2007 Model Year dashboard-added value or not

[simpo555]

Does anyone have any strong arguments for or against the later dashboard with airbags/push button start as opposed to the slightly earlier suede dash. In addition does anyone know about the 2006 R (blue with white stripes) being sold by Paul Matty or any comments, favourable or otherwise on the integrity and quality of cars supplied. While I'm not a security freak, with my 7yr old son I like the idea of a passenger airbag. Any comments appreciated. Should I also see mileage as an issue. Two cars I'm considering have 6K miles and 23K miles repectively with the former being around £1200 more expensive for same spec car

[Jon101]

Probably more a case of personal preference than anything else - most people will probably value the latest dash more other things being equal, but there will also be a number of people who don't want the airbags in a car like an Elise or Exige (I think the old dash remained available after 2007 for those who wanted it). Also if your child is only 7 you might want to check if an airbag is actually a good thing as they are often not recommended for children that young.

[nsm3]

With regards to the dash question - I always preferred the alcantara (old) version - less MX5 in my opinion?

With regards to Paul Matty Sportscars, based on my own experience of them, I think they are genuinely regarded as one of, if not the, top independants for Lotus in the country and probably a good deal better than some of the "official" outlets?

They did all the servicing and extra work on my Exige S for the 3 years I had it and I always found them pretty reasonable, never looking/pushing for additional work.

I sold my car to Paul within the last month and he sold it on within a week at a very modest mark up, so they are not big bucks rip-off merchants either. Also, I do like the honesty of his advert for another Exige, which starts off as "ex press release car".

[worldwidewebs]

I think the later dash came with the supertouring pack. Looks less kit-car IMHO

[cyberface]

The big difference is that with an airbag car, you can't easily switch to a snap-off steering wheel.

My first Exige had the 'old' dash and wheel and I quickly bunged on a snap-off boss and Sparco suede wheel - it was fantastic, felt lovely and gave me lots of added security, since the car is parked on the street.

My new Exige has an airbag wheel and it's basically the same wheel as in my old VX220 turbo - OK but the horn buttons are fecking idiotically placed (I've had to remove the horn fuse to prevent road-rage incidents when I hit the horn by accident going round roundabouts) and there's no security feature of removability.

When the warranty is up and if I can insure the car without its airbag working, I'm going to try to get the car retro-fitted with a snap-off again, but it's a LOT easier with a 2006 car (I did it myself!)...

[simpo555]

Interesting point

[The Bandit]

simpo555 said:

Does anyone have any strong arguments for or against the later dashboard with airbags/push button start as opposed to the slightly earlier suede dash. In addition does anyone know about the 2006 R (blue with white stripes) being sold by Paul Matty or any comments, favourable or otherwise on the integrity and quality of cars supplied. While I'm not a security freak, with my 7yr old son I like the idea of a passenger airbag. Any comments appreciated. Should I also see mileage as an issue. Two cars I'm considering have 6K miles and 23K miles repectively with the former being around £1200 more expensive for same spec car

Personal preference really.Have you looked at an 08 MY dash? You get airbags and black dash dials with hidden warning lights and the three gradual shift lights,with 07MY Super Touring dash you get white dials(as the one you're looking at,it all gets a bit confusing!).
As a rough guide:
07MY Touring or Sports,suede dash.
07MY Super Touring,airbag dash-white dials
08MY All change! Touring or Sports(No Super Touring/Sport option),airbag dash-black dials.
Clear? No,didnt think so!

Anyway,mileage would'nt bother me but the price will always reflect that(unless the lower mileage car is in a poorer condition).
Buy on condition and history

[simpo555]

nsm3 said:

With regards to the dash question - I always preferred the alcantara (old) version - less MX5 in my opinion?

With regards to Paul Matty Sportscars, based on my own experience of them, I think they are genuinely regarded as one of, if not the, top independants for Lotus in the country and probably a good deal better than some of the "official" outlets?

They did all the servicing and extra work on my Exige S for the 3 years I had it and I always found them pretty reasonable, never looking/pushing for additional work.

I sold my car to Paul within the last month and he sold it on within a week at a very modest mark up, so they are not big bucks rip-off merchants either. Also, I do like the honesty of his advert for another Exige, which starts off as "ex press release car".

Anyone else has comments on this dealer. I know hes been around a long time because he was doing Lotuses when I bought my Esprit but never had any dealings with him or known of anyone buying from him

[The Bandit]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2155706.htm

[simpo555]

The Bandit said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2155706.htm

Thanks-seen the add already. Awaiting replies

[simpo555]

Another question, is traction control an optional extra or part of original equipment. Some adverts mention it and some dont but I'm unclear as to whether its standard equipment or not. In addition, is it an advantage or disadvantage. Comments welcome

[The Bandit]

simpo555 said:

Another question, is traction control an optional extra or part of original equipment. Some adverts mention it and some dont but I'm unclear as to whether its standard equipment or not. In addition, is it an advantage or disadvantage. Comments welcome

Traction is standard with the Sports pack only and was a £300 odd option across the whole range from 06MY IIRC?
Its not stability control and basically only controls rear wheel slip by cutting engine ignition.
I have it on my Sport equipped S but it doesn't really need it,it can however be fun on wet trackdays where you can get away with some heroic looking drifts(should you want to).
The best thing about it is you can switch it off when you want to(its always on in its default state).
If you're new to mid/rear set ups or use it as a daily driver in stty UK weather then its probably helpful but otherwise not needed.You're better off spending the money on driver training as t/c won't help you if you've carried too much speed into a tight bend or roundabout etc.
Hope this helps.

[simpo555]

Thanks for the reply-All advice is always well received