I want something impractical but fun.... Lotus 211?
Discussion
I've just sold my 3 month old M3 and want to replace it with something which is a lot of fun. Doesn't need to be practical as it's a second car and will generally be used for driving rather than going to the shops in. I've been looking at the 211 and was hoping for some feedback?
Done a few trackdays before and it it would be nice to do a few more in the 211.
Comments or alternative suggestions appreciated. Budget of upto around £45K but am happy to spend less. The 211 is on the extreme side of my car shortlist but it's definitely appealing.
Other options include Ferrari 360 (slight concern of potential maintenance costs as it'll be 7 years old or so), 996 GT3 (slightly dated now), Nissan GTR (maybe a little too much like the M3?) etc etc.
Done a few trackdays before and it it would be nice to do a few more in the 211.
Comments or alternative suggestions appreciated. Budget of upto around £45K but am happy to spend less. The 211 is on the extreme side of my car shortlist but it's definitely appealing.
Other options include Ferrari 360 (slight concern of potential maintenance costs as it'll be 7 years old or so), 996 GT3 (slightly dated now), Nissan GTR (maybe a little too much like the M3?) etc etc.
for a toy only, then a 2-11 is king IMO ...especially if its going to spend nearly every weekend on track - the ohter 2 will kill you in maintenance ....jeez, I know a guy who bought a 5 year old 360 just to actually use on the road and did £10K in a year on it ...they are not really daily cars, let alone track toys, unless you are rich enough to afford a spare
996 much better, but still 2-3x as expensive as a 2-11, and certainly no more "fun" IMO
996 much better, but still 2-3x as expensive as a 2-11, and certainly no more "fun" IMO
Stephanie Plum on here has one. Last time I saw her she'd driven it from Sussex to Snetterton and was getting ready for the drive home in monsoon conditons, so yeah, usable on the road. My Elise runs at 100/110 and I don't know that the 2-11 is any lower. I get along just fine.
The 2-11 is a cracking car and will give probably the best driving experience - not sure I'd want to dive one half way across the country though to get to a track. An Exige 260 Cup might be a better proposition.
The 2-11 is a cracking car and will give probably the best driving experience - not sure I'd want to dive one half way across the country though to get to a track. An Exige 260 Cup might be a better proposition.
If you're going down the 211 route you might also consider an atom or caterham:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s86k4ap7IOE
seemingly the 211 has the edge despite being down on power. Still a good excuse to take some test drives and formulate your own opinion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s86k4ap7IOE
seemingly the 211 has the edge despite being down on power. Still a good excuse to take some test drives and formulate your own opinion
I've had mine for about 18 months now. It is very quick and a lot of fun. I mainly got it for trackdays, but have driven it down to the 'ring which I found surprisingly comfortable.
You are advised to wear a helmet, but I find it fine driving on the road wearing wraparound sunglasses as long as it isn't raining.
You are advised to wear a helmet, but I find it fine driving on the road wearing wraparound sunglasses as long as it isn't raining.
Umm not good timing for summer track days, but think this is a good choice. I have been very tempted on the odd occasion (usally after a nice cold beer, after being on the track !)
This will be more fun (IMO) than a 996 GT3 if you not worried about a roof. X-Bow would be a contender, but it really is ugly and I would far rather have a 2-11 far better looking.
Could be good for September / October Spa days !
Good Luck !
This will be more fun (IMO) than a 996 GT3 if you not worried about a roof. X-Bow would be a contender, but it really is ugly and I would far rather have a 2-11 far better looking.
Could be good for September / October Spa days !
Good Luck !
m33ufo said:
I've been told 10-12 weeks for a new one so looking used but there isn't a huge amount available.
Just been looking at the sales section of here, only a few for sale, not sure on the white version. Think the normal black / yellow etc looks the best. But not many ready to pick up !
I agree with you, If I was in your shoes I would want something to enjoy the peak season, having said that I bought the Elise in Late Aug and had some great fun up till December.
Exige 240R ? But I would like the open top experience myself....
I agree with you, If I was in your shoes I would want something to enjoy the peak season, having said that I bought the Elise in Late Aug and had some great fun up till December.
Exige 240R ? But I would like the open top experience myself....
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