How useable is a 340r?
Discussion
Okay, so I'm looking for a trackday and weekend car. Has to have some presence on the drive/road, hold good value and go well.
The 340r ticks all the right boxes except the nagging english weather box. Could I really use this car all year round? Or would an elise be a better option.
Your opinions are most appreciated.
The 340r ticks all the right boxes except the nagging english weather box. Could I really use this car all year round? Or would an elise be a better option.
Your opinions are most appreciated.
I'm sure there are others here better qualified to answer this, but I lived with a 340R for a couple of weeks. It was quite an experience – it was a great drive and could hardly have attracted more attention. However, you must remember that it has no roof whatsoever! Perhaps no bad thing considering the tires required concentration in the wet so you may be more inclined to stay out of trouble. But then again it was a worry leaving it in town, esp as the cover could be easily unclipped.
My farewell to the car was on a motorway in Antwerp when it just died, leaving us to coast to a halt from 100mph in the fast lane.
However, fond memories remain. Just bear in mind the repair costs of that gorgeous body...
Perhaps an Exige would be a little more 'sensible'.
My farewell to the car was on a motorway in Antwerp when it just died, leaving us to coast to a halt from 100mph in the fast lane.
However, fond memories remain. Just bear in mind the repair costs of that gorgeous body...
Perhaps an Exige would be a little more 'sensible'.
My 2p's worth. The Exige looks and does the business as a closed top track day car, and I admit I've never *actually* tried one but...
i) Roof doesn't come off, although that can be fixed I think by spending £3K at Thielert?
ii) No luggage space, limits use as weekender. Actually I don't even know where you'd put 2 helmets...anyone?
iii) In standard trim doesn't seem to be any faster on track than an Elise (on the new Yokos) unless absolutely caned to the red line all the time, and even then it's debatable. The engines make more power, but very little more useable torque.
Try www.exiges.com for some more informed/favourable owners comments?
AdrianR
p.s. I've got an elise for road/trackday/weekends and am happy with it, will be even happier when I can replace the hood with a stowable T-top.
i) Roof doesn't come off, although that can be fixed I think by spending £3K at Thielert?
ii) No luggage space, limits use as weekender. Actually I don't even know where you'd put 2 helmets...anyone?
iii) In standard trim doesn't seem to be any faster on track than an Elise (on the new Yokos) unless absolutely caned to the red line all the time, and even then it's debatable. The engines make more power, but very little more useable torque.
Try www.exiges.com for some more informed/favourable owners comments?
AdrianR
p.s. I've got an elise for road/trackday/weekends and am happy with it, will be even happier when I can replace the hood with a stowable T-top.
Thanks for the comments.
All those points are true and valid.
I suppose the Exige is more exclusive and should hold it's value better. Not that the elise doesn't.
I think most Exiges have had the 190 upgrade by now for the very reason that they were only marginally quicker. I would make sure I got one of those.
As for the sunny roof, it is something to think about, that is for sure.
All those points are true and valid.
I suppose the Exige is more exclusive and should hold it's value better. Not that the elise doesn't.
I think most Exiges have had the 190 upgrade by now for the very reason that they were only marginally quicker. I would make sure I got one of those.
As for the sunny roof, it is something to think about, that is for sure.
Mark
I tried all Elise variants before buying an Exige. Wanted a car suitable for trackdays but also everyday use when req'd.
340r was top of my list but when tested one found it a little disappointing - impractical for everyday use, also horror stories of scarcity of parts and repair/maintenance costs put me off. If for trackdays only maybe.
S1 Sports 160 - nicely balanced car but v lumpy in traffic, superb on the open road - I reckon this is best Elise ragtop produced yet.
S2 111S - Tested one over the Derbyshire twisties - brilliant but preferred handling of S1
Exige - took one out on test - total mind blowing experience - knew that this was the one. Never regretted decision in last 9 months of ownership (put on 11k total troublefree miles), tracked it. Only downside is cost of tyres and frequency of replacement and no top off - but hey, enjoyment of this sort comes at a price!! Look at a few - private are £2.5k cheaper than dealers
Good look with your search - test 'em all - Exige is NOT for everyone.. This lil' monster will be in my ownership for some time to come.
I tried all Elise variants before buying an Exige. Wanted a car suitable for trackdays but also everyday use when req'd.
340r was top of my list but when tested one found it a little disappointing - impractical for everyday use, also horror stories of scarcity of parts and repair/maintenance costs put me off. If for trackdays only maybe.
S1 Sports 160 - nicely balanced car but v lumpy in traffic, superb on the open road - I reckon this is best Elise ragtop produced yet.
S2 111S - Tested one over the Derbyshire twisties - brilliant but preferred handling of S1
Exige - took one out on test - total mind blowing experience - knew that this was the one. Never regretted decision in last 9 months of ownership (put on 11k total troublefree miles), tracked it. Only downside is cost of tyres and frequency of replacement and no top off - but hey, enjoyment of this sort comes at a price!! Look at a few - private are £2.5k cheaper than dealers
Good look with your search - test 'em all - Exige is NOT for everyone.. This lil' monster will be in my ownership for some time to come.
Wow, I think that this has been the first time I have placed a message on a forum (first time here) and received totally useful comments.
Thanks guys.
Quick lunchtime search on autotrader has thrown up 14 for sale.
Looking forward to a nice weekend testing, will let you know how it goes.
Cheers again.
Thanks guys.
Quick lunchtime search on autotrader has thrown up 14 for sale.
Looking forward to a nice weekend testing, will let you know how it goes.
Cheers again.
has anyone thought of getting their s1 "190ied"?? if they can take the s2 and do it for about 10k, then wouldn't spending 25k or so for an ultimate sleeper s1 be worth a look??? is there any major drawbacks here i am unaware of??
clanger, i must admit i have my heart set on a 340r, maybe you could tell me why you were unimpressed? was it the parts/reliability or more just not as fast/fluid as expected??
clanger, i must admit i have my heart set on a 340r, maybe you could tell me why you were unimpressed? was it the parts/reliability or more just not as fast/fluid as expected??
how "useable" is a 340R? Depends what you want it for.
If you like to hack about with a HUGE smile on your face in a strange little car that looks like an alien roller skate, goes like lightning and causes everyone you pass to ask "what the hell is that"?!!! then it fits the bill perfectly....
it's not so good, however, at grating cheese....
If you like to hack about with a HUGE smile on your face in a strange little car that looks like an alien roller skate, goes like lightning and causes everyone you pass to ask "what the hell is that"?!!! then it fits the bill perfectly....
it's not so good, however, at grating cheese....
No - the body doesent have to come each service...and the reason why Harry Meaden got such a large bill was because he took it to a rip off main dealer with £90 an hour labour rates.
Sinclaires have repaired numerous 340Rs in a worse state than that for 1/2 the price....and done a better job
Sinclaires have repaired numerous 340Rs in a worse state than that for 1/2 the price....and done a better job
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