Marlin 5EXi or Lotus Elise ?

[Furyous]

The Marlin seems to be catching my eye of late, and as Im due a new toy in the next 18 months or so, just wondered what the general feeling was on this kit ?

Not really in any hurry to build another kit I have to say,but for about £9k I could have a car that on paper is as good as an Elise and that I know inside out.

A £9k Elise on the other hand could well be ahuge money pit.

Your thoughts please gents.

[Ferg]

Have you been over to:

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/

for a look. There are lots of 5Exi people over there, they even have their own forum.

[Black5]

£9k is an absolute min cost for the Marlin.

I'm trying to keep to around £8.5k to build min (as Marlin said it could be done), but I reckon it'll be nearer £10k.

Most spend £12-15k.

There is a fair argument to buy an Elise then fit a tuned Toyota engine. The 5exi will be a lot more exclusive though.

Another alternative is the one that's for sale on ebay at the mo. £6k and you could spend a bit 'improving' it.

[Foolish Dave]

I've not seen the weather gear on the 5exi, but having seen them in the flesh, I think they are nice. Not keen on their doors though - I'd get one you jump into.

But as I'm biased, I'd say get an S1 111S (the Rover K, with VVC so built to spec rather than on the cheap like the earlier cars). Still needs the thermostat moving, but that's cheap, and you should get one with it already done.

Edited by Foolish Dave on Monday 24th September 09:32

[Ferg]

Foolish Dave said:

But as I'm biased, I'd say get an S1 111S....

But as I'm biased, I'd say get a GTM LIbra VVC. Same engine as above, but lighter car, rain-proof roof(!) and far mor exclusive!


S1 is SO much prettier than the S2, though!

[Furyous]

Guys, I work for a Loti dealer, so am fully conversant with all the issues on them.

I was just thinking that a fresh built kit may be a better option than an older Elise.

Cant make my mind up.My bro has just bought a 111s s2. I cant run to that realistically, and I know the S1 is deemed more of a drivers car, I just dont know if I want a bloody Rover.

If I had more dollar, I think Id just buy a 111r with the Yota motor.

Trouble is, after the Fury, everything feels slow.

07 Exige S included.

[Justin S]

I considered the 5EXI.I fancied building a Type R.The thing that put me off,was actually talking to the guys building them.They have expressed lack of quality,fitment and issues with bodywork,lack of developement of engineering of fitting the R in the back and support of the parts from the factory.Also guys who were hoping for a 15k build are now past 20k.For those reasons,I just bought a Mk2 exige.

[Foolish Dave]

Yeh - Mel said she knew you worked for Lotus dealer

If you want the actual speed back, then I'd have though an ExigeS would give that to you.
If you want the feeling of speed, then I'd say get something without a windscreen for the wind in your hair feel.

[hahithestevieboy]

Foolish Dave said:

Yeh - Mel said she knew you worked for Lotus dealer

If you want the actual speed back, then I'd have though an ExigeS would give that to you.
If you want the feeling of speed, then I'd say get something without a windscreen for the wind in your hair feel.

You could try getting a tatty s1 (with hard top perhaps) and diy-ing a civic type r motor into it and retrimming the interior with race seats and some suspension/wheels/tires type goodies. Apparently in those sorts of spec they are awsome.

[Furyous]

Yeah, would love a Honda'd Liz, beyond the budget really though.

Think I'll wait till next spring and see whats about.

S2 111S will be £10K I reckon, or S1 sport 160.


We shall see..........