TO EXIGE, OR NOT TO EXIGE - that is the question..

[trackdemon]

I've been thinking of my next car for a little while now, and have given thoughts to a
Cerbera (I drive a Chimaera at the moment) but am a little uneasy about running
costs / reliability, an Esprit but was a little underwhelmed when I drove one (a V8 as
well) as well as concerned about running costs etc. Then I tried an Exige on track.
Bloody hell! Fantastic - talk about a go-kart for the road! I wasn't able to push it in
the 3 laps I drove one for, but I'd love to spend more time with one! So my
questions are:

Reliability - what issue's have you had? I've heard a few stories of the 190bhp K
going pop as its so highly tuned, is this true or the usual exaggerated stories you
hear?

Useability - I'm thinking of one primarily as a fun car (trackdays / weekend blasts),
but will be looking at doing occasional distance stuff - is it manageable over a 300
mile round journey or will I get out hating it?

Running costs - In all honesty the idea of a car that returns decent economy, and
doesn't cost a £1000+ every 6k appeals. How much are decent tyres, and how long
do they last (how many miles / trackdays)? Same question regarding brakes? Any
opinions regarding residuals.. they look pretty strong to me, if I spend say £22k now
would I reasonably expect £18-20k in a years time given another 6-8k miles on the
clock?

Any comments about general running of these cars would be greatly appreciated, as
well as good sources and recommendations for servicing etc (I'm in Docklands,
London)

Thanks for your comments....
Steve

[speedfreak]

hi head on down to www.exiges.com its where most of the exigers hang out and would only to be happy to answer all your questions. good luck

[clanger]

TD - have had my Exige for 6 months - absolutely superb.. bought it 4 track use but uise it for daily travel whenever I can. Done 5k since bought - no probs to date. Drive to work includes 20 min motorway blast, 15 min in traffic jam.

Buying tips:
Spec v important - 192 upgrade, sports zorst, harnesses, etc
Service history
Track use
Mileage
Colour
Same car - price diff can be £8k

Downside - no soft top

Buy a good un and you'll have a smile wider than a Cheshire Cat - best car I have ever owned (which includes 2 Ferraris and 13 Loti) - recommended

[DanH]

Exige residuals are remarkably solid. They may get a severe slapping if the rumoured v6 S2 Exige come to light.

[stevefield]

Hi,
Used to own a Cerb, frankly got frightened because of all the talk of 6-8k engine rebuilds.It was an awsome car with staggering performance,problem is with every little squeek or rattle your wallet contracts.Now I drive an Exige and while the straight line performance isn't so quick the handling and looks are more than a compensation.Although many will disagree the comparative running costs are greatly cheaper with the Lotus and also the residuals are generally stronger.

Cheers

Steve