Please help me buy a new car!!
Discussion
Hi all....
I've got an itch to get back into something with a Lotus badge!! I had an Elise for a couple of years, but sold it about 18 months ago; wasn't really using it, the misses wasn't keen on it, and I found it a little on the slow side if I'm honest.
Anyway, I've been eyeing up an Exige S; I haven't found a specific car yet as I'm not sure what end of the market I want to get into. I want to buy it using a PCP, which sometimes favours a newer/new car as opposed to something a bit older; so I'm looking at my options. Has anyone bought theirs this way? I know finance is something not usually talked about on PH, but I would be mad to tie up a load of money in a toy at the moment.
What are the essential options? - other than A/C which was another one of the reasons the Elise had to go. I'm planning to do a few track-days when I get it, are they pretty heavy on consumables, the chap at the dealer was saying the standard fit Yoko tyres would probably only last 2 sessions, or about 3-4k of normal road driving; is this the case? If so are there slightly harder wearing alternatives?
It would purely be a second car; but it's road manners still need to be pretty good, I fancy a trip to the ring this year and I don't want it to be a pain to drive reasonable distances in. Does anyone on here do a lot of miles in theirs, or are they purely a 2nd/3rd car choice?
Also, does anyone have any opinions on the Elise SC; IIRC the press didn't recieve it very well. It's obviously slightly cheaper than an Exige, and I would imagine offers similar levels of performance - but would this be a good alternative at the right money? I don't expect the residuals to hold up anywhere near as well as the Exige though; so I guess the saving in purchase price is pretty relative. ALso I'm not too bothered about getting the roof off; although I know this is still an option on the Exige.
Sorry for all the questions, I guess I just need a bit of convincing that another Lotus would be for me, after the last one left me feeling a bit cold. Thanks for reading.
I've got an itch to get back into something with a Lotus badge!! I had an Elise for a couple of years, but sold it about 18 months ago; wasn't really using it, the misses wasn't keen on it, and I found it a little on the slow side if I'm honest.
Anyway, I've been eyeing up an Exige S; I haven't found a specific car yet as I'm not sure what end of the market I want to get into. I want to buy it using a PCP, which sometimes favours a newer/new car as opposed to something a bit older; so I'm looking at my options. Has anyone bought theirs this way? I know finance is something not usually talked about on PH, but I would be mad to tie up a load of money in a toy at the moment.
What are the essential options? - other than A/C which was another one of the reasons the Elise had to go. I'm planning to do a few track-days when I get it, are they pretty heavy on consumables, the chap at the dealer was saying the standard fit Yoko tyres would probably only last 2 sessions, or about 3-4k of normal road driving; is this the case? If so are there slightly harder wearing alternatives?
It would purely be a second car; but it's road manners still need to be pretty good, I fancy a trip to the ring this year and I don't want it to be a pain to drive reasonable distances in. Does anyone on here do a lot of miles in theirs, or are they purely a 2nd/3rd car choice?
Also, does anyone have any opinions on the Elise SC; IIRC the press didn't recieve it very well. It's obviously slightly cheaper than an Exige, and I would imagine offers similar levels of performance - but would this be a good alternative at the right money? I don't expect the residuals to hold up anywhere near as well as the Exige though; so I guess the saving in purchase price is pretty relative. ALso I'm not too bothered about getting the roof off; although I know this is still an option on the Exige.
Sorry for all the questions, I guess I just need a bit of convincing that another Lotus would be for me, after the last one left me feeling a bit cold. Thanks for reading.
Been browsing the classifieds and spotted this one:
http://pistonheads.com/sales/959625.htm
It seems to have the 240bhp roof scoop, but no mention of the uprated power in the ad. Anyone know this car, or have any opinions on it?
http://pistonheads.com/sales/959625.htm
It seems to have the 240bhp roof scoop, but no mention of the uprated power in the ad. Anyone know this car, or have any opinions on it?
motoGF said:
Typical!! Oh well, bound to be more out there.matc said:
The Bandit said:
Think you'll find the Elise SC residuals are better than the Exige...
Do you think this will hold up though? My worry is that with the amount of Elise variants the SC will just be seen as 'another model' in a few years time.There's the S,R and SC
The Exige has the S,S with PP and Cup 260.
To be honest if you're worried about residuals then dont buy a car
Best to just go and drive one of each and see which you prefer.
I prefer Elises,you may not like the roof off style motoring(i certainly did'nt but do now!) and may prefer the Exige instead.
Thing with asking on here is you'll always get 100 people with 100 different opinions,best to make your own
Well i'll give you my 2p's worth...
Always wanted an exige and took the plunge Sept last year with a new car fitted with the P/P! Absolutely love the car and find it extremely comfy once inside-2bular exhaust fitted from the start and its quiet enough for motorway driving but give it some beans and you get a nice sound!
Performance wise there really is no difference between the standard S and the 240 from what i've seen on the road and on track pretty much everyones faster than me anyway!
Tyres- i managed 8k-9k miles on my first set mainly motorway miles including a trip down to the south of france and a car limits day!
Next set did a trip to snetterton and 3 trips to anglesey but they are gone and currently getting replaced!
14k miles since picking up my car and have no regrets-fantastic car...
oh and with regards to finance its a nice big balloon payment for me and min deposit as i'm terrible at saving...was definately worth it for me though!!!
Always wanted an exige and took the plunge Sept last year with a new car fitted with the P/P! Absolutely love the car and find it extremely comfy once inside-2bular exhaust fitted from the start and its quiet enough for motorway driving but give it some beans and you get a nice sound!
Performance wise there really is no difference between the standard S and the 240 from what i've seen on the road and on track pretty much everyones faster than me anyway!
Tyres- i managed 8k-9k miles on my first set mainly motorway miles including a trip down to the south of france and a car limits day!
Next set did a trip to snetterton and 3 trips to anglesey but they are gone and currently getting replaced!
14k miles since picking up my car and have no regrets-fantastic car...
oh and with regards to finance its a nice big balloon payment for me and min deposit as i'm terrible at saving...was definately worth it for me though!!!
matc said:
Hi all....
I've got an itch to get back into something with a Lotus badge!! I had an Elise for a couple of years, but sold it about 18 months ago; wasn't really using it, the misses wasn't keen on it, and I found it a little on the slow side if I'm honest.
Anyway, I've been eyeing up an Exige S; I haven't found a specific car yet as I'm not sure what end of the market I want to get into. I want to buy it using a PCP, which sometimes favours a newer/new car as opposed to something a bit older; so I'm looking at my options. Has anyone bought theirs this way? I know finance is something not usually talked about on PH, but I would be mad to tie up a load of money in a toy at the moment.
What are the essential options? - other than A/C which was another one of the reasons the Elise had to go. I'm planning to do a few track-days when I get it, are they pretty heavy on consumables, the chap at the dealer was saying the standard fit Yoko tyres would probably only last 2 sessions, or about 3-4k of normal road driving; is this the case? If so are there slightly harder wearing alternatives?
It would purely be a second car; but it's road manners still need to be pretty good, I fancy a trip to the ring this year and I don't want it to be a pain to drive reasonable distances in. Does anyone on here do a lot of miles in theirs, or are they purely a 2nd/3rd car choice?
Also, does anyone have any opinions on the Elise SC; IIRC the press didn't recieve it very well. It's obviously slightly cheaper than an Exige, and I would imagine offers similar levels of performance - but would this be a good alternative at the right money? I don't expect the residuals to hold up anywhere near as well as the Exige though; so I guess the saving in purchase price is pretty relative. ALso I'm not too bothered about getting the roof off; although I know this is still an option on the Exige.
Sorry for all the questions, I guess I just need a bit of convincing that another Lotus would be for me, after the last one left me feeling a bit cold. Thanks for reading.
To try and answer some questions:I've got an itch to get back into something with a Lotus badge!! I had an Elise for a couple of years, but sold it about 18 months ago; wasn't really using it, the misses wasn't keen on it, and I found it a little on the slow side if I'm honest.
Anyway, I've been eyeing up an Exige S; I haven't found a specific car yet as I'm not sure what end of the market I want to get into. I want to buy it using a PCP, which sometimes favours a newer/new car as opposed to something a bit older; so I'm looking at my options. Has anyone bought theirs this way? I know finance is something not usually talked about on PH, but I would be mad to tie up a load of money in a toy at the moment.
What are the essential options? - other than A/C which was another one of the reasons the Elise had to go. I'm planning to do a few track-days when I get it, are they pretty heavy on consumables, the chap at the dealer was saying the standard fit Yoko tyres would probably only last 2 sessions, or about 3-4k of normal road driving; is this the case? If so are there slightly harder wearing alternatives?
It would purely be a second car; but it's road manners still need to be pretty good, I fancy a trip to the ring this year and I don't want it to be a pain to drive reasonable distances in. Does anyone on here do a lot of miles in theirs, or are they purely a 2nd/3rd car choice?
Also, does anyone have any opinions on the Elise SC; IIRC the press didn't recieve it very well. It's obviously slightly cheaper than an Exige, and I would imagine offers similar levels of performance - but would this be a good alternative at the right money? I don't expect the residuals to hold up anywhere near as well as the Exige though; so I guess the saving in purchase price is pretty relative. ALso I'm not too bothered about getting the roof off; although I know this is still an option on the Exige.
Sorry for all the questions, I guess I just need a bit of convincing that another Lotus would be for me, after the last one left me feeling a bit cold. Thanks for reading.
Lotus finance are still doing some reasonable deals atm,best to see what the best figures you can get from a few dealers are.
Essentials depends on what sort of use,but most go for the Touring pack and a/c(essential for the Exige i would think)
Track days are no problem for these cars,you can drive down to one and hoon all day,then get in it and drive home(i did two trackdays one after the other in France last month,1000 miles in three days,no issues whatsoever).
Done four t/d's and 8000 miles on one set of AD07s(standard fit Elise tyres)this last year,my car is weekend only use as i have a company car.Still on the same pads,discs etc.
Elise SC has 95% the performance of an Exige but is more useable IMO.
The latest cars are all very well built and extremely reliable,service costs are very reasonable(my last one was £250).
Im sure there will be some other owners along shortly to offer their opinions
Hope this helps.
The Bandit said:
I prefer Elises,you may not like the roof off style motoring(i certainly did'nt but do now!) and may prefer the Exige instead.
Thing with asking on here is you'll always get 100 people with 100 different opinions,best to make your own
seconded!Thing with asking on here is you'll always get 100 people with 100 different opinions,best to make your own
I went for an Elise SC rather than an Exige because
I wanted the roof off enjoyment, back visibility and the cheaper (last 2-3 times longer) more road orientated AD07 tyres.
Also the Elise SC is lighter (lotus quotes 870kg for the SC vs 935kg for an Exige S) and has a lower CoG than an Exige.
Exige wins in looks though..
edo111s said:
The Bandit said:
I prefer Elises,you may not like the roof off style motoring(i certainly did'nt but do now!) and may prefer the Exige instead.
Thing with asking on here is you'll always get 100 people with 100 different opinions,best to make your own
seconded!Thing with asking on here is you'll always get 100 people with 100 different opinions,best to make your own
I went for an Elise SC rather than an Exige because
I wanted the roof off enjoyment, back visibility and the cheaper (last 2-3 times longer) more road orientated AD07 tyres.
Also the Elise SC is lighter (lotus quotes 870kg for the SC vs 935kg for an Exige S) and has a lower CoG than an Exige.
Exige wins in looks though..
Ps does anyone else get the lower back pain in these seats ??? Ive had some pretty extreme track / race cars for the last 4 years and never had a problem till this
edo111s said:
I went for an Elise SC rather than an Exige because
I wanted the roof off enjoyment, back visibility and the cheaper (last 2-3 times longer) more road orientated AD07 tyres.
Also the Elise SC is lighter (lotus quotes 870kg for the SC vs 935kg for an Exige S) and has a lower CoG than an Exige.
Exige wins in looks though..
I must admit the big draw to get back into a Lotus is the looks of the Exige; I just feel having another Elise isn't going to be enough of a change for me....although having the roof off is still a benefit; I guess I can still take it off on the Exige though, just requires a lot more work.I wanted the roof off enjoyment, back visibility and the cheaper (last 2-3 times longer) more road orientated AD07 tyres.
Also the Elise SC is lighter (lotus quotes 870kg for the SC vs 935kg for an Exige S) and has a lower CoG than an Exige.
Exige wins in looks though..
With regards to the tyres, is it possible to get a 2nd set of wheels and run the Exige on more road orientated tyres?
I guess what I need to do is go and get a drive in them both, my local dealer has got an Elise SC, but not an Exige I can try; so might have to make a bit of time to travel further afield.
Thanks for all the responses so far.
JeffC said:
edo111s said:
The Bandit said:
I prefer Elises,you may not like the roof off style motoring(i certainly did'nt but do now!) and may prefer the Exige instead.
Thing with asking on here is you'll always get 100 people with 100 different opinions,best to make your own
seconded!Thing with asking on here is you'll always get 100 people with 100 different opinions,best to make your own
I went for an Elise SC rather than an Exige because
I wanted the roof off enjoyment, back visibility and the cheaper (last 2-3 times longer) more road orientated AD07 tyres.
Also the Elise SC is lighter (lotus quotes 870kg for the SC vs 935kg for an Exige S) and has a lower CoG than an Exige.
Exige wins in looks though..
Ps does anyone else get the lower back pain in these seats ??? Ive had some pretty extreme track / race cars for the last 4 years and never had a problem till this
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