applogies, for the usual question...

[nickb55]

hi, am looking for something relatively hardcore, but with a bit of storage space, mainly road use, say 4k pa (and probably leave in the garage over winter), with very occasional track day. Ideally something that ican do short trips in as well as long ones, with good reliability and not much need for TLC. With a view to paying 15-25k on something 1-4 yrs old.

Have had 911's and M3's in the past, but driven elises on track and loved it.

Was thinking exige of some kind.

Any thoughts as to what might suit? elise/exige and model???

cheers in advance,
Nick

[NathanE]

You'll definately want a Toyota powered car then if you're going to use it for short trips and don't want too many expensive bills.

15-20k can get a decent Elise 111R or maybe an Exige if you look hard.

[nickb55]

thanks mate

[tricky 100]

Exige with sport pack , under 25k no problem .Exactly what you need , nice red one in the ads at the moment funnily enough.

[nickb55]

is it yours?

[tricky 100]

Dont know what you mean

[miro]

NathanE said:

You'll definately want a Toyota powered car then if you're going to use it for short trips and don't want too many expensive bills.

Any reason for this? I mean the Price Range does aim it at the Toyota engined cars anyways.

Is there more space in the exige than the Elise? If its for a few thousand miles summer driving wouldnt the Elise be better with the top off?

Just my 2c

[Boggy]

nickb55 said:

hi, am looking for something relatively hardcore, but with a bit of storage space, mainly road use, say 4k pa (and probably leave in the garage over winter), with very occasional track day. Ideally something that ican do short trips in as well as long ones, with good reliability and not much need for TLC. With a view to paying 15-25k on something 1-4 yrs old.

Have had 911's and M3's in the past, but driven elises on track and loved it.

Was thinking exige of some kind.

Any thoughts as to what might suit? elise/exige and model???

cheers in advance,
Nick

Exige N/a, sport's pack A/c

Boggy

[tricky 100]

miro said:

Is there more space in the exige than the Elise? If its for a few thousand miles summer driving wouldnt the Elise be better with the top off?

Just my 2c

If he cuts hair for a living then i guess you could be right .

[CIS121]

NathanE said:

You'll definately want a Toyota powered car then if you're going to use it for short trips and don't want too many expensive bills.

15-20k can get a decent Elise 111R or maybe an Exige if you look hard.

I've alwys been keen on the Elise and having driven a 111R was seriously impressed! It was a fabulous driver's car!

I know all about the sorts of problems that the old K series cars get when they age from several friends who have had them. Does the 111R really go wrong much less? When I finally pluck up the courage to get one, I'll be intending to keep it for a long time if not indefinitely as a Sunday afternoon toy and am keen to avoid large repair bills.

[nickb55]

many thanks for all the replies. Do u guys organise track days, or is that more thru regional clubs etc?

cheers
Nick

[kambites]

Worth looking at both VX220 turbos and Europas too maybe?

[nickb55]

yes vx220. never driven one, and not bothered about the badge... but must say, i think the exige looks the dogs b*ll*cks I also have a slight preference against an open top. I suspect vx220 tbo probably the best value tho.

[S Works]

nickb55 said:

many thanks for all the replies. Do u guys organise track days, or is that more thru regional clubs etc?

cheers
Nick

google for Lotus On Track, great trackday organisation.

As for which car, if you want something "hardcore" you don't want a Toyota powered lard-ass then. Get something like an S1 Sport 160, or an S2 Sport 135.

[nickb55]

As for which car, if you want something "hardcore" you don't want a Toyota powered lard-ass then. Get something like an S1 Sport 160, or an S2 Sport 135.
[/quote]

ha! love the way u lotus chaps have such a consensus opinion!

wish it would start raining or snowing or something as i feel myself drawn this weekend to the nearest dealer... like a tractor beam in Star Wars... it's drawing me in.....

[S Works]

What it shows is that there are a wide variety of choices on the Elise platform, great for you, but you have to put the work in to decide which one's right for your needs.

Personally I'd go for an S1 (given your criteria) because it's, lighter, more 'pure' and more 'hardcore' than the S2's. I have a thing for Sport 160's, but a good 111S or Sport 135 would be great too.

With your budget you'll get a great car for around 10-12k, then you can chuck on some Nitrons or Ohlins for trackdays and still have plenty in the kitty for keeping it going for a number of years.

[nickb55]

thanks very much. but i had the impression the exige was "easier" to live with for day to day driving??

[S Works]

Sure it's got leccy windows and aircon etc., which is cool if that's what you're after, but the purer option is the S1.

Best advice I can give is to go try a few different types and see what feels right for you