Potential new owner 410 Exige/Elise Cup 250
Discussion
Hi All 
Potential new owner here and wanted to pop in for some general advice. I'm considering jumping into an Exige or Elise as a stop gap before my 718 Spyder arrives (if it even does!). Currently searching around the market and i'm finding a few Exige's I like but i'm wondering whether the Elise would give almost all of the same driving thrill but for a lower cost? Obviously it'll miss the V6 sound but has anyone on here owned both and if so how would you say they compare?
Specifically looking at the Exige:
Budget is £65-75k so looking at cars currently advertised appears to be between 2018-2020 model year, with some at the top end of the price range being the 20th Editions. Are those worth the premium at the moment? All i can find for certain is that they had some specific colours, forged wheels and carbon, but a lot of the normal 410s would have this specced anyway?
Are there any options that are considered must haves?
Currently chatting to these guys about this car: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12925354
Pricing seems a little off as it's only slightly cheaper than the 20th editions that are two years younger?
Any input more than welcome! Also if you're thinking of selling then please feel free to pm me!
MrChips
Potential new owner here and wanted to pop in for some general advice. I'm considering jumping into an Exige or Elise as a stop gap before my 718 Spyder arrives (if it even does!). Currently searching around the market and i'm finding a few Exige's I like but i'm wondering whether the Elise would give almost all of the same driving thrill but for a lower cost? Obviously it'll miss the V6 sound but has anyone on here owned both and if so how would you say they compare?
Specifically looking at the Exige:
Budget is £65-75k so looking at cars currently advertised appears to be between 2018-2020 model year, with some at the top end of the price range being the 20th Editions. Are those worth the premium at the moment? All i can find for certain is that they had some specific colours, forged wheels and carbon, but a lot of the normal 410s would have this specced anyway?
Are there any options that are considered must haves?
Currently chatting to these guys about this car: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12925354
Pricing seems a little off as it's only slightly cheaper than the 20th editions that are two years younger?
Any input more than welcome! Also if you're thinking of selling then please feel free to pm me!
MrChips
Edited by MrChips on Wednesday 23 February 23:51
MrChips said:
Hi All
Potential new owner here and wanted to pop in for some general advice. I'm considering jumping into an Exige or Elise as a stop gap before my 718 Spyder arrives (if it even does!). Currently searching around the market and i'm finding a few Exige's I like but i'm wondering whether the Elise would give almost all of the same driving thrill but for a lower cost? Obviously it'll miss the V6 sound but has anyone on here owned both and if so how would you say they compare?
Specifically looking at the Exige:
Budget is £65-75k so looking at cars currently advertised appears to be between 2018-2020 model year, with some at the top end of the price range being the 20th Editions. Are those worth the premium at the moment? All i can find for certain is that they had some specific colours, forged wheels and carbon, but a lot of the normal 410s would have this specced anyway?
Are there any options that are considered must haves?
Currently chatting to these guys about this car: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12925354
Pricing seems a little off as it's only slightly cheaper than the 20th editions that are two years younger?
Any input more than welcome! Also if you're thinking of selling then please feel free to pm me!
MrChips
Just my opinion, but if you have an Exige 410 you might be a little disappointed by a Spyder. I had a deposit on a new Boxster 4.0 but pulled out when I was offered a very well specced 350 Sport. It’s a much more exciting and involving drive than the 4.0. Potential new owner here and wanted to pop in for some general advice. I'm considering jumping into an Exige or Elise as a stop gap before my 718 Spyder arrives (if it even does!). Currently searching around the market and i'm finding a few Exige's I like but i'm wondering whether the Elise would give almost all of the same driving thrill but for a lower cost? Obviously it'll miss the V6 sound but has anyone on here owned both and if so how would you say they compare?
Specifically looking at the Exige:
Budget is £65-75k so looking at cars currently advertised appears to be between 2018-2020 model year, with some at the top end of the price range being the 20th Editions. Are those worth the premium at the moment? All i can find for certain is that they had some specific colours, forged wheels and carbon, but a lot of the normal 410s would have this specced anyway?
Are there any options that are considered must haves?
Currently chatting to these guys about this car: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12925354
Pricing seems a little off as it's only slightly cheaper than the 20th editions that are two years younger?
Any input more than welcome! Also if you're thinking of selling then please feel free to pm me!
MrChips
Edited by MrChips on Wednesday 23 February 23:51
Pretty big difference between the 410 and any Elise. I’d go Exige if you can.
I can give a little bit of perspective on this.
I bought an Exige 410 last year. I wanted something that would be my weekend toy and to do track days with. My only real considerations were between an Elise Cup and the Exige, as I wanted something with low consumable costs.
I'd previously owned a 220 Bhp Elise, so whilst not a Cup car, I have got a rough reference point to compare the Elise and Exige.
Both are great cars, both very involving. But the Exige 410 really does feel like a baby supercar in my opinion. The speed, drama, noise and sense of occasion is much more apparent in the Exige over the Elise.
The Elise may be a better option if you're planning on using it as a 'B' road weapon, due to the smaller size and being a bit lighter and more nimble.
The 20th Anniversary cars are very nice, although the 'main' bits are the same as a normal 410, depending on how it was specified. The 20th cars have some different exterior and interior touches. Being limited editions they may hold their money better, or be more desirable in the future.
My previous car history before the Exige was: Porsche Cayman S, Audi R8 V8, Porsche 991 Carrera 4S. They were all great cars, but none of them made me feel quite like the Exige does.
I bought an Exige 410 last year. I wanted something that would be my weekend toy and to do track days with. My only real considerations were between an Elise Cup and the Exige, as I wanted something with low consumable costs.
I'd previously owned a 220 Bhp Elise, so whilst not a Cup car, I have got a rough reference point to compare the Elise and Exige.
Both are great cars, both very involving. But the Exige 410 really does feel like a baby supercar in my opinion. The speed, drama, noise and sense of occasion is much more apparent in the Exige over the Elise.
The Elise may be a better option if you're planning on using it as a 'B' road weapon, due to the smaller size and being a bit lighter and more nimble.
The 20th Anniversary cars are very nice, although the 'main' bits are the same as a normal 410, depending on how it was specified. The 20th cars have some different exterior and interior touches. Being limited editions they may hold their money better, or be more desirable in the future.
My previous car history before the Exige was: Porsche Cayman S, Audi R8 V8, Porsche 991 Carrera 4S. They were all great cars, but none of them made me feel quite like the Exige does.
I've got an Exige 410 20th Anniversary. When buying new it was a no-brainer as the price to spec a 'standard' 410 with 20th Ann options would have been higher. I came from a Gallardo to the 410 because I wanted the rawness and more lightweight feel, and less wallet-draining upkeep. It doesn't sound like a Lambo V10 but that V6 with the valves open is a stunning sound, even more so with the roof off.
Never owned an Elise but had a VX220T, got a Noble M12 - the 410 is faster than both, more immediate and doesn't feel heavier or bigger. Steering at low speeds is heavy, esp compared to the power-assisted Noble.
As said, the Exige feels like a supercar in many respects and its always an occasion. The Elise is a sports car, a bloody good one, but a sports car. In my dream garage I'd have a 250 Cup alongside the 410.
Never owned an Elise but had a VX220T, got a Noble M12 - the 410 is faster than both, more immediate and doesn't feel heavier or bigger. Steering at low speeds is heavy, esp compared to the power-assisted Noble.
As said, the Exige feels like a supercar in many respects and its always an occasion. The Elise is a sports car, a bloody good one, but a sports car. In my dream garage I'd have a 250 Cup alongside the 410.
The price does seem a bit toppy!
I have owned 2 Elise , the last was a 220bhp 2010 model.
Great cars however a 410 is in a performance league 2 or 3 above.
I have owned a V6’s, a 380 and now a Cup430 and each incarnation has been an improvement and Elise I imagine is no different
An Exige though in 410/420/430 is a potential Supercar killer. They are solidly built, far more substantial than an Elise and the performance is top notch.
For road use I do concede that a Cayman will be better and as a daily but for Track use the Exige will excel
I have owned 2 Elise , the last was a 220bhp 2010 model.
Great cars however a 410 is in a performance league 2 or 3 above.
I have owned a V6’s, a 380 and now a Cup430 and each incarnation has been an improvement and Elise I imagine is no different
An Exige though in 410/420/430 is a potential Supercar killer. They are solidly built, far more substantial than an Elise and the performance is top notch.
For road use I do concede that a Cayman will be better and as a daily but for Track use the Exige will excel
Thanks for the replies!
My previous toy was a 4.3 Tuscan which drove more like a GT car when compared to the Exige so I think I’m comfortable with the more raw/focussed aspect to it. Absolutely agree that if the 718 Spyder does come my way then it’ll feel much more road biased but hey, change is good right?
I do think that Orange one is too much for the mileage and year. Been now looking at this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104302...
I like the Motorsport green but am I right in that this doesn’t have the carbon seats? If so seems a bit weird spec? Is there anything really missing from the spec that’s a must have? Sound deadening etc?
Also just to check, what’s the warranty period? This one’s a 21 plate so I’d assume we’ll within lotus warranty which is making the Orange one at 75k seem a little expensive.
My previous toy was a 4.3 Tuscan which drove more like a GT car when compared to the Exige so I think I’m comfortable with the more raw/focussed aspect to it. Absolutely agree that if the 718 Spyder does come my way then it’ll feel much more road biased but hey, change is good right?
I do think that Orange one is too much for the mileage and year. Been now looking at this one:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104302...
I like the Motorsport green but am I right in that this doesn’t have the carbon seats? If so seems a bit weird spec? Is there anything really missing from the spec that’s a must have? Sound deadening etc?
Also just to check, what’s the warranty period? This one’s a 21 plate so I’d assume we’ll within lotus warranty which is making the Orange one at 75k seem a little expensive.
I’m going to go see the black one at Bell and Colvill tomorrow.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12767066
It’s under warranty till Oct23 and has the 3yr service pack. Only downside I can see is the interior look pretty dull without contrast stitching and I’m not yet sure if I like an all black car. Feels like it needs some accents to perk it up a bit.
Any thoughts on potential costs for doing some reupholstering inside and adding some pinstripes on the front bonnet, and bumper?
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12767066
It’s under warranty till Oct23 and has the 3yr service pack. Only downside I can see is the interior look pretty dull without contrast stitching and I’m not yet sure if I like an all black car. Feels like it needs some accents to perk it up a bit.
Any thoughts on potential costs for doing some reupholstering inside and adding some pinstripes on the front bonnet, and bumper?
A 410 is my ultimate goal for my next car, just double the price of my Elise which is a rare one itself.
I always like the 20th Anniversary Editions and personally I think the orange looks amazing. It's a crazy car, should be a crazy colour.
Black is cool, but will never be clean and such a shame about the stitching. My Elise Sprint has orange stitching which makes a big difference. White or silver stitching with cat scratches outside would look excellent.
I always like the 20th Anniversary Editions and personally I think the orange looks amazing. It's a crazy car, should be a crazy colour.
Black is cool, but will never be clean and such a shame about the stitching. My Elise Sprint has orange stitching which makes a big difference. White or silver stitching with cat scratches outside would look excellent.
Anniversary cars are a great spec. The 410's overall are a fantastic car.
I'm in a lowly 350 and love it. Did try a 410 whilst mine was in for service once and whilst it was nicer, I was thinking I wouldn't pay an extra £20k over my 2yr old 350.
Only when I checked the actual price I realised it was closer to £40K over what I paid for mine!
Real drivers cars and fab if you can afford it but I'm budget limited and simply couldn't get my head around the price difference.
Is rarely good value to mod unless it's a keeper. There are a few Komotec cars that come up for sale and are great value if you're power hungry.
I'm in a lowly 350 and love it. Did try a 410 whilst mine was in for service once and whilst it was nicer, I was thinking I wouldn't pay an extra £20k over my 2yr old 350.
Only when I checked the actual price I realised it was closer to £40K over what I paid for mine!
Real drivers cars and fab if you can afford it but I'm budget limited and simply couldn't get my head around the price difference.
Is rarely good value to mod unless it's a keeper. There are a few Komotec cars that come up for sale and are great value if you're power hungry.
Edited by Rick101 on Saturday 26th February 15:14
Interesting morning, the black car is pretty immaculate although needs a good machine polishing. The interior is really let down by the plain stitching, and I can’t help thinking I’d prefer the wheels in silver or shadow chrome just to lift it a little. To make it how I’d like I think would be a couple of £k, and the dealer isn’t up for budging on price.
They had their burnt orange demo car there so useful to see them side by side. I’ve potentially been offered an 18 plate 410, 12k miles in burnt Orange for £64-65k. Currently the black car doesn’t feel good value despite the 21month warranty?
They had their burnt orange demo car there so useful to see them side by side. I’ve potentially been offered an 18 plate 410, 12k miles in burnt Orange for £64-65k. Currently the black car doesn’t feel good value despite the 21month warranty?
Edited by MrChips on Saturday 26th February 17:44
I have an orange 20th anniversary (picture on my profile) I have had a vx220t and Elise 111R in the past. Previous car to my Exige was a 981 GT4 that I didn’t really like found it a bit numb and boring. The Exige blows it completely out of the water.
I just echo all the previous comments really. I absolutely love my Exige mini supercar looks, sounds ace amazing performance and feedback. But because of the lightweight reasonable running costs.
I did think about getting one of the last elises’s probably a better car for my uses/ road driving. But I wanted something different and I have always wanted an orange Exige since I first saw the S1.
I just echo all the previous comments really. I absolutely love my Exige mini supercar looks, sounds ace amazing performance and feedback. But because of the lightweight reasonable running costs.
I did think about getting one of the last elises’s probably a better car for my uses/ road driving. But I wanted something different and I have always wanted an orange Exige since I first saw the S1.
MrChips said:
Interesting morning, the black car is pretty immaculate although needs a good machine polishing. The interior is really let down by the plain stitching, and I can’t help thinking I’d prefer the wheels in silver or shadow chrome just to lift it a little. To make it how I’d like I think would be a couple of £k, and the dealer isn’t up for budging on price.
They had their burnt orange demo car there so useful to see them side by side. I’ve potentially been offered an 18 plate 410, 12k miles in burnt Orange for £64-65k. Currently the black car doesn’t feel good value despite the 21month warranty?
That black one looks mean/cool :-) looks like 500hp in the picture alone :-) They had their burnt orange demo car there so useful to see them side by side. I’ve potentially been offered an 18 plate 410, 12k miles in burnt Orange for £64-65k. Currently the black car doesn’t feel good value despite the 21month warranty?
Edited by MrChips on Saturday 26th February 17:44
Laser blue 20th FTW. Personal opinion of course. I agree the black on black 20th needs something to lift it a bit. Worth holding out for a 20th over a standard 410 with the options. The coloured interior sold it for me over a 420 final edition. I owned a 20th elise and the Exige steps up in all areas. Good luck with the search
chunkv6 said:
Laser blue 20th FTW. Personal opinion of course. I agree the black on black 20th needs something to lift it a bit. Worth holding out for a 20th over a standard 410 with the options. The coloured interior sold it for me over a 420 final edition. I owned a 20th elise and the Exige steps up in all areas. Good luck with the search
I saw this Sky Blue one up at Silverstone earlier this week but your pic has made me think I really should wait to get a decent metallic colour (assuming this private sale orange one doesn't come through)!
MrChips said:
I saw this Sky Blue one up at Silverstone earlier this week but your pic has made me think I really should wait to get a decent metallic colour (assuming this private sale orange one doesn't come through)!
It’s a nice dilemma to have isn’t it! I agree that metallic does help, the laser really pops in the sunlight as well. For me it was the only choice but I agree the chrome orange is nice as well. My COP says there were only 26 410 20ths made so worth holding out?
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