I wonder if you can give me some help. I am looking to buy an exige but the problem is I know nothing about cars. I know a fair bit about Lotus but am such an idiot technically I really cant understand a lot of the technical info available on the net. I am tryin to decide between a Series 1 Exige and Series 2 Exige and am finding it hard. I dont really know what the difference is. I know for instance the S1 has the K-Series engine and the S2 has the Toyota VVTL-i engine and I know the toyota engione swaps (cam??)or something that means the engine changes set-up from a more sedate run-around to a beast but thats it as far as the differences go. I know whether you prefer an S1 or an S2 will come down to taste, but can anyone tell me what are the differences between the cars that I should be deciding upon. For instance, is the build quality a lot better on the S2?
Sorry to be a pain and thanks for any help anyone can give.
The S1 is more hardcore, very good if it�s going to be a second car that you use for track days etc. I have the S2, which are more user friendly for an every day car on the road and track.
The S2 Toyota engine is far better than the K-series…though if you buy a S1 you can have the Honda S/C (300bhp) engine fitted which then turns the car into a Supercar leaving every thing behind. The only reason I would buy a S1 would be to do that. Other than that I�d buy (and have) a S2 Exige.
agree with above. The S1 Exige is very hardcore. a great car. real fun.
I’ve been int he supercharged Honda engined S1 and all I can say is it is EXTREMELY fast. I was touching cloth at 140mph and 0-60 felt to me it mush have been about 3 secs.
It will piss on anything you care to mention short of Bugatti Veyrons and the like. IMO much quicker than a F360 or F430 and I know Christian has dicked a 575M in his.
I on the other habd have the S2 with the toyota lump, which I love as its got all the feel and is SOOOO usable.
I am looking to buy an exige but the problem is I know nothing about cars
!
Not wishing to be rude I’d suggest if you really want a Lotus a cheaper option would be to get an Elise and see how you get on with that first. It’ll leave money to spare for track days and driver training, you’ll be able to get pax rides in both types of Exige, and you’ll be in a much better and informed position to decide what you really want.
I am looking to buy an exige but the problem is I know nothing about cars
!
Not wishing to be rude I’d suggest if you really want a Lotus a cheaper option would be to get an Elise and see how you get on with that first. It’ll leave money to spare for track days and driver training, you’ll be able to get pax rides in both types of Exige, and you’ll be in a much better and informed position to decide what you really want.
I thought I knew quite a bit about cars and mechanics till I started reading on here and talking to this bunch of nutters (affectionately termed you understand
Mucho respect to all I have come into contact with.
I also did exactly as suggested here. I have an old Elan which I have tinkered with for the past 10 years. This provided a great grounding in fixing broken cars after every feckin’ outing!!!. So knew they are a bit fragile and the old, prevoiusly neglected ones are worse. Always loved the Exige so bought a cheap Elise 111s (S1) to test the water. Only had it a short time before I was hooked, sold it ASAP and spent all mi spare cash on an S1 Exige.
In my opinion it’s not a thing for someone who is mechanically clueless unless you have a local specialist to look after it for you (and the cash to spend looking after it)
So far mine has cost me relativley sod all - it’s just the buying of trick bits which will do you!!!
I am looking to buy an exige but the problem is I know nothing about cars
!
Not wishing to be rude I’d suggest if you really want a Lotus a cheaper option would be to get an Elise and see how you get on with that first.
Not rude at all - perfectly reasonable and I was considering getting an Elise, wanted one for years. I have been round Rockingham three times in a standard Elise and absolutely loved it. I only thought I would go for an Exige because I prefer the styling. I’m interested in you recommending one for me over the Exige though, I thought they were pretty much the same car (same bhp, at least in the Elise 111R, same top speed and 0-60 etc), is the Elise an easier car to drive or maintain in your opinion?
Also, I wondered whether there are any of you that are based around London that fancy a bit of help getting your car sorted, I dont mind doing the crap jobs like washing the car or anything, I would just like to learn how to look after Lotus’ and cars in general. I will still buy my own Lotus, but it would be great to know what to do with one when it breaks! Can anyone think of an alternative strategy for learning about cars? Are there any decent manuals or beginners guides? How did you all learn?
I’m interested in you recommending one for me over the Exige though, I thought they were pretty much the same car (same bhp, at least in the Elise 111R, same top speed and 0-60 etc), is the Elise an easier car to drive or maintain in your opinion?
Was really just thinking about cost. The Exige isn’t really any harder to drive or maintain than the Elise but it’s dearer to buy. Also the A048 tyres don’t last long, are pricey to replace and imo they need to be treated with more care in the wet.
Sorry to butt into this coversation. I have been looking at purchasing a lotus for 6 months or so. I started aiming for the 111R as i would prefer the toyota unit over the K. After sometime however i found myself preferring the exigeS2 as i felt it was more exculsive i.e most elise S2 models look like the 111R but the ExigeS2 stands out (especially in extreme colours )
Anyway im not really interested in track days. Is it daft purchasing the ExigeS2 if this is the case ? should i be going for the 111R instead ?
Im willing to pay the extra for the exigeS2, im sure i can live with the rear view visabliliy problem. Im only doing 20 miles a day anyway.
You would not be the first person to not use their Exige on the track but all the things that make the Exige S2 different from the 111R are to make it better on the track.
The S2 is usable as an everyday drive (5k in 7 months plus 10 trackdays ) but if you are not interested in the track I would suggest you go for the 111R. You get good road tyres, a rear view and more compliant ride plus wind in your hair (if you are into that kind of thing ).
The new ‘Elise racer’ is also worth a look. Very much a Exige S2 (in an Elise body) with nice wheels & fancy paint at a price you couldnt spec an Exige or 111R for
i not fussed about a convertible. my mr2 mrk2 was a pain in the backside to take the roof off and the 111R i have played with was no less annoying. exigeS2 for me i think … need to wait until next year though
i not fussed about a convertible. my mr2 mrk2 was a pain in the backside to take the roof off and the 111R i have played with was no less annoying. exigeS2 for me i think … need to wait until next year though
