Lotus Exige 350 CUP 2014

[paul jarrett]

Hey all. Back on the forums after many many years!

So - I have decided to sell my F-type Jaguar, as I fancy something a bit more raw and engaging to drive

I have been to see this 350 CUP Exige today and the car is mint. https://hiltonandmoss.com/stock/details/2014-lotus...

Would welcome thoughts on price and the car in general - I am bit surprised at the price given the car is 2014 model, do you think this matters much as it looks really well looked after? For the same price, and looking at Pistonheads currently, there are comparably priced Exige sports aged 2017 - 2019 for a similar price! But the CUP looks amazing especially in the green and I understand the CUP models have a certain pedigree.

Do any of you own Exige's but don't have a garage? I don't, so should I be worried about winter weather? I am not a fan of car covers for the obvious reasons.

I am also trying to work out how many of this model were made (the car above is number 050). I am struggling to find the answer on the internet but I would like to know as I imagine production numbers affect deprecation. It's also quite a rare colour; due to its age do you think it has come to the end of its depreciation curve?

Lotus drivers guide link below does not offer much info, any help and thoughts appreciated. Thanks very much in advance and taking the time to reply.

https://www.lotusdriversguide.com/Genealogy/Exige....

Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:29

Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:39

Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:40

Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:42

[paul jarrett]

Thanks for that. Very useful info. Planning to have a second viewing next week. Accept the concerns about lack of garage - would welcome other owners views of this as the car is obviously a lot of money. Have considered an outdoor cover but there are concerns about sweating / no air flow etc - but I could consider renting a storage place near me for the winter months I guess. Dont want the fact that I dont have a garage to prevent me purchasing the car.

[paul jarrett]

Thanks Mako - but I don't have space on the drive. Having read more posts about paint blistering from ice to warm, warm to ice, it would make sense to store the car in a local garage over the winter, and keep on the drive during the warmer months.

[paul jarrett]

Paul_M3 said:

I know that some cars have suffered with paint blistering, but I believe that was more due to moisture in the fibreglass when painted and can affect even garaged cars.

I'm of the opinion that although it's a very nice one, it's still just a car and it's designed to be used and to live outside. There's no way not having a garage would stop me from buying a car I wanted (unless it was one without a roof).

I had a 2008 Elise SC which lived outside and had no issues at all.

I've now got an Exige 410, and that lives outside too. I also don't like the idea of outdoor car covers, and think they are more likely to cause issues than prevent them.

'Chilly' picture for dramatic effect...

That's really useful thanks! I have been toying with the idea of putting it into winter storage over the winter, but really struggling to get insurance quotes as the insurers seem really itchy about it being in a different location.

It is such a beautiful car (and a lot of money too), just worried that it would come to harm during the harsh winter months. I am not able to build a car port etc due to the nature of my listed property and business so it would be out in the the snow and rain - but it seems that some people have confidence about leaving an Exige out without a garage.

Or......just car cover when a frost is due??

[paul jarrett]

Retro.74 said:

That is a lovely car and must be sorely tempting to bite the bullet, the mileage and colour stand it out, I think they really suit a bright colour, as well as the motorsport pedigree.

I just cant help think that it's a bit pricey though, bordering on greedy, especially if they havent even prepped it with new tyres and a service for the top money they're asking. I don't recall seeing a used Cup at that age coming close to that sort of money despite the obvious desirable benefits this car comes with.
I think a 350 Sport 'may' represent better value for money unless you really want a cup car, as well as being newer, added weight savings similar to the Cup, and with the revised gear change which itself is pretty desirable.

Edited by Retro.74 on Saturday 13th May 14:02

Completely agree. I have decided to continue my search!