the GTS, although obviously it's more expensive to start with. I'd imagine these would hold more value than the BMWs or the F-Type, barring any new discounts on those.
Assuming you are buying new, one benefit of PCP is that if depreciation is heavier than expected, below the GFV it's no longer your problem, just hand it back and the manufacturer eats any further loss. So if you're worried about big shocks, it gives some sort of 'stop loss'. Of course you're paying interest tho, and the GFV may be pessimistic compared to the predicted future value.
Oh, and check delivery times if looking at a new car, stock is tight and many models are quite back-ordered I think.
It was the second hand market that I was looking at mainly which is why I was talking buying out right, however I have not discounted new options as I have never done the new car route before.
lj04 said:
On my fourth Elise in 19 years. All but the present S1 daily drivers and kept outside. Lotus had a few issues about 15 years ago with paint blisters, but better quality now.
That's great to hear, thanks. Would there still be a benefit in picking an Exige without a garage though to minimise risk of water ingress and/or soft top wear? nickfrog said:
That's great to hear, thanks. Would there still be a benefit in picking an Exige without a garage though to minimise risk of water ingress and/or soft top wear?
water ingress not a problem in (most) S3s or even S2s. soft top is normal soft top material so will last as long as any other.if I get an Exige it'll be a Roadster anyway, even if speed is limited without hardtop. Biggest issue might be failing AC, so you'd want the top off
(though AC on my 2011 car still works in its wimpish factory way)
I think the OP should spend a bit of time blagging test drives.
I’ve had an Exige and it was fabulous - a true mini exotic and more enjoyable in extremis than my GT3 - it is in no way a practical proposition though and I ended up barely using it. You need the right conditions to exploit it (other than the track) and the compromises were too much.
I’would agree with the Boxster/Cayman suggestions - they are a bit vanilla but they are extremely good. Fluid and rapid with a lovely soundtrack. The A110 should definitely be a consideration as well.
I’m not that keen on M cars - they have plenty of strengths but they’re generally overstiff for what they are and I also find a bit of inertia with them - great fun when wound up but dull and uncomfortable otherwise.
I wouldn’t write off the F Type at all btw - in V8’ form the power neutralises the mass in a highly enjoyable way and they feel great for most uses ( I love mine) They’re very different from the V8 ‘stang - mainly through oodles more grunt and much higher fluency.
I’ve had an Exige and it was fabulous - a true mini exotic and more enjoyable in extremis than my GT3 - it is in no way a practical proposition though and I ended up barely using it. You need the right conditions to exploit it (other than the track) and the compromises were too much.
I’would agree with the Boxster/Cayman suggestions - they are a bit vanilla but they are extremely good. Fluid and rapid with a lovely soundtrack. The A110 should definitely be a consideration as well.
I’m not that keen on M cars - they have plenty of strengths but they’re generally overstiff for what they are and I also find a bit of inertia with them - great fun when wound up but dull and uncomfortable otherwise.
I wouldn’t write off the F Type at all btw - in V8’ form the power neutralises the mass in a highly enjoyable way and they feel great for most uses ( I love mine) They’re very different from the V8 ‘stang - mainly through oodles more grunt and much higher fluency.
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