Keeping an Exige S2 outside; Will I Die?
Discussion
I've done it and its a bit of a PITA to be honest, think frozen windows inside and out, and a world of damp towels etc. Air con would be a must have in my opinion to make demisting a bit easier.
I did it for a couple of months before deciding enough was enough and having a garage clearout to store it in there instead.
I did it for a couple of months before deciding enough was enough and having a garage clearout to store it in there instead.
I'm facing the very same problem.
I had an Elise a few years ago which I kept parked outside on the street at my flat, including all winter. Used it as my daily and put about 15,000 miles on it in 9 months. I didn't have it long enough to do any long term harm but it just didn't feel right keeping such a special little car like that.
Now I have my Exige, I looked a bit more into it and it seems that the paintwork on these cars really doesn't tolerate being kept outside in the UK climate well. Short term is probably ok but if you can find a garage to rent, it's probably well worth it, at least it is in Edinburgh. At the very least, treat to a winter protection detail. Other option I guess is a car cover but they come with their own issues.
I had an Elise a few years ago which I kept parked outside on the street at my flat, including all winter. Used it as my daily and put about 15,000 miles on it in 9 months. I didn't have it long enough to do any long term harm but it just didn't feel right keeping such a special little car like that.
Now I have my Exige, I looked a bit more into it and it seems that the paintwork on these cars really doesn't tolerate being kept outside in the UK climate well. Short term is probably ok but if you can find a garage to rent, it's probably well worth it, at least it is in Edinburgh. At the very least, treat to a winter protection detail. Other option I guess is a car cover but they come with their own issues.
I kept my S2 Exige outside. Absolutely fine when the weather is decent, but dreadful in the winter.
The lock barrels freeze up when it's really cold, meaning you have to somehow heat them up (hairdryer) to even get the door open.
Also where the A/C ECU sits on a metal plinth in the front clam, this can retain water. As a consequence it packed up on mine, meaning a clam off £650 job to replace it and build a new bracket for it so that any water doesn't interfere with it.
I had an outdoor cover for it too.
I don't think I'd do it again, but if you go into it with your eyes open there's not really a problem. In the summer you'll be fine, but in the winter it will probably annoy you.
The lock barrels freeze up when it's really cold, meaning you have to somehow heat them up (hairdryer) to even get the door open.
Also where the A/C ECU sits on a metal plinth in the front clam, this can retain water. As a consequence it packed up on mine, meaning a clam off £650 job to replace it and build a new bracket for it so that any water doesn't interfere with it.
I had an outdoor cover for it too.
I don't think I'd do it again, but if you go into it with your eyes open there's not really a problem. In the summer you'll be fine, but in the winter it will probably annoy you.
Depends where you live - northern Scotland no way; where I live in south east it's not that many days in the year where it drops below 0C.
On the cold days I get ice on inside of windscreen - warm water poured on screen clears both sides quickly. Liveable with but as a daily you'll have to put up with more hassle than a normal car.
On the cold days I get ice on inside of windscreen - warm water poured on screen clears both sides quickly. Liveable with but as a daily you'll have to put up with more hassle than a normal car.
As above, air conditioning is a must, not so much for cooling as for demisting. Otherwise it should be fine although the aluminium gear knob is bloody cold at this time of year. I've never had my locks freeze hard enough that throwing a jug of warm water over the door wont unfreeze them.
I do keep my Elise in the garage most of the time, but it was outside for a winter while we were rebuilding the garage a few years ago.
I do keep my Elise in the garage most of the time, but it was outside for a winter while we were rebuilding the garage a few years ago.
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 6th December 14:33
Had my Exige S2 outside and in daily use round the M25, including winter, without any issues for two years.
The Yokohama A048's were a bit dicey in snow, could have got another set of wheels and winter tyres but didn't round to it.
Certainly a lot easier to live with during the winter than my motorbike.
The Yokohama A048's were a bit dicey in snow, could have got another set of wheels and winter tyres but didn't round to it.
Certainly a lot easier to live with during the winter than my motorbike.
More down to your tolerance levels than the cars. Obviously a garage would be better. My Elise R lived outside. 2006 car. No issues apart from a very slight break-out of paint blistering. Had it two years. Followed by an Exige that went two winters outside. No issues except ice on the inside of the windscreen, frozen locks and one flat battery after a two week period without use. That to me was acceptable. Air con is a must for me. My Elise CUP will live outside this winter too. As a car nothing compares. Putting up with de-misting, de-frosting is part of the winter routine. It takes a tad longer than in my Clio. Just have to assess your own tolerance levels. The difficult period lasts about ten weeks. That leaves 42 weeks when anything else just seems so boring.
Our exige is currently living outside. It was going to be used all year round, but after a couple of hairy moments in the ice and concerns about salt and the ally chassis it's going in the garage until spring. This means my Cerbera which is all tucked away warm under a cover is being evicted.... 
Cheers guys.
I have a Transporter for carting stuff/kids about so I don't really need to use the car on a daily basis.
I tend to only use the 911 on dry days so de-frosting shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Pretty sure this is a go-er. I'm going to go and have a good poke around a few different variants in the new year. Can't wait!
I have a Transporter for carting stuff/kids about so I don't really need to use the car on a daily basis.
I tend to only use the 911 on dry days so de-frosting shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Pretty sure this is a go-er. I'm going to go and have a good poke around a few different variants in the new year. Can't wait!
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