what next?

[dragstar]

just bought "car" with the super-car supplement and it got me thinking of my next car (in a couple of years).

is anybody thinking of changing cars and if so what to and why?
mine would have to be either an exige or 911...not quite sure (dont get me wrong REALLY enjoying my car).

is anybody after an unusual change? is anybody fiercely brand loyal?

[clanger]

dragster - yep totally brand loyal - to point of obsession - owned 13 Lotus to date - am presently 'negotiating' for the 14th

[Gfun]

Possibly a Westfield Seight - as it would not tie up so much cash and I could afford something better than the 13yr old fiesta I use when visiting clients in rough areas!

If it was 911 it would have to be a classic or they are just not right - too much Z3 factor.

Its a real problem - also musing on a old S1 elise - a £10k special

>> Edited by Gfun on Wednesday 20th August 00:19

[CVP]

Ok so I've only had the Liz 4 months, but it's lurve so thinking about a replacement seems a little disloyal. However thoughts are towards;
1. Second hand early Noble M12, probably a 2.5
2. Late Porsche 911 (993 if poss), or 964 RS
3. Honda VTEC conversion & suspension rebuild etc on the Elise and then keep for another few years. Maybe a respray from Cobalt blue to a deep metallic burgundy, or possibly TVR Tpoaz Blue.

I have fallen deeply in love with the Exige but I fear it is too raw for daily use for me and just as importantly Mrs CVP. Maybe the Noble is the best compromise. Let's hope early ones are £20k ish in another 2-3 years.

Chris

[DanH]

I wonder if nobles will ever hit 20k. If so I'll be there like a shot as long as I can get a warranty. They are great cars, but are still being developed...

Wouldn't get one without the baffled sump either.

[CVP]

Agree, realistically they may get to £25k. Even then it seems a performance bargain.

I see what you say about them still being developed but you only have to look at the support the factory gives and how interested they are in keeping owners happy that I don't see this being a problem.

Baffled sump - oh yes. Afterall it would be rude not to give it a serious hoon on the track wouldn't it

Chris

[DanH]

Yep lots of factory support, but warranties are expiring now. I'm watching

(my mate has one, but a couple of months warranty left)

[dragstar]

nobody tempted by the new raging bull? opinions differ on its looks etc, but i think its perfect (to look at)

interesting to see nobody is interested in the esprit. generally with motors I'VE found people work their way up a manufacturers roster.

[Nightmare]

I think a second hand, post T reg esprit is a great buy....especially the GT3. Absolutely piss on the 'lise, and about the same price. Fuel consumption aint great though.

yeah - new bull on my shoping list

[CVP]

dragstar said:

nobody tempted by the new raging bull? opinions differ on its looks etc, but i think its perfect (to look at) interesting to see nobody is interested in the esprit. generally with motors I'VE found people work their way up a manufacturers roster.

Very tempting, but for most it's not really an option is it? If I had the cash it would be top of my list at the moment, closely followed by the £95k Porsche 959. I've always loved those. But the maintenance on such a specialist machine could be a killer.

Esprit - I'd love one but in another 3 years how easy will it be to source a good one? If I could find a late one or a GT3 that's been treasured then I could be very tempted.

Having said all this it's only Wednesday so I'll have different set of choices in the morning like say that mint Alfa SZ I saw a couple of weeks ago, or an R34 Skyline GTR, or a well looked after Integrale EVO II, or the last of the 911 Turbo 2's. It's a never ending feast.

Chris

[DanH]

Esprits are useless on the track Brakes are just not up to it. I was regularly overtaking the esprit on the track on my first track day!

Of course on the road where brake cooling isn't an issue its a different story.

If I had the money I guess the new Lambo would be nice, but I don't so its very irrelevant! Also I don't like the looks that much compared to the Murc. (although its still a pretty car etc etc).

If money was no object I'd take a zonda (just love the cabin!), although the doors on the koenigsegg are amazing.

Ah well, back to reality.

[malbon]

TVR and Noble are the obvious upgrade route for the Elise.

Think Different....Honda NSX


Whilst I save up for the Noble 3R !

[jleroux]

Chris,

Come and drive the BLiNK Honda-Powered Elise at any BaT track day. It will help you make your mind up, guaranteed :-)

J5
BaT/BLiNK

[CVP]

jleroux said:

Chris, Come and drive the BLiNK Honda-Powered Elise at any BaT track day. It will help you make your mind up, guaranteed :-) J5 BaT/BLiNK

I'll definitely take you up on this one. Probably next spring (if work ever calms down). VTEC in Elise chassis, could be heaven.

Chris

[onedsla]

I'm keeping an eye on the Esprit Sport 350 market - seen one in metalic black (think it was owned by MD of Lotus) for about £40k but I believe it's had a prang on the track which puts me off a little. Interesting history though.