Exige S2's - Current market

[Gad-Westy]

I'm probably a year away from doing anything about this but you know how it is when you get an idea in your head.

I fancy a toy. Was thinking of building a Caterham but concerned about how much I'd use it. I had an S1 111S for a while and thoroughly enjoyed that but not sure I could stomach paying so much for one these days knowing what I sold mine for! Have always loved the S2 Exige, mainly for the shape and I quite like the NA 1.8 variant. So I think there's a reasonable chance I'll go for one, maybe back end of next summer if values haven't crept out of reach. My questions:

1) Would £25k get me a very good N/A at current market rates?
2) Are probax seats worth holding out for?
3) I want AC, I assume from looking that most cars have this?
4) Will I need to pay more, less or the same for a mad colour? Big fan of kermit green or orange.
5) I assume normal road tyres are widely available in correct sizes? I'm not a big fan of semi slick type tyres on road cars.
6) These cars are getting on a bit now, should I hold out for one that has had some major surgery or are all foreseeable bills relatively unscary?
7) Even if I have a slight preference for the N/A version, should I consider a supercharged variant just to ensure there is a market for it if I were to sell or are all models in demand?
8) Are values seasonal or pretty steady?

[Gad-Westy]

Thanks both of you. Lot's of useful input. Do need to try a few if possible. Though finding any locally is no easy task! Closer to the time I'll see I can get in touch with a few local owners.

[Gad-Westy]

kambites said:

Re question 6: they're mechanically pretty solid but an average mileage early S2 Exige is probably going to need a suspension refresh sooner rather than later which will run into four figures.

Thanks. Had considered that one. That's the sort of thing I quite like to do myself but I would assume many will have had some attention already.

[Gad-Westy]

peter2704 said:

if you do go for one you may find yourself just standing and looking at it (I do ,sad I know ) but there is just something about them…..

Yes, I must admit, it's more the looks than any other factor that's swaying me to Exige rather than an Elise. Shouldn't matter but it does! The sensible side of me is saying that a 111R would save me a few £k, and I'd be able to see out the back but they're not pulling at the heart strings.

Thanks for all the great advice folks.

If I'm reading right then:

Big jobs to look out for - oil cooler recall (I assume on SC cars)
AC - pipe repair
Suspension refresh

Probably don't mind doing the suspension aspect myself though I'll need to factor the cost in.

Probax seats look a bit 50/50. I didn't mind the seats in 111s but 7 years since I sold it so I was a bit younger back then!