RE: Lotus Exige S3 | PH Used Buying Guide
Discussion
I seem to recall that the S1 Elise was the first car to ever be driveable after the front impact test.
In terms of hitting an immovable object, they are excellent. You’ve a nice crumple zone ahead of you, the panels have a very high fracture energy, and there’s no red-hot spinning lump of metal ready to be deposited where your legs used to be.
You also have very strong side protection, and a large crumple zone at the rear.
Having a Cayenne drive into the front of you is Jess clear. If bits of it come in through the windscreen then you may we’ll be knackered.
I’m not sure what could have caused the injury in your example, the only thing behind the driver’s head is the seat, the very solid roll bar and the window.
In terms of hitting an immovable object, they are excellent. You’ve a nice crumple zone ahead of you, the panels have a very high fracture energy, and there’s no red-hot spinning lump of metal ready to be deposited where your legs used to be.
You also have very strong side protection, and a large crumple zone at the rear.
Having a Cayenne drive into the front of you is Jess clear. If bits of it come in through the windscreen then you may we’ll be knackered.
I’m not sure what could have caused the injury in your example, the only thing behind the driver’s head is the seat, the very solid roll bar and the window.
Kent Border Kenny said:
I’m not sure what could have caused the injury in your example, the only thing behind the driver’s head is the seat, the very solid roll bar and the window.
Wondering this myself. Maybe a harness bar but hard to see how that could cause such an injury. A lose object perhaps but those but those would tend to move backwards in a rear end shunt rather than forwards. Ffffaster said:
What is safety in a crash like with these cars?
I ask because I saw a gen 2 Elise cause a pretty deep cut in the driver's head when it has been rear-ended (while stationary) by a BMW travelling at about 10 mph. There was a bar behind the driver's seat which upon impact, caused the cut, through the seat.
I have always REALLY wanted an Exige, especially a S3, but seeing the damage that such low impact caused spooked me out. I shudder at what might have happened had it been a higher speed.
As you can see from the picture, it was really low speed.
And before people lay into this post, let me be clear. I want to be talked into one. I just want some clear experience/advice on how it deals with the information above.
They are actually quite good for safety, especially on track when hitting stationary objects. The danger mostly comes when european lorry drivers and mums on the school run in range rovers don't check their mirrors for a tiny lotus and drive over the top of it. More reason to get it in a bright colour like yellow - think of it as a safety feature I ask because I saw a gen 2 Elise cause a pretty deep cut in the driver's head when it has been rear-ended (while stationary) by a BMW travelling at about 10 mph. There was a bar behind the driver's seat which upon impact, caused the cut, through the seat.
I have always REALLY wanted an Exige, especially a S3, but seeing the damage that such low impact caused spooked me out. I shudder at what might have happened had it been a higher speed.
As you can see from the picture, it was really low speed.
And before people lay into this post, let me be clear. I want to be talked into one. I just want some clear experience/advice on how it deals with the information above.
This site has quite a few testimonials from people who've crashed elises. Having done a tour of the factory I can say for sure these things are solid - it's just their size that lets them down.
http://elises.co.uk/miscellaneous/safety/index.htm...
Perhaps the issue (most likely only on earlier cars) is what's described on there "One hazard I've found with the car is that the cant rail fixing lug, mounted to the roll bar, is too close to the passengers head and when I was unlucky enough to have an accident my passenger needed several stitches because of it."
Edited by flukey5 on Tuesday 27th October 12:17
I was in the Elise/Exige "scene" for many years and saw many accident photos and only heard of one serious injury (sadly fatal). And the circumstances of that lead me to think the same fate would have bestowed the poor chap in any car.
I think the scariest thing to happen to me in one was when a Land Rover Disco, complete with rear windscreen half-blocking spare wheel mounted, threw it in reverse in traffic and backed up halfway up the bonnet of my S1 Elise. Heart in mouth moment when I could seem him climbing the bonnet wondering just when he would stop!
I think the scariest thing to happen to me in one was when a Land Rover Disco, complete with rear windscreen half-blocking spare wheel mounted, threw it in reverse in traffic and backed up halfway up the bonnet of my S1 Elise. Heart in mouth moment when I could seem him climbing the bonnet wondering just when he would stop!
Many years ago, over on the Porsche forums, I recall a chap who'd moved into a Boxster after his Elise was written off in a head on crash on a b-road. Merc coming the other way, IIRC, in the middle of the road. He was hurt, as he would have been in any car, but he described them having to basically scrub the fibreglass out of his flesh after the crash. Didn't sound nice.
I still bought a VX220 though and loved it. And fancy an Exige BUT the 987 and 981 Boxster Spyders, together with the GT4, are a big draw.
I still bought a VX220 though and loved it. And fancy an Exige BUT the 987 and 981 Boxster Spyders, together with the GT4, are a big draw.
I'm on my second v6 Exige.
Funnily enough the orange one in the original topic used to be mine. I sold it last year... After trying a Gt4 and some other stuff, the lady at Lotus handed my the keyes to everything in the showroom.
I bought their 380 damn near on the spot.
Recently I have been thinking about selling it for a GTR or Gt3 was even offered a build slot for the new Gt4 last month. In the end I kept it.... I think I was getting itchy feet since I will have had the same car (or generation of car) for 5 years or so and want to try something else.
It's small
Soooo loud my ears ring after an hour
Radio is s
t
Seats don't go far enough forward for wife to drive it.
But, it's hilarious laugh out loud fun car. Maybe I'll sell and get something softer, but have a suspicion I'll be dissapointed and get another.
Funnily enough the orange one in the original topic used to be mine. I sold it last year... After trying a Gt4 and some other stuff, the lady at Lotus handed my the keyes to everything in the showroom.
I bought their 380 damn near on the spot.
Recently I have been thinking about selling it for a GTR or Gt3 was even offered a build slot for the new Gt4 last month. In the end I kept it.... I think I was getting itchy feet since I will have had the same car (or generation of car) for 5 years or so and want to try something else.
It's small
Soooo loud my ears ring after an hour
Radio is s
tSeats don't go far enough forward for wife to drive it.
But, it's hilarious laugh out loud fun car. Maybe I'll sell and get something softer, but have a suspicion I'll be dissapointed and get another.
have to disagree with some of the info presented here, early V6's coupe's are now available for £32kish, - which is a real bargain imo.
Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
stratosboy said:
have to disagree with some of the info presented here, early V6's coupe's are now available for £32kish, - which is a real bargain imo.
Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
I think people are saying, generally not much goes wrong not: 'all exiges have zero issues'.Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
stratosboy said:
have to disagree with some of the info presented here, early V6's coupe's are now available for £32kish, - which is a real bargain imo.
Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
£32k for a Coupé would be an outlier.Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
Lavazza1 said:
stratosboy said:
have to disagree with some of the info presented here, early V6's coupe's are now available for £32kish, - which is a real bargain imo.
Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
£32k for a Coupé would be an outlier.Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
Looked well done tho
You also need to add the 6% buyers fee
Shnozz said:
I think the scariest thing to happen to me in one was when a Land Rover Disco, complete with rear windscreen half-blocking spare wheel mounted, threw it in reverse in traffic and backed up halfway up the bonnet of my S1 Elise. Heart in mouth moment when I could seem him climbing the bonnet wondering just when he would stop!
A lady in a brand new Audi A6 Avant with cameras reversed onto mine...... Pleased I wasn't in the car just watching her roll off her driveway straight into mine.in disbelief.custardkid said:
Take my money!!!!Perfect. Lotus should use that as their advert online...
stratosboy said:
have to disagree with some of the info presented here, early V6's coupe's are now available for £32kish, - which is a real bargain imo.
Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
Stratton Motor Company (not far from where I live) have many used higher mileage cars not in the showroom available. Having owned a 2015 Exige S from new and recently sold in favour of an Elise S1 -111S, although nowhere near as quick as the Exige, I prefer the driving experience of the Elise. I think this is down to less weight. I've owned an S2 Exige too, and all are different driving experiences. CAR magazine has just declared the Elise S1 it's favourite car of all time! - I have to agree.
Also disagree with the staement not much goes wrong. Mine needed a new clutch after 8k miles - just on the 3 year end of warranty period. (kindly fixed by Lotus as a warranty good will gesture).
Kerbed wheels and worn interiors, hit list ect are very much cheaper..
bcr5784 said:
A1VDY said:
It's because Lotus don't have the daft depressing aggressive look of other makes..
The Elise and Evora (sans wings) have fairly reserved styling. but the Exige certainly isn't for shrinking violets.
To my eye it's probably the best looking of the Elise variants.
Off topic but when I owned an S2 Exige I had a bit of a final destination moment. Sitting at 60mph and a tractor (with trailer) coming in the opposite direction pulled across the road into me.
It was a massive impact, took the axle off a modern CLAAS tractor. Broken rib and dodgey knees that went through the dash was about the extent of my injures.
Exige was a daily driver but was in the garage for a repair that day so I'd borrowed my dad's estate car. You can show me as many photos of elises in barriers as you want but it could have been curtains for me that day of I was in my exige for that type of accident (especially if I was going faster). IMO of course.
I'm currently considering an s3 exige, lovely cars and sound better than you'd imagine
The 4 pot engine in the older ones took the shine off them a bit for me.
Worth test driving one for sure.
Dunc.
It was a massive impact, took the axle off a modern CLAAS tractor. Broken rib and dodgey knees that went through the dash was about the extent of my injures.
Exige was a daily driver but was in the garage for a repair that day so I'd borrowed my dad's estate car. You can show me as many photos of elises in barriers as you want but it could have been curtains for me that day of I was in my exige for that type of accident (especially if I was going faster). IMO of course.
I'm currently considering an s3 exige, lovely cars and sound better than you'd imagine
The 4 pot engine in the older ones took the shine off them a bit for me.Worth test driving one for sure.
Dunc.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff