looking for a used Exige S3

[rtacconi]

Hi guys,

after many years of abstinence, I am looking for a new (used) sports car. I previously had a VX220, then 911 Carrera S, Spire GTR (always broken).

I am looking for an Exige S3 to use on track and for trips. I am looking at this one yellow wrapped black:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

I love the fact that it already has a Komotec EX 430 kit fitted but at the same time I am a bit worried about the engine, I hope the Komotec did not compromise its reliability. Also, what to you think about the paddle shift? I am reading that the paddle-shift version is slower and it takes a second to change the gear after pressing it, which if it is true, I would hate it like I hated the Tiptronic in the 911.

Maybe I should choose a manual and if the engine is not enough, I will still be able to add the Komotech kit. I think the main installer of Komotech are the guys at Hanger 111 in Ipswitch, right?

Thanks

[Leggy]

rtacconi said:

Hi guys,

after many years of abstinence, I am looking for a new (used) sports car. I previously had a VX220, then 911 Carrera S, Spire GTR (always broken).

I am looking for an Exige S3 to use on track and for trips. I am looking at this one yellow wrapped black:

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

I love the fact that it already has a Komotec EX 430 kit fitted but at the same time I am a bit worried about the engine, I hope the Komotec did not compromise its reliability. Also, what to you think about the paddle shift? I am reading that the paddle-shift version is slower and it takes a second to change the gear after pressing it, which if it is true, I would hate it like I hated the Tiptronic in the 911.

Maybe I should choose a manual and if the engine is not enough, I will still be able to add the Komotech kit. I think the main installer of Komotech are the guys at Hanger 111 in Ipswitch, right?

Thanks

That looks the business but would’ve thought the manual was better suited to track work.

[400SE Dave]

Matt Black will be a difficult sell when you come to move it on and you have no idea of what the paintwork is like below it.

Also, this is late registered V6 and not a 350 sport by the sounds of it, also a Roadster base so even though it has the spoilers etc it will still have the softer suspension set up than the Coupe. I had a Roadster and loved it but I did not use it on the track.

As for the auto, it is no PDK.

Seems strong money for a matt wrapped, modified Roadster for me. I would say it should be sub 40k

Edit: Might be a better option if you really want IPS. 350 Sport albeit without the hp upgrade

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Edited by 400SE Dave on Tuesday 17th March 16:15

Edited by 400SE Dave on Tuesday 17th March 16:15

[_Bandit_]

I’d be buying this with your budget if I were you.
Exige certainly isn’t slow with 350bhp...however if you wanted to upgrade then the engine is easily good for 430bhp on stock internals.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

[gareth h]

Personally I don’t think it’s the right car for an auto box, and I wouldn’t worry too much about the extra power, I’ve had a 350 sport and now a 410, the biggest difference is the 3 way Nitron suspension on the 410, so budget on that and you’ll have a great car.

[lj04]

_Bandit_ said:

I’d be buying this with your budget if I were you.
Exige certainly isn’t slow with 350bhp...however if you wanted to upgrade then the engine is easily good for 430bhp on stock internals.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

That is a lovely car, and if my Elise sold I would be beating his doors down.

[MarkM3Evoplus]

IPS gearchange didn't get great reviews, so would go for a manual.

I have a v6 roadster I was hoping to track next month, but suspect due to the corona virus, this will be cancelled.....

[CTE]

Depends what you want from your driving...and how big you are! Auto`s give you more leg room.

My mates recently bought an IPS Exige...I had a test drive of it recently, and it`s not bad at all (infact I was quite impressed...although go for a 350 or later as there have been several software updates). He lives in Surrey and given the traffic its is probably the better compromise...it`s also quicker through the gears. Sure Exiges are all about the mechanical interaction and it`s no PDK, but it`s not bad either especially when set to sport. The auto gearbox is also stronger so would handle any torque increases better. If the car is to be used regularly on track then go for a hard top as the roadster suspension settings and electronics are more road focused...but that`s not to say it`s no good on track. It`s straightforward to convert to a soft top if you wish.

I`ve owned Numerous Evora`s, Elise`s and Exige`s...and still do...

[rtacconi]

Thank you, guys. I will find a manual, since I hope to use it on track and yes, 350hp will do! I am having a look at the links you provided, interesting. With this lockdown on coronavirus, I will have to wait a bit.

[rtacconi]

_Bandit_ said:

I’d be buying this with your budget if I were you.
Exige certainly isn’t slow with 350bhp...however if you wanted to upgrade then the engine is easily good for 430bhp on stock internals.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Yes, I agree!

[SELON]

rtacconi said:

Thank you, guys. I will find a manual, since I hope to use it on track and yes, 350hp will do! I am having a look at the links you provided, interesting. With this lockdown on coronavirus, I will have to wait a bit.

Bell & Colvill are still open. I went there yesterday in my Elise Cup isolation pod. Didn’t go near a human, but plenty of lovely cars to look at!

Jamie will be able to sort you out, somehow. Top guy. Must be opportunity to get bargains...

Happy hunting!

[rtacconi]

"Elise Cup isolation pod" Ahahhah. I hope to get the garage fixed (doors are not closing I want to convert them to a single big door), but I really need to buy one as isolation mobile pod!

Edited by rtacconi on Friday 20th March 22:02

[rtacconi]

Tomorrow I am going to see this one https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10637895. I did an HPI check with Carveto and it is reported as Exige S Premium Sport instead of Cup, I am a bit confused. The car has coverage on Internet articles and Youtube, it seems a well known cars. 20k are quite a lot for a track day car, but it does not sound too scary.

[Rick101]

I'm fairly sure it's a genuine Cup from what I have seen online.

YT videos are worth watching through.

Didn't realise that one was still for sale tbh but probably because I have moved my search to 2016+ cars x

[_Bandit_]

Yea I’m pretty sure that all the Cup cars just show up as an Exige S.
That car is well known and is a genuine Cup (have a look on The Lotus Forums https://www.thelotusforums.com/amp/ )

20k is nothing on a V6 and they wear mileage well, the only thing to look out for are a noisy gearbox/clutch and that’s about it. They all collect stone chips on the front so PPF is a good idea.

[ecain63]

rtacconi said:

. 20k are quite a lot for a track day car, but it does not sound too scary.

20k over 7 years ...... I'd be more concerned that it hadn't been used enough, not too much.

[rtacconi]

I saw it last Saturday and I am going to buy it. Yes, it is a genuine Cup, the car has plenty of coverage from the thelotusforums and youtube.

Yes, I guess 20k for a Toyota V6 is not much. Thanks for your hints, guys!

[Rick101]

Congrats. Looks a cracking car!