New (to me) Sport 350

[Kananga]

About 10 days ago I went to test drive a few Lotus models, having only ever driven a friend’s S1 Elise previously.

I tried an Elise Cup 250, Exige Sport 350 + 380, and an Evora 410.

I was very impressed by each of the cars, particularly with the steering feel and handling for which Lotus ha developed such a reputation. The Exige very much stood out for me as the most impressive example of the bunch, and I was absolutely smitten.

Being a 10yr old at heart, I decided I really needed to have one, and out of sheer luck, stumbled into one of the nicest 350s (IMHO) around. The car wasn’t advertised, but the owner contacted me following an introductory post on the SELOC website.

The car is a 2018 model with just over 2k miles and the condition can only be described as being “as new” or even better. An exceptionally fastidious owner, who has cared for for the car and installed some nice upgrades.

Had some detailed discussions, videos, photos and ultimately decided to buy the car. I’ve followed the philosophy that you buy the owner as much as the car, and the seller is one of the most sincere and genuine people I’ve come across.

Couple of pics of the car below, don’t remember being as excited about a car purchase in a long time! Couple of sleepless nights ahead, all being well the car should be with me Saturday morning!

[justin220]

Congratulations, that is stunning!

[Kananga]

Thanks! Can’t wait to get it home. I’m new to Lotus so no doubt will have lots of questions!

I actually fancied a 380 or 410, but realised that the 350 has more than enough power for me! I will be using it on roads (haven’t done track days, and no plans to) so figured it was a nice step up from the Elise Cup 250 but I’m definitely not a good enough driver to exploit the extra hp and features of the more powerful models.

[andy tims]

Congrats - the car looks fantastic, but you really should do a track day or 2.

[Kananga]

andy tims said:

Congrats - the car looks fantastic, but you really should do a track day or 2.

Thanks Andy! Never been on one and have wondered. I’m a fairly cautious individual but would be nice to be able to drive the car as it was intended, which is harder on public roads for obvious reasons!

[ecain63]

Looks cracking mate, well done.

Definitely get it on track. Let me know if you fancy it and we can meet up.

[Rocket.]

That is a lovely looking Exige, congratulations.

I keep looking at these wondering if I should be coming back to another Lotus, I dare not go and test drive one

[SELON]

Great choice. Congratulations. Revs higher than a 380 from memory - to 7,200rpm, which is nice.
You’ll find that you can pretty much keep up with anything on the road with it. No need for more power - unless you want it, of course

[Kananga]

ecain63 said:

Looks cracking mate, well done.

Definitely get it on track. Let me know if you fancy it and we can meet up.

Thanks! Would love to meet and get your views, as well as to see hour 410!!

Rocket. said:

That is a lovely looking Exige, congratulations.

I keep looking at these wondering if I should be coming back to another Lotus, I dare not go and test drive one

Thank you!! Sadly I experienced your fears first hand. Test drive —> Purchase!

SELON said:

Great choice. Congratulations. Revs higher than a 380 from memory - to 7,200rpm, which is nice.
You’ll find that you can pretty much keep up with anything on the road with it. No need for more power - unless you want it, of course

Thanks! I definitely didn’t find the 350 to be slow, but the 380 did seem that bit quicker, so it’s all relative. I actually thought about buying an Elise 250 Cup but the Exige just felt so much more special to me. The combination of extra power, 6-cylinder noise, and aggressive looks was too much to pass up! Though most people find the current generation Elise is all you’d ever need on the road !

[andy tims]

Kananga said:

Thanks Andy! Never been on one and have wondered. I’m a fairly cautious individual but would be nice to be able to drive the car as it was intended, which is harder on public roads for obvious reasons!

If you go with one of the "premium" track day organisers like Gold Track or RMA and book some instruction (not cheap, but worth it), I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you're up to speed.
Lotus On Track also well worth a look - obviously lots of Loti and instructors who know how to drive our cars.

[Kananga]

andy tims said:

If you go with one of the "premium" track day organisers like Gold Track or RMA and book some instruction (not cheap, but worth it), I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you're up to speed.
Lotus On Track also well worth a look - obviously lots of Loti and instructors who know how to drive our cars.

Thanks. That sounds like a good plan, and would be great to get some instruction too!

[ecain63]

Goodwood have availability on Monday for a morning or afternoon slot. Weather looks good too.

Considering it myself

[MarkM3Evoplus]

I'm doing Goodwood all day on 21st Aug if anyone is about

[SELON]

andy tims said:

Kananga said:

Thanks Andy! Never been on one and have wondered. I’m a fairly cautious individual but would be nice to be able to drive the car as it was intended, which is harder on public roads for obvious reasons!

If you go with one of the "premium" track day organisers like Gold Track or RMA and book some instruction (not cheap, but worth it), I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you're up to speed.
Lotus On Track also well worth a look - obviously lots of Loti and instructors who know how to drive our cars.

Definitely have a look at Lotus On Track - excellent guys and gals. Always a great track day with them.

Instruction: definitely Recommend also. I had 3 TDS with a private instructor. Essential really, to get the most out of your car, I think, for most people.

[Mr E]

Woof.

[SELON]

Kananga said:

Thanks! I definitely didn’t find the 350 to be slow, but the 380 did seem that bit quicker, so it’s all relative. I actually thought about buying an Elise 250 Cup but the Exige just felt so much more special to me. The combination of extra power, 6-cylinder noise, and aggressive looks was too much to pass up! Though most people find the current generation Elise is all you’d ever need on the road !

I ended up going to an Elise Cup after a year with my Exige. Nothing wrong with the Exige at all, just decided I could go fast enough with an Elise, which is a slightly different proposition. Tells you how fast the Exige was really! Never a bad choice with the modern Lotus, only great choices here, I think.

[Kananga]

SELON said:

I ended up going to an Elise Cup after a year with my Exige. Nothing wrong with the Exige at all, just decided I could go fast enough with an Elise, which is a slightly different proposition. Tells you how fast the Exige was really! Never a bad choice with the modern Lotus, only great choices here, I think.

Yup. The Cup 250 I drove was absolutely lovely! Coming from an R8 V10 I wanted something with a little more shove, but let’s be honest I will be driving the Exige at around 5/10ths (max) of it’s capabilities!

Edited by Kananga on Friday 10th July 19:46

[Millomboy]

Great to see the car yesterday. It is an absolute stunner.

[Kananga]

Millomboy said:

Great to see the car yesterday. It is an absolute stunner.

Thanks!! Went out for the maiden voyage yesterday evening.

Incredible. Wish I’d bought one earlier!!!

[williams123456]

Very very very beautiful one!! Congratulations