Lotus Exige 350 CUP 2014
Discussion
Hey all. Back on the forums after many many years!
So - I have decided to sell my F-type Jaguar, as I fancy something a bit more raw and engaging to drive
I have been to see this 350 CUP Exige today and the car is mint. https://hiltonandmoss.com/stock/details/2014-lotus...
Would welcome thoughts on price and the car in general - I am bit surprised at the price given the car is 2014 model, do you think this matters much as it looks really well looked after? For the same price, and looking at Pistonheads currently, there are comparably priced Exige sports aged 2017 - 2019 for a similar price! But the CUP looks amazing especially in the green and I understand the CUP models have a certain pedigree.
Do any of you own Exige's but don't have a garage? I don't, so should I be worried about winter weather? I am not a fan of car covers for the obvious reasons.
I am also trying to work out how many of this model were made (the car above is number 050). I am struggling to find the answer on the internet but I would like to know as I imagine production numbers affect deprecation. It's also quite a rare colour; due to its age do you think it has come to the end of its depreciation curve?
Lotus drivers guide link below does not offer much info, any help and thoughts appreciated. Thanks very much in advance and taking the time to reply.
https://www.lotusdriversguide.com/Genealogy/Exige....
So - I have decided to sell my F-type Jaguar, as I fancy something a bit more raw and engaging to drive
I have been to see this 350 CUP Exige today and the car is mint. https://hiltonandmoss.com/stock/details/2014-lotus...
Would welcome thoughts on price and the car in general - I am bit surprised at the price given the car is 2014 model, do you think this matters much as it looks really well looked after? For the same price, and looking at Pistonheads currently, there are comparably priced Exige sports aged 2017 - 2019 for a similar price! But the CUP looks amazing especially in the green and I understand the CUP models have a certain pedigree.
Do any of you own Exige's but don't have a garage? I don't, so should I be worried about winter weather? I am not a fan of car covers for the obvious reasons.
I am also trying to work out how many of this model were made (the car above is number 050). I am struggling to find the answer on the internet but I would like to know as I imagine production numbers affect deprecation. It's also quite a rare colour; due to its age do you think it has come to the end of its depreciation curve?
Lotus drivers guide link below does not offer much info, any help and thoughts appreciated. Thanks very much in advance and taking the time to reply.
https://www.lotusdriversguide.com/Genealogy/Exige....
Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:29
Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:39
Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:40
Edited by paul jarrett on Thursday 11th May 14:42
Thelotusforums maintain a register of V6 cups if I recall correctly. I saw that car when it was first advertised. It looks mega, get it bought.
The price is admittedly, a little high - I think Jon Seal has another V6 Cup listed at c47k ish, but his has done more miles and isn't isotope green. The cups will always be special, those are the last cars built by Lotus Motorsport and you'll always find another buyer for it. (If you do buy it and want to move it on in a couple of years, I'd probably be pretty interested as I would have had my current S2 cup for 3 years of so by then!)
The Sport 350s are not the same car - you will get the later gear change on the 17 - 19 cars but they don't have the rest of the motorsport spec - I think the cup cars have ohlin dampers for example - and there will be lots of little hidden detail changes under the skin that will be properly nerdy.
My biggest concern is that you say you don't have a garage. I'm on my 4th lotus now, third exige, and I've garaged every one. I wouldn't want to keep one outside over the winter, even in the milder south UK. There are plenty of stories of bubbles in the paint when cars are left outside.
The price is admittedly, a little high - I think Jon Seal has another V6 Cup listed at c47k ish, but his has done more miles and isn't isotope green. The cups will always be special, those are the last cars built by Lotus Motorsport and you'll always find another buyer for it. (If you do buy it and want to move it on in a couple of years, I'd probably be pretty interested as I would have had my current S2 cup for 3 years of so by then!)
The Sport 350s are not the same car - you will get the later gear change on the 17 - 19 cars but they don't have the rest of the motorsport spec - I think the cup cars have ohlin dampers for example - and there will be lots of little hidden detail changes under the skin that will be properly nerdy.
My biggest concern is that you say you don't have a garage. I'm on my 4th lotus now, third exige, and I've garaged every one. I wouldn't want to keep one outside over the winter, even in the milder south UK. There are plenty of stories of bubbles in the paint when cars are left outside.
Thanks for that. Very useful info. Planning to have a second viewing next week. Accept the concerns about lack of garage - would welcome other owners views of this as the car is obviously a lot of money. Have considered an outdoor cover but there are concerns about sweating / no air flow etc - but I could consider renting a storage place near me for the winter months I guess. Dont want the fact that I dont have a garage to prevent me purchasing the car.
I have an Exige and a TVR, but no proper garage facilities since we moved house around thirteen years ago.
Both cars are covered under purpose-built constructions to keep the weather off (one a ridged, slated affair and the other a glorified pergola with flat polycarbonate sheet layer sandwich) plus some strategic side hedging. I know that sounds like it could look a tad grim, but they are both tasteful affairs and provide decent protection from the elements.. One is now fully covered in a rambling rose so you can't even see the roof. Any chance you could do something like that?
It's actually good to have the air circulating around to stop condensation-related issues that can happen in a garage, even with dehumidifier if there is not good air circulation.
The one thing I would not do is use a car cover as that is asking for paint problems and a cause of anxiety every time you want to use the car. I'm sure you will find some way round it - don't let it stop you from getting your dream car. We aren't around forever, so just go for it
Both cars are covered under purpose-built constructions to keep the weather off (one a ridged, slated affair and the other a glorified pergola with flat polycarbonate sheet layer sandwich) plus some strategic side hedging. I know that sounds like it could look a tad grim, but they are both tasteful affairs and provide decent protection from the elements.. One is now fully covered in a rambling rose so you can't even see the roof. Any chance you could do something like that?
It's actually good to have the air circulating around to stop condensation-related issues that can happen in a garage, even with dehumidifier if there is not good air circulation.
The one thing I would not do is use a car cover as that is asking for paint problems and a cause of anxiety every time you want to use the car. I'm sure you will find some way round it - don't let it stop you from getting your dream car. We aren't around forever, so just go for it
One owner, Isotope Green, low milage. OP might have to wait a long time for another if that is close to his utopia. Just sayin, like.
I had to organise some tempory accommodation for my TVR when moving, but usually if there is a will there is a way.
Meanwhile, OP has now bought a new house with garage and a new Lotus to go with it. Some explaining to the boss will now have to follow...
I had to organise some tempory accommodation for my TVR when moving, but usually if there is a will there is a way.
Meanwhile, OP has now bought a new house with garage and a new Lotus to go with it. Some explaining to the boss will now have to follow...
Buy it, they are incredible cars. As for leaving it outside, I had the same dilema before buying my 410. The general opinion is it's fine on the newer cars as very few, if any, suffered from paint blisters as long as they are left uncovered. I also know of many that are left out all year round.
Stunning car I was looking at this the other day. If this was for sale when I was looking I’d of definitely had it. Cups and lotus motorsport are just that little bit more special imo.
With regards to keeping a car outside I kept a vx220 outside 15 years ago and it was fine. Granted I didn’t have it long though!
With regards to keeping a car outside I kept a vx220 outside 15 years ago and it was fine. Granted I didn’t have it long though!
I know that some cars have suffered with paint blistering, but I believe that was more due to moisture in the fibreglass when painted and can affect even garaged cars.
I'm of the opinion that although it's a very nice one, it's still just a car and it's designed to be used and to live outside. There's no way not having a garage would stop me from buying a car I wanted (unless it was one without a roof).
I had a 2008 Elise SC which lived outside and had no issues at all.
I've now got an Exige 410, and that lives outside too. I also don't like the idea of outdoor car covers, and think they are more likely to cause issues than prevent them.
'Chilly' picture for dramatic effect...
I'm of the opinion that although it's a very nice one, it's still just a car and it's designed to be used and to live outside. There's no way not having a garage would stop me from buying a car I wanted (unless it was one without a roof).
I had a 2008 Elise SC which lived outside and had no issues at all.
I've now got an Exige 410, and that lives outside too. I also don't like the idea of outdoor car covers, and think they are more likely to cause issues than prevent them.
'Chilly' picture for dramatic effect...
Paul, that pic will give many folk the chills and who will be dramatically affected 
I think as you get older, you do start to realise that cars are as you say, just cars and that they are there to be enjoyed. My Sag still doesn't go out in the rain (I know, I know, what a hypoclit sp?, and initially when I wasn't allowed a garage, I questioned how I could cope with that, but I did and made something that works fine and the car has not suffered at all.
The Exige is enjoyed sun and rain and I am forced to use it, as due to space, I promised that if I got it I would have to use it as I no longer have any sensible cars to use instead. I'll be putting the soft top on soon and look forward to getting the roof off and enjoying it even more in the better weather.
OP, this is what I made for it to provide some protection if it helps (it did sit out for 12 months with no issues before I managed my errection):
Do report back on whether you succomb to the Isotope itch...
I think as you get older, you do start to realise that cars are as you say, just cars and that they are there to be enjoyed. My Sag still doesn't go out in the rain (I know, I know, what a hypoclit sp?
, and initially when I wasn't allowed a garage, I questioned how I could cope with that, but I did and made something that works fine and the car has not suffered at all.The Exige is enjoyed sun and rain and I am forced to use it, as due to space, I promised that if I got it I would have to use it as I no longer have any sensible cars to use instead. I'll be putting the soft top on soon and look forward to getting the roof off and enjoying it even more in the better weather.
OP, this is what I made for it to provide some protection if it helps (it did sit out for 12 months with no issues before I managed my errection):
Do report back on whether you succomb to the Isotope itch...
Paul_M3 said:
I know that some cars have suffered with paint blistering, but I believe that was more due to moisture in the fibreglass when painted and can affect even garaged cars.
I'm of the opinion that although it's a very nice one, it's still just a car and it's designed to be used and to live outside. There's no way not having a garage would stop me from buying a car I wanted (unless it was one without a roof).
I had a 2008 Elise SC which lived outside and had no issues at all.
I've now got an Exige 410, and that lives outside too. I also don't like the idea of outdoor car covers, and think they are more likely to cause issues than prevent them.
'Chilly' picture for dramatic effect...
That's really useful thanks! I have been toying with the idea of putting it into winter storage over the winter, but really struggling to get insurance quotes as the insurers seem really itchy about it being in a different location. I'm of the opinion that although it's a very nice one, it's still just a car and it's designed to be used and to live outside. There's no way not having a garage would stop me from buying a car I wanted (unless it was one without a roof).
I had a 2008 Elise SC which lived outside and had no issues at all.
I've now got an Exige 410, and that lives outside too. I also don't like the idea of outdoor car covers, and think they are more likely to cause issues than prevent them.
'Chilly' picture for dramatic effect...
It is such a beautiful car (and a lot of money too), just worried that it would come to harm during the harsh winter months. I am not able to build a car port etc due to the nature of my listed property and business so it would be out in the the snow and rain - but it seems that some people have confidence about leaving an Exige out without a garage.
Or......just car cover when a frost is due??
Mine lives outside year round (and most of the time used) and it hasn’t melted yet. The outside car cover it came with (bought car used) did damage the paint first winter so chucked it. Bought the car to have fun, not worry myself about keeping it pristine for the next owner - they are phenomenal machines. First owner never ppf’d it so will need stone chip rectification at some point anyhow if some blisters do appear.
gashead1105 said:
Why does it not have the driver's side 3 point seat belt? Personally I'd want that replaced before I bought it.
The dealer removes them when they fit the harnesses. I put my 3 point back in so I had both but it needs longer bolts and extra spacers as they use the same mounts on the seat, so not ideal but better than harnesses on the road. 
That's a cracking car. My advice would be to go for it.
As for keeping the car outside it's a British car so will have been built in mind for the usual wet and cold months. Not to buy a car cos you don't have a garage would carry far more regret than never buying it, loving the ownership and discovering the car is just fine sitting in a little rain and frost. You only live once, so put down a deposit before someone beats you to it!!
As for keeping the car outside it's a British car so will have been built in mind for the usual wet and cold months. Not to buy a car cos you don't have a garage would carry far more regret than never buying it, loving the ownership and discovering the car is just fine sitting in a little rain and frost. You only live once, so put down a deposit before someone beats you to it!!
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