Launch Editions (and other models)
Discussion
I have desired an Evora since they first came out and having just parted with my beloved classic Elan +2 (and a few other of my classics) after a long and enjoyable restoration and ownership experience the hunt has begun in earnest.
I am on the look out for an early low mileage manual n/a model and have noticed a few launch editions around. Some of these have 'interesting' internal colour schemes which I'm not entirely convinced about - how does the market view these and are there any to avoid? Whilst Im not considering resale I don't want a car that might be hard to move on when the time comes.
Any body colours which are best avoided? - not that keen on dark colours
....Matty has a very attractively priced S in stock but it's black and seems to lack the desired options, or at least makes no mention of them.
I'm a competent DIY mechanic with my own 2 post lift and workshop - how feasible is a clutch change on these cars outside of a specialist?
any other things to look out for?
I am on the look out for an early low mileage manual n/a model and have noticed a few launch editions around. Some of these have 'interesting' internal colour schemes which I'm not entirely convinced about - how does the market view these and are there any to avoid? Whilst Im not considering resale I don't want a car that might be hard to move on when the time comes.
Any body colours which are best avoided? - not that keen on dark colours
....Matty has a very attractively priced S in stock but it's black and seems to lack the desired options, or at least makes no mention of them.
I'm a competent DIY mechanic with my own 2 post lift and workshop - how feasible is a clutch change on these cars outside of a specialist?
any other things to look out for?
Post 2012 cars tend to have better quality interiors.
But if you are looking at an early car, personally I like the black or red interiors. The coffee colour is odd and the oyster marks.
Ideally you want a car that’s had the gear cables updated to 2012 cables.
Check the following:
Clutch for slipping
Headlight lacquer peeling
Suspension bushes knocking
Cracked a pillar trims
Failed tailgate gas struts
Passenger air bag cover sits flush
Leaky door seals
Note some early cars had clutch failure due to incorrect factory installation. Low mileage launch cars may have this as a risk factor.
If you call Lotus customer service at the factory they will let you have a list of all warranty work carried out on the car.
Good luck with the search.
But if you are looking at an early car, personally I like the black or red interiors. The coffee colour is odd and the oyster marks.
Ideally you want a car that’s had the gear cables updated to 2012 cables.
Check the following:
Clutch for slipping
Headlight lacquer peeling
Suspension bushes knocking
Cracked a pillar trims
Failed tailgate gas struts
Passenger air bag cover sits flush
Leaky door seals
Note some early cars had clutch failure due to incorrect factory installation. Low mileage launch cars may have this as a risk factor.
If you call Lotus customer service at the factory they will let you have a list of all warranty work carried out on the car.
Good luck with the search.
What he said ^^^
In addition, Launch Edition cars and most other cars up to 2011 or so have the “long” gear box. Fantastic for cruising the Autoroutes at 35mpg but leaves you with a bit of a gap on B roads.
“sports ratio” (close ratio) box was standard on supercharged cars and on all cars from 2012 I think.
Both have their fans, but worth test driving to see which you prefer.
In addition, Launch Edition cars and most other cars up to 2011 or so have the “long” gear box. Fantastic for cruising the Autoroutes at 35mpg but leaves you with a bit of a gap on B roads.
“sports ratio” (close ratio) box was standard on supercharged cars and on all cars from 2012 I think.
Both have their fans, but worth test driving to see which you prefer.
giveitfish said:
What he said ^^^
In addition, Launch Edition cars and most other cars up to 2011 or so have the “long” gear box. Fantastic for cruising the Autoroutes at 35mpg but leaves you with a bit of a gap on B roads.
“sports ratio” (close ratio) box was standard on supercharged cars and on all cars from 2012 I think.
Both have their fans, but worth test driving to see which you prefer.
My n/a car had the long box, I quite liked it as it was also my daily driver and in reality if you used the gears thoughtfully you didnt really notice. I managed 41mpg once driving from Manchester to Tewkesbury on the M6 and M5. With my S I am pleased to get 23mpgIn addition, Launch Edition cars and most other cars up to 2011 or so have the “long” gear box. Fantastic for cruising the Autoroutes at 35mpg but leaves you with a bit of a gap on B roads.
“sports ratio” (close ratio) box was standard on supercharged cars and on all cars from 2012 I think.
Both have their fans, but worth test driving to see which you prefer.
Also should add, that I think the n/a has sweeter balance especially in the twisties I do think that you can feel the impact of the mas of the s/c on top of the engine.
Another shout for the long box. You don't have to worry about (admittedly rare) chance of 3rd-6th s
tting their biscuits, plus doing 80mph at 2k rpm makes for effortless cruising, especially over distance.
That being said, a few on TLF have said they wouldn't buy one without the closer box, so swings and roundabouts. I wouldn't let it sway you from a good car.
tting their biscuits, plus doing 80mph at 2k rpm makes for effortless cruising, especially over distance.That being said, a few on TLF have said they wouldn't buy one without the closer box, so swings and roundabouts. I wouldn't let it sway you from a good car.
All that and more is here: https://wiki.seloc.org/a/2GR-FE_Gearboxes
Same final drive, very different upper ratios.
Same final drive, very different upper ratios.
...it seems there's not much to dislike about these cars - I've just been quoted £183 for fully comp insurance, 8k a year, with a £650 excess (fine by me) from L&V for the wife and I.
not even going to hunt around at that price!
(possibly helps that our daily cars are also insured with the same firm)
not even going to hunt around at that price!
(possibly helps that our daily cars are also insured with the same firm)
Lotobear said:
...it seems there's not much to dislike about these cars -
Bodywork parts can be very expensive, and you can wait a very long time for some items on models no longer made.There's the usual frustrating bits and pieces that on other cars you can just "get fixed" (at a cost), but on the Evora are "a bit of a palaver" or are "TADTS".
Important bits always work though and the glacial depreciation, driving experience, and rarity more than make up for the above.
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