Test driving an Exige S3 V6 tomorrow
Discussion
Always been a Porsche fan currently with a 911 thats going nowhere but something tells me that i should be adding an S3 to the garage.
I live in Wales and so have some of the UK's best roads on my doorstep, while the 991 GTS is a great car, I could do with something for the weekends thats a little more focused over the duration of this summer and maybe beyond.
I've done some research so am potentially looking at the cheaper end of the scale to dip my toe in so £45k ish with Race and Premium packs and sub 10k miles.
Is there anything that I should be looking for or desirable options to get? I want as many creature comforts as possible and some coloured stitching etc to lift the cabin but are there any issues or problems that I should be aware of?
I'll be buying from a dealer so will get a warranty but I'm wondering if some of the squeaks and rattles (Roof??) are going to drive me mad coming from Germany's finest? Are they easily sorted or is it generally accepted that they rattle?
Anything else to be aware of?
Cheers for any feedback.
I live in Wales and so have some of the UK's best roads on my doorstep, while the 991 GTS is a great car, I could do with something for the weekends thats a little more focused over the duration of this summer and maybe beyond.
I've done some research so am potentially looking at the cheaper end of the scale to dip my toe in so £45k ish with Race and Premium packs and sub 10k miles.
Is there anything that I should be looking for or desirable options to get? I want as many creature comforts as possible and some coloured stitching etc to lift the cabin but are there any issues or problems that I should be aware of?
I'll be buying from a dealer so will get a warranty but I'm wondering if some of the squeaks and rattles (Roof??) are going to drive me mad coming from Germany's finest? Are they easily sorted or is it generally accepted that they rattle?
Anything else to be aware of?
Cheers for any feedback.
The clutch is the big one. To some extent, they all make a rattling/brrr brrr brrr noise at idle but some are a lot worse than others, there was a dodgy batch from AP in 2014. Mine has been fine to date but its a 2015 car. It's something to do with the clutch release bearing apparently
The roof can indeed rattle, mine has had a couple although it's turned out to be the rear clam rubbing on bulkhead rather than the roof itself. Sorted with some foam by Hangar 111 under warranty. Also had a rattle from one of the heatshields. Again sorted under warranty.
Otherwise it's pretty simple/bulletproof and will feel like it goes like stink even coming from a 911, although the cabin will seem sparse and you aren't exactly insulated from noise!
The roof can indeed rattle, mine has had a couple although it's turned out to be the rear clam rubbing on bulkhead rather than the roof itself. Sorted with some foam by Hangar 111 under warranty. Also had a rattle from one of the heatshields. Again sorted under warranty.
Otherwise it's pretty simple/bulletproof and will feel like it goes like stink even coming from a 911, although the cabin will seem sparse and you aren't exactly insulated from noise!
I`ve done 35k in my 2014 S soft top! Only issues have been minor and sorted under warranty. Never heard of the clutch issue on the Exige before but the problem in the original Evora`s was due to an assembly issue and only affected a few cars.
Will always be a bit noisy and basic, but for your weekend blasts an absolute revelation compared to your GTS. They are at their best with the roof off. Main thing I`d do (have done) is to get rid of the original headers and get some which are de-catted...along with a re-map. It`ll liven it up even more and make the exhaust tone crisper.
The car is/feels very rigid and the only time you get any rattles are if the road surface is very poor...
Will always be a bit noisy and basic, but for your weekend blasts an absolute revelation compared to your GTS. They are at their best with the roof off. Main thing I`d do (have done) is to get rid of the original headers and get some which are de-catted...along with a re-map. It`ll liven it up even more and make the exhaust tone crisper.
The car is/feels very rigid and the only time you get any rattles are if the road surface is very poor...
Gearbox can sound a bit agricultural at lower rpm / gears.
Even cars with a new clutch can sound gruff.
The only creature comforts you can have are heated seats, and being honest, your farts will probably be warmer.
Just about every single V6 will have had a/c specced, and the stereo is s
t.
Most should have Bluetooth, but holding a conversation with someone on the phone isn't great.
Regards squeaks and rattles - I had more emanating from my Boxster Spyder than I had from my first V6.
I also feel the earlier V6's (as in pre 350 cars) are slightly better built with better quality materials.
Apart from that, not much else to mention thus far...
Even cars with a new clutch can sound gruff.
The only creature comforts you can have are heated seats, and being honest, your farts will probably be warmer.
Just about every single V6 will have had a/c specced, and the stereo is s
t.Most should have Bluetooth, but holding a conversation with someone on the phone isn't great.
Regards squeaks and rattles - I had more emanating from my Boxster Spyder than I had from my first V6.
I also feel the earlier V6's (as in pre 350 cars) are slightly better built with better quality materials.
Apart from that, not much else to mention thus far...
Edited by Jesus on Monday 27th February 20:51
OP, be sure to report back with your impressions. The S3 has a firm spot on my shopping list some time down the line, so always interested to read about the impressions of newcomers to the brand (given I would also be one).
Any considerations regarding colour already? And any chance you might also be looking at the roadster version?
Any considerations regarding colour already? And any chance you might also be looking at the roadster version?
Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.
The test drive has been changed to Thursday so I will be reporting back then. I will be going to Howards in Weston Super-Mare as its the closest to South Wales.
They are a new dealer and only opened in Oct last year, the sales guy there seemed like a good guy. Not a lot of choice so I'm not considering a car from there at the moment but I'd like to do a local deal if I can..
If the car is for me then I'll be looking for a black S3 on about a 63/newer at sub 50k. I've never been one for the super bright colours although my GT4 was Guards Red. Basically I'm looking for a lightweight thrill, I can't see anything out there that's going to offer me what I'm looking for besides a Caterham or an Atom which is too raw for me. I'd probably not consider the roadster just because i prefer the look of the coupe and while I'm talking about looks, I do prefer the older cars which don't have a two tone look with matt black bonnet and wing etc. I was starting to think about a Sport 350 as it has the newer gear change linkage and the car will be newer so will come with a better chunk of manufacturer warranty. The main reason i was asking about build quality is that I live about 50 mins from the dealer so I don't want to be gong backwards and forwards all the time. The feedback I have had though has all been very positive thus far which is great news.
There are two cars at Murray Lotus in Scotland, a Lazer blue and and Orange one. Both have apparently had the engine and G/box out for the recall (?) on the rattling transmission which I am not sure was about but affected the older cars apparently.
I would have imagined that they'd have replaced the clutches too? Porsche ownership in the main isn't too bad if you have a newish car. Servicing is good value and with a warranty you're covered for most things. I don't see the Exige costing more than the 911 to run bar perhaps a clutch at £2500?
Couple of questions:
How long does the clutch last if used normally with mech sympathy?
Can they live outside for a few months of the year during summer months for example?
Looking forward to Thursday! I just hope I haven't turned into a 40 year old pussey!
The test drive has been changed to Thursday so I will be reporting back then. I will be going to Howards in Weston Super-Mare as its the closest to South Wales.
They are a new dealer and only opened in Oct last year, the sales guy there seemed like a good guy. Not a lot of choice so I'm not considering a car from there at the moment but I'd like to do a local deal if I can..
If the car is for me then I'll be looking for a black S3 on about a 63/newer at sub 50k. I've never been one for the super bright colours although my GT4 was Guards Red. Basically I'm looking for a lightweight thrill, I can't see anything out there that's going to offer me what I'm looking for besides a Caterham or an Atom which is too raw for me. I'd probably not consider the roadster just because i prefer the look of the coupe and while I'm talking about looks, I do prefer the older cars which don't have a two tone look with matt black bonnet and wing etc. I was starting to think about a Sport 350 as it has the newer gear change linkage and the car will be newer so will come with a better chunk of manufacturer warranty. The main reason i was asking about build quality is that I live about 50 mins from the dealer so I don't want to be gong backwards and forwards all the time. The feedback I have had though has all been very positive thus far which is great news.
There are two cars at Murray Lotus in Scotland, a Lazer blue and and Orange one. Both have apparently had the engine and G/box out for the recall (?) on the rattling transmission which I am not sure was about but affected the older cars apparently.
I would have imagined that they'd have replaced the clutches too? Porsche ownership in the main isn't too bad if you have a newish car. Servicing is good value and with a warranty you're covered for most things. I don't see the Exige costing more than the 911 to run bar perhaps a clutch at £2500?
Couple of questions:
How long does the clutch last if used normally with mech sympathy?
Can they live outside for a few months of the year during summer months for example?
Looking forward to Thursday! I just hope I haven't turned into a 40 year old pussey!
Fokker said:
Can they live outside for a few months of the year during summer months for example?
My 2004 Elise S2 111S was my only car for three years lived outside in rain, snow, ice, the lot. I had no problems at all, other than needing air con to clear the windscreen. Things have only got better at Lotus, so I suspect the Exige will be fine.You'll hopefully love the test drive by the way. The Exige V6 is the car that's impressed me most on a test drive - I was astounded at how good it was in every respect.
Don't think there's ever been an official recall on these cars.
You only got a new clutch after the Lotus field engineer came out and drove /listened to the car and gave the go ahead.
There's way, way more that haven't had it done than have.
Howard's had my black roadster after I traded it in at another (non Lotus) dealer for my current 350.
Their pricing seemed consistent with others.
There's no official Lotus warranty available after the 3 years unlike Porsche, so figure that into the equation when purchasing a car.
A clutch change is rear clam off, gearbox out etc.... near enough £3k...
Can recommend you get onto Seloc and find the 'Exige market' thread - its long, but there's cars discussed on there that have been for sale for ages, and some good pointers as to pricing and what not.
You only got a new clutch after the Lotus field engineer came out and drove /listened to the car and gave the go ahead.
There's way, way more that haven't had it done than have.
Howard's had my black roadster after I traded it in at another (non Lotus) dealer for my current 350.
Their pricing seemed consistent with others.
There's no official Lotus warranty available after the 3 years unlike Porsche, so figure that into the equation when purchasing a car.
A clutch change is rear clam off, gearbox out etc.... near enough £3k...
Can recommend you get onto Seloc and find the 'Exige market' thread - its long, but there's cars discussed on there that have been for sale for ages, and some good pointers as to pricing and what not.
Edited by Jesus on Tuesday 28th February 12:00
Right, had a good drive in the roadster and then in a new orange coupe 350 sport.
First impressions are lightness, torque and amazing steering. Made my 911 feel like an M5 afterwards.
They have a nice Hethel 50th anniversary edition there in blue with the lightweight forged alloys which are lovely, I'd have had that if it wasn't sold even though i dont want to spent that much - it looked sensational.
Getting in and out will take some practice but it makes it more of an event in my book. The gearbox in the roadster (11 plate 11k miles) was ok and the newer linkage in the 350 was the same pretty much but just a bit stiffer and less slack.
The gearbox is the only real disappointing part of the equation really as I get the feeling you can't put lipstick on a pig and make it more attractive. It wasn't a deal breaker by any means but its the weakest point of the car for me.
Build quality seemed very good indeed, tight no rattles even from the 11k miles roadster. The torque in 3rd and 4th gear made it a very usable package and performance was I suppose about on a par with my 911 but with the lack of creature comforts and power steering it was a much more seat of the pants experience. No real sound from the engine in the cabin though which was a disappointment and the exhaust button seemed to do very little. i think it's probably a different experience outside but could do with a bit more of that V6 engine noise inside - you get a slight whine from the S'charger which is good but not much else. I would be looking to add the roadster soft top for summer use which would I think free up the exhaust experience and allow easier access when hopping in and out on a day out with mates.
Very pleased overall, looks smaller in the flesh than in the pics. The Hethel 50th edition looked the absolute dogs. Very similar look to the 380 Sport but without the extra aero.
I think I'll get one, but I'm looking for a car with no matt black which on a 350 will be hard by the loos of it and I'll probably buy a set of the 380 sport forged wheels too.
A great experience but probably even better with an aftermarket switchable exhaust? Larini? Whats popular for these?
Would want something that offers NO in car drone and a high quality system. Not usually a fan of loud exhausts by from todays first impressions it needs a bit more in the aural dept.
First impressions are lightness, torque and amazing steering. Made my 911 feel like an M5 afterwards.
They have a nice Hethel 50th anniversary edition there in blue with the lightweight forged alloys which are lovely, I'd have had that if it wasn't sold even though i dont want to spent that much - it looked sensational.
Getting in and out will take some practice but it makes it more of an event in my book. The gearbox in the roadster (11 plate 11k miles) was ok and the newer linkage in the 350 was the same pretty much but just a bit stiffer and less slack.
The gearbox is the only real disappointing part of the equation really as I get the feeling you can't put lipstick on a pig and make it more attractive. It wasn't a deal breaker by any means but its the weakest point of the car for me.
Build quality seemed very good indeed, tight no rattles even from the 11k miles roadster. The torque in 3rd and 4th gear made it a very usable package and performance was I suppose about on a par with my 911 but with the lack of creature comforts and power steering it was a much more seat of the pants experience. No real sound from the engine in the cabin though which was a disappointment and the exhaust button seemed to do very little. i think it's probably a different experience outside but could do with a bit more of that V6 engine noise inside - you get a slight whine from the S'charger which is good but not much else. I would be looking to add the roadster soft top for summer use which would I think free up the exhaust experience and allow easier access when hopping in and out on a day out with mates.
Very pleased overall, looks smaller in the flesh than in the pics. The Hethel 50th edition looked the absolute dogs. Very similar look to the 380 Sport but without the extra aero.
I think I'll get one, but I'm looking for a car with no matt black which on a 350 will be hard by the loos of it and I'll probably buy a set of the 380 sport forged wheels too.
A great experience but probably even better with an aftermarket switchable exhaust? Larini? Whats popular for these?
Would want something that offers NO in car drone and a high quality system. Not usually a fan of loud exhausts by from todays first impressions it needs a bit more in the aural dept.
Fokker said:
Right, had a good drive in the roadster and then in a new orange coupe 350 sport.
First impressions are lightness, torque and amazing steering. Made my 911 feel like an M5 afterwards.
They have a nice Hethel 50th anniversary edition there in blue with the lightweight forged alloys which are lovely, I'd have had that if it wasn't sold even though i dont want to spent that much - it looked sensational.
Getting in and out will take some practice but it makes it more of an event in my book. The gearbox in the roadster (11 plate 11k miles) was ok and the newer linkage in the 350 was the same pretty much but just a bit stiffer and less slack.
The gearbox is the only real disappointing part of the equation really as I get the feeling you can't put lipstick on a pig and make it more attractive. It wasn't a deal breaker by any means but its the weakest point of the car for me.
Build quality seemed very good indeed, tight no rattles even from the 11k miles roadster. The torque in 3rd and 4th gear made it a very usable package and performance was I suppose about on a par with my 911 but with the lack of creature comforts and power steering it was a much more seat of the pants experience. No real sound from the engine in the cabin though which was a disappointment and the exhaust button seemed to do very little. i think it's probably a different experience outside but could do with a bit more of that V6 engine noise inside - you get a slight whine from the S'charger which is good but not much else. I would be looking to add the roadster soft top for summer use which would I think free up the exhaust experience and allow easier access when hopping in and out on a day out with mates.
Very pleased overall, looks smaller in the flesh than in the pics. The Hethel 50th edition looked the absolute dogs. Very similar look to the 380 Sport but without the extra aero.
I think I'll get one, but I'm looking for a car with no matt black which on a 350 will be hard by the loos of it and I'll probably buy a set of the 380 sport forged wheels too.
A great experience but probably even better with an aftermarket switchable exhaust? Larini? Whats popular for these?
Would want something that offers NO in car drone and a high quality system. Not usually a fan of loud exhausts by from todays first impressions it needs a bit more in the aural dept.
2bular. The owner is an interesting character but the kit he makes is top drawer. Especially if you aren't planning to do track days, he makes a switchable road version that is basically straight-through when the valves are open! I had one on my S2 and it was a work of art, although I'm keeping my S3 standard until the warranty expires. First impressions are lightness, torque and amazing steering. Made my 911 feel like an M5 afterwards.
They have a nice Hethel 50th anniversary edition there in blue with the lightweight forged alloys which are lovely, I'd have had that if it wasn't sold even though i dont want to spent that much - it looked sensational.
Getting in and out will take some practice but it makes it more of an event in my book. The gearbox in the roadster (11 plate 11k miles) was ok and the newer linkage in the 350 was the same pretty much but just a bit stiffer and less slack.
The gearbox is the only real disappointing part of the equation really as I get the feeling you can't put lipstick on a pig and make it more attractive. It wasn't a deal breaker by any means but its the weakest point of the car for me.
Build quality seemed very good indeed, tight no rattles even from the 11k miles roadster. The torque in 3rd and 4th gear made it a very usable package and performance was I suppose about on a par with my 911 but with the lack of creature comforts and power steering it was a much more seat of the pants experience. No real sound from the engine in the cabin though which was a disappointment and the exhaust button seemed to do very little. i think it's probably a different experience outside but could do with a bit more of that V6 engine noise inside - you get a slight whine from the S'charger which is good but not much else. I would be looking to add the roadster soft top for summer use which would I think free up the exhaust experience and allow easier access when hopping in and out on a day out with mates.
Very pleased overall, looks smaller in the flesh than in the pics. The Hethel 50th edition looked the absolute dogs. Very similar look to the 380 Sport but without the extra aero.
I think I'll get one, but I'm looking for a car with no matt black which on a 350 will be hard by the loos of it and I'll probably buy a set of the 380 sport forged wheels too.
A great experience but probably even better with an aftermarket switchable exhaust? Larini? Whats popular for these?
Would want something that offers NO in car drone and a high quality system. Not usually a fan of loud exhausts by from todays first impressions it needs a bit more in the aural dept.
gashead1105 said:
2bular. The owner is an interesting character but the kit he makes is top drawer. Especially if you aren't planning to do track days, he makes a switchable road version that is basically straight-through when the valves are open! I had one on my S2 and it was a work of art, although I'm keeping my S3 standard until the warranty expires.
Thank you Will. Good to know. Yes, the dreaded warranty complications!Warranty will be fine with just an exhaust.
I've got a Komo-tec on mine, which is great if not as anti social as the 2bular
Surprised at your findings of the gearchange - I found it night/ day difference between my roadster and 350.
Did you try the roadster without the foot on?
For a bit more SC noise, SSC in Australia do a CAI for a decent price.
Coupled with a better exhaust it sounds brilliant.
A few of us have / had them.
http://www.simplysportscars.com/shop/induction/100...
I've got a Komo-tec on mine, which is great if not as anti social as the 2bular
Surprised at your findings of the gearchange - I found it night/ day difference between my roadster and 350.
Did you try the roadster without the foot on?
For a bit more SC noise, SSC in Australia do a CAI for a decent price.
Coupled with a better exhaust it sounds brilliant.
A few of us have / had them.
http://www.simplysportscars.com/shop/induction/100...
Definately 2bular for the exhaust, they take a while to be made delivered and Jim is definately a character. I ordered mine a month before I bought the car and recieved it 2 weeks after the car. Worth the wait.
Soft tops are about £500 2nd hand and the parts to do the conversion (drilling a couple of holes, easy DIY) about £20.
I've also ordered a set of the lovely 350 forged wheels you mention, they should arrive tomorrow so it feels Christmas Eve here again.
I've had mine 6 months now but it seems one of those cars that keep 'giving' you more and more the longer you spend with them.
Soft tops are about £500 2nd hand and the parts to do the conversion (drilling a couple of holes, easy DIY) about £20.
I've also ordered a set of the lovely 350 forged wheels you mention, they should arrive tomorrow so it feels Christmas Eve here again.
I've had mine 6 months now but it seems one of those cars that keep 'giving' you more and more the longer you spend with them.
Jesus said:
Warranty will be fine with just an exhaust.
I've got a Komo-tec on mine, which is great if not as anti social as the 2bular
Surprised at your findings of the gearchange - I found it night/ day difference between my roadster and 350.
Did you try the roadster without the foot on?
For a bit more SC noise, SSC in Australia do a CAI for a decent price.
Coupled with a better exhaust it sounds brilliant.
A few of us have / had them.
http://www.simplysportscars.com/shop/induction/100...
The 350 gear change is different but just a bit stiffer / precise I guess but still a bit notch into 3rd for example. It was a new car so perhaps it just needed to be used.I've got a Komo-tec on mine, which is great if not as anti social as the 2bular
Surprised at your findings of the gearchange - I found it night/ day difference between my roadster and 350.
Did you try the roadster without the foot on?
For a bit more SC noise, SSC in Australia do a CAI for a decent price.
Coupled with a better exhaust it sounds brilliant.
A few of us have / had them.
http://www.simplysportscars.com/shop/induction/100...
The open gate is a lovely thing to look at and really adds to the interior drama.
That induction kit look the business. I'll be having one of those. Induction roar can be better than exhaust noise in many situation, the old S2000 with a cold air induction kit was a revelation.
I get the feeling that a couple of small mods such as soft roof, induction kits, exhaust and forged wheels will make my perfect car.
How much are the 2Bular's delivered?
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