E92 M3 to Exige S?

[Blowfish]

Has anyone gone from an E92 M3 or somthing similar to a Lotus Exige S? My mileage has dropped significantly from 12k a year to more like 2k a year due to having to comute 3 times a week on a train so all my M3 gets used for is a 3 mile run to my local office and back a couple of times a week plus the odd fun drive. At the weekend we now use my g/f car to cart around the kids, shopping etc. So I am starting to think I would like something a bit more special than the M3 and am thinking the Exige S ticks the box. I would like to start doing 3/4 track days a year in my own car and the Exige would be ideal for this (me and a friend hire a caterham a couple of times a year at the moment). Should I be considering anything else? What would the exige be like on a long run? Whats the exige likely to cost on tyres/brakes if used on trackdays?

[GreatPretender]

GT3?

[kambites]

Exiges are pretty "comfortable" on a long trip, but very loud and the hyperactive steering can be wearing. Ear plugs are highly recommended for motorway work.

The Exige comes on Yokohama A048s, which aren't cheap - I think about £600 a set. Brakes last well and aren't very expensive.


Other alternatives - well obviously something like a Caterham if it's practical enough for you. Maybe things like Ginettas, Nobles, etc. are worth considering too?

[NORTS]

GreatPretender said:

GT3?

Let me know where you can get one for Exige/ M3 money!

Sounds a good idea though from a fellow M3 driver. Although is the Exige something you want to use in the winter when driving to the office even if a short journey?

Think Exige is generally a weekend car or 2/3rd car. Would be nice to have both!

[exigepete]

Have an E92 M3 and ran an Exige S2 a few years back, Great car, don't expect BMW build quality, few squeaks and rattles. Great fun and usable on a daily basis, just a pain to get in and out of !

[kambites]

NORTS said:

Although is the Exige something you want to use in the winter when driving to the office even if a short journey?

I commute in an S2 Elise all year round and it's not really an issue. It's not much fun on the standard tyres in snow, but then I doubt an M3 is particularly handy on summer tyres in snow either. Having said that, I'm not sure I'd fancy using my car daily without a garage, they can be an arse to demist.

[Blowfish]

Keep trying to talk myself out of it but I can't, help!?

[kambites]

Get a proper test drive from somewhere or find somewhere you can hire one for a day then go and to the longest, most arduous trip that you regularly do; preferably at night in the rain. If you don't come back hating the car, buy one.