Thread: Which year Exige to buy?

Hi guys,

I am in the market for an Exige. I currently drive an e46 M3 and want to upgrade to something much more raw and sporty, hence why the Exige comes to mind. I don't have much experience with these cars, but was hoping someone could chime in and provide some fundamental suggestions in terms of which years to avoid and any issues I should be aware of on these cars (i.e. maintanence, things commonly breaking down, etc).

I have read these things are very reliable and I plan to daily drive this car. I know that sounds crazy, but I am gear nut head and actually prefer a rough ride.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Hi I owned a series of Lotus, 2 Esprit, Elise, E46 M3 and then Exige S.

They were all daily drivers...

Nothing wrong with them, all reliable even the Esprit's. Not much to go wrong on an Exige.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1346958413.332886.jpg

If you are going to track it 2008 or later.

06 was NA
07 was supercharged - 220hp
08 had 240hp, upgraded brakes, different air intake that reduced heat soak, and other upgrades. (there were a few 220hp club sports built in 08 but most were 240HP.
09 and later had 240 or 260 hp versions
10 had a different body, might have started that in 09 I just don't remember.

Thanks for the replies, these are helpful.

I am also considering jumping into an Elise before an Exige. How is the driving experience in an Elise compared to an Exige? Big difference?

Just a warning crashing one of these things is VERY expensive as the bumpers are one piece so if they break your on the hook for a huge bill. Other than that great cars, that are massivly fun to drive. The Elise is still a great sports car, I can't compare it to the Exige, but it still is very fun to drive and no bad performer.

It's like a NA 911 vs a turbo. They feel similar but like a turbo 911 the Supercharged Exiges have more low end torque and more power. Both are very fast, you just have to work the Elise harder. Keep in mind that the NA Elise is 190hp, they did make a supercharged one that is 220hp. The good news is that you can pickup a 05 Elise and add the factory supercharger if you want more power. There's also tons of aftermarket kits for more power.

The comparison between the two is very dependent on the motor in each one.

If you take an Elise with a supercharger and compare it to an Exige with a supercharger you are going to have similar driving experiences - though the Exige will be a bit more track oriented. Not a HUGE difference but it is there.

If you are going to go full track with it and strip it, tune it to 270+whp, canards, splitter, wing, larger side scoops, etc. then definitely go Exige as they start closer to ready.

Go drive both though - let your butt make the decision.

Thanks for the helpful tips guys, it is really appreciated. I am taking a look at a few Lotus cars over the next week or two, hopefully I come home with one!

Good luck and post pics

Newest is always best. Lotus is bad about releasing quirky cars, but good about fixing the quirks in subsequent model years.