Honest,great review❤ I own a 350 from 2017,wich has now 33000km and i had never relevant issues. About the negative points i m with you,but the most is disturbing me the range of the fueltank, because it takes to much gasoline even of you go really slowly (i m good with high consumption when i go fast,of course). The light system is also a very significant issue ,because at night you run on candle light(this is security problem that should have not been). I also use the car only on road trips and i enjoy every second,i m already like a happy child when i go to the garage😊. This kind of cars,will be always something special and nothing similar will come on the market anymore. I m only sad that most of people has discovered the V6 Exige at the final Edition, when the car came in 2013,but i m glad to see younger drivers like you that catched the opportunity to get one. I m BMW testdriver and i can tell that for sure that i would not change my car for any BMW in production. Greetings from Germany to you and all the Lotus drivers💪
Thank you for sharing your experiences! And glad you liked the video. I agree with you on the fuel tank issue, I can probably only get around 300km from a full tank of fuel, but I usually just drive it in the weekend, so it has never really been a problem to me, I guess Lotus did this probably to save weight, haha. So you must track your car? How do you find it on the track?
@@sundaymorningdrives Sorry took me s bit to answer,i m always behind the steering wheel😒 I think like this about the V6 Exige... It started with the 350 and it was a bargain in the sport cars world,untill you got it for 70.000€ and for that price nothing else was available(think back what was the concurrent cars in 2013),thats why i accecpetd some quality defeats. The things have changed a lot when they started with the cars over 100.000€ and the quality was staying the same,plus came on market Gt4 etc. The issue of the tank would be esily solvable with the aluminium tank of 60liters,but it is not homologable in Germany. I would have changed it for sure,because has only plusses,capacity,lightness and without the corrosion problems(Lotus could put it at least on the options for the clients). I m driving only mountain b roads and some fun Trips with my woman,because i dont have much fun to drive on truck,because i drive there often for the job. To make a good truck car out of it is needed a Ohlings set up,plus a better slip differencial,at least for the 350(i do not know about higher levels). I have driven a 460 by Komotec on Nürburgring and the other cars passing me me only on the long straits, because they had 20+on the straits. In accelarations out of the corners and entering corners i was always before competitors,but i had the advantage that i turn around the Nürburgring aprox 2months a year. I think that the best tracks for the Exige are middle quirly trucks and not high speed trucks. Anyway if you set the car with Ohlins suspensions, mecc slip differential and sequential gearbox, the 490hp kit(more its not possible with standard pistons),plus you know how to drive a Lotus properly,than you will have most of sport cars behind. I recomend you to watch on the Pages of Komotec or Jubu(they have also a lot of carbon components if you wanna make you car even lighter). If you want to keep your car stock i can only recomend you to buy the carbon air intake from Komotec, because it makes it sound like a jet😀 I hope i could explain my thoughts on this car.
@automotivetestdriver3473 wow, that's a long reply! Thank you for your thoughts, I am always very intrigued by the thoughts of other Lotus/Exige owners, everyone has their own stories and thing the do with their cars, very interesting. I would keep mine as a stock car, because I feel it's just perfect for me right now, maybe one day when my skills out-grows the car then I might consider upgrading it. I really envy that you are able to drive on the Nürburgring, really want to do that sometime in my life 🙂
When I moved to the UK I was obsessed with the Lotus brand, test drove a 370 Exige and was very tempted. The drive was really unique and special but for the money I couldn't get over the 'basic-ness' of the interior and the old parts you mentioned....ended up delaying my car buying decision and got the 718 GT4 which has all the performance and more quality materials. Also had a supercharged s2000 before ;) Guess we look for similar things in car hehe.
The basic-ness is what makes these cars so light and engaging, so I guess you either love it or hate it. I actually really like the simple and minimalistic feel of the cabin, it's all about the driving and nothing else. GT4 is a great sportscar (we did a 718 vs 981 GT4 comparison on our channel) and definitely much more refined than a Exige, but if you are looking for a very raw driving experience, an Exige is the way to go. How are you enjoying your cars in the UK?
Always has been my dream car. I have owned two Fiat X-1/9s one in Europe in 70s and 5 speed in Australia in 80s. 930 kgs and mid engine with clever Targa roof
@@sundaymorningdrives I almost got the opportunity to drive an Elise for my 50th as a surprise however my new girlfriend at the time thought I might have my kids so she git the Audi TT instead. Big regrets
Problem 1. Komotec sells an adjustable power steering 2. High Sills keep me motivated to work out so i dont lose my moility to get in and out 3. You want storage space get an suv. 4. Dont like the aim dash lots of older model owners will pay to swap analog gauges for your aim. Or u can get the motec dash which is what i did. 5. Got the pagani style mirrors looks amazing but you still have to hand adjust them.
Great review. I own a 410 20th year anniversary edition. Agree with all your likes / dislikes. Only other dislike i have is the headlights - theyy might as well be candles!!!! For all the compromises thought, it's still the best sports car I've ever owned. Love it!
@sundaymorningdrives About 18 months. Came out of 15 years of Porsche ownership (987 cayman S, 997 turbo, 991 gt3). The 410 is on another level. It's been tracked regularly and has never missed a beat.
@sundaymorningdrives I find the 410 far more comfortable than the GT3. Suspension is compliant without being jarring. It's faster around corners than the GT3, although marginally slower in a straight line. It literally eats GT4s for breakfast on track and will match the 991 GT3 on track over a lap. The GT3 was a great car, but it does so much for you. The 410 asks more of you as a driver - every input has a consequence, good or bad. Lotus make the better drivers car IMO.
@davew5167 very well said, and good to know your thoughts since you've had both! Do you think the Exige is better off without the rear diff? Or would it benefit from fitting a diff?
Hiya, I used to own an Elan Sprint many years ago and it is the only car have ever regretted selling. Used to commute from Kent to London in an Elise which had it's moments. Had around 5 Caterham 7 which offers similar no holes barred driving experiance . Currently own a 620r have you ever been in one if not i think you would love it. Almost changed to an Ariel Atom few years back had deposit paid etc but decided to keep with Caterham in the end. I just don't see the point in this country tons of horsepower unless going on track to be honest. Anyway stay safe.
@davidlloyd-cx3er wow, looks like you are someone that's always looking for that raw and visceral driving experience? Very interesting history of cars you've had!
@@sundaymorningdrives Most of my driving now is country roads to and from my daughters.out near brands hatch. I do prefer smaller cars for this type of driving that you can hustle along these types of road.I've a 595 abarth and smart car and it allways makes me smile how peoole struggle to keep up with the smart car in these situtions due to sheer size. Horsepower sure isn't everything .
@davidlloyd-cx3er I totally agree with you, and on public roads you can't really push those high hp cars 100% anyways, so their hp are rendered useless in most twisties. And driving on country roads for me is mostly about the satisfaction of managing that "flow", if you know what I mean, haha
Thank you for the great video🫡. I hope i can afford one in 2-3years. But i might have to be content with an Elise for the meantime, starting this summer. Dailying a Fiat Panda 😂
@@sundaymorningdrives Thank you fine Sir! Your wishes mean alot. I would be looking for a base Exige V6 (350). It would be my 2nd car so always time eventually to upgrade to Cup 430. What about you? Any car you're setting your eyes on? 👀
@neverenoughgames72 nope, I am very content with my garage right now, it's perfect as it is 😄. 350 is good, there are a lot of mature after market upgrades for it too
@@sundaymorningdrives With a GT3, and an Exige 420 FE, i can see why :) I can only dream of those right now lol. Thanks again. You give off such positive vibes, just thought to let you know. Cheers from The Netherlands.
I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of a man here in the US named John Hennessy. He just built a Lotus that topped 265mph. He calls it the Venom. Worth a look if you haven’t seen his work already. 🏁
@@sundaymorningdrives No, I’ve never seen one in person, as the Venom is so rare. I know John has set lots of records with the Venom (A modified Lotus) and I think he does them as a flagship for the work he does for his cars that he does for the public. It seems like formula for success, because there’s always a big waiting list to have something built from Hennessy. I’ve heard good and bad things about some of the cars, but when you’re pushing 1100HP out of a pickup truck, Camaro, Mustang, or suv, you’re bound to find a weak link somewhere. It’s a commitment to build big horsepower, and you have to expect premature wear on components, but when you drive something like that, it’s expected… and worth it! He usually does 650, 850, and 1000+HP versions of his builds, so you can choose you poison. Neat stuff. 🏁
@mikeyerke3920 yup, pretty insane, but sometimes I don't really see the point of people wanting that much horse power, most people don't even know how to handle that much power, let along finding suitable places to unleash that much power
@@sundaymorningdrives I guess it’s just for bragging rights! lol I guess you can take it to the Bonneville Salt Flats here in the states… I think he does his testing in Texas, as it’s big and flat there, but for average guys, it’s never going to be used to its fullest potential. Sometimes the police block off huge stretches of roads just so he could do testing on his cars from time to time!! People in Texas are a unique breed! If I had the money, I guess I’d have to have one… haha! Could you imagine telling someone “I go from 0-265 in 35 seconds?” Hilarious. It’s weird, because Americans usually don’t like things that are so excessive. (Joking) Haha! Hope you guys are doing well down there!
Really depends on what you are looking for, the Emira and the Exige are very different cars altogether. If you are looking for the most direct, engaging, and thrilling driving experience then definitely go for the Exige, but it's also a car with flaws, you can't really drive it as a daily or do the everyday stuff with it. On the other hand the Emira is much more comfortable, you can daily it, take it on long trips, go shopping with it, and it also looks better 😉, but it's definitely not as capable or visceral from the driving perspective.
@khvidtube1617 No, no power assisted steering for Exige and Elise, If you want power steering you need to go for the Evora or Emira. Yes, air con is standard for all Lotus models.
The Lotus brand has captivated me since day one and still fascinates me today. For many years now it has been an absolute dream and a life goal of mine to own a Lotus Exige Sport 350. By the way, I find it absolutely understandable that you want to use your Exige exclusively as a road car, it must be a blast to drive along twisty roads and feel the short throws of the open-gated shifter! And you still got your GT3 and your Type R to do some miles on the track, right? :) Did you ever thought about a suspension lift? Or is an angled approach to hills and ramps sufficient? And is the trunk of the Exige really that bad? I mean the car isn't exactly predestined for grocery shopping, but does the engine really heats it up as much as some people claim and makes it almost impossible to transport something heat-sensitive over longer distances (apart from the space available)? It would also be interesting to know how much you pay in maintenance costs (approximately, I just want to get an idea). Are they in any way comparable with your GT3? I've heard that finding suitable insurance can be quite challenging too - especially at an acceptable price. For the moment, a Lotus Exige Sport 350 will probably remain just a dream for me - but a nice one indeed! PS I wonder why I didn't come across your channel earlier, I somehow had the urge today to see if there were any new videos on the Lotus Exige... what a coincidence. Anyways, new subscriber here and much love from Germany!🤟
Hi, I am glad you liked the video! To answer your questions: 1. The ride height is actually quite ok, I have never had problems going through speed bumps or ramps, as long as I am careful and slow. 2. The trunk is ok for a short trip, I did a video of my 3 day roadtrip in the Exige, you can watch that from our channel. Things do get hot in the trunk though, because there's not much insulation, and the trunk lid is Carbon Fibre. 3. The service cost is around nzd$900, for an oil and filter change, it's not cheap, and all the Lotus parts are pretty expensive from the dealership in NZ. But luckily there are a lot of aftermarket companies making parts for these cars because they have been in production for so long, so you can get cheaper parts from them, especially if you live in the UK. Hope I have answered your questions. Why are you interested in the 350? But not later versions of the Exige?
@@sundaymorningdrives Thank you for your honest answers. I will check your video of your roadtrip out as well. I only prefer the Sport 350 because of the price "advantage“ over the newer models. The Sport 350 is in a more reasonable range for me :) Wish u all the best
@stiftungwarentest9636 that is true, and there are some after market methods to increase power anyway, so 350 is a good choice. Good luck with your purchase! Let us know how you get on 🙂
@@sundaymorningdrives The only aftermarket upgrade I could think of at the moment would have been a suspension lift (If I owned an Exige). To be able to determine whether a power upgrade would be necessary at all for such a lightweight vehicle, the car has to be driven for a longer period of time in my opinion. However, I have also heard from several sources that the suspension is simply perfect as it is and that you are taking an unnecessary risk with aftermarket solutions. So maybe slowing down and going carefully through speed bumps or ramps is really enough, as you said. At least if you think about it and don't accidentally forget it… But it's not for nothing that the Exige has no selectable driving modes that affect the suspension setting (Touring, Sport, DPM off & Race Mode - which was only available with the optional Race Pack - don‘t affect the suspension at all, only the car’s electronic systems and tolerance limit for oversteer and understeer), as is now standard on many Porsches, for example. Before resorting to aftermarket "upgrades", I would definitely try without them for a while. If there is a need, I would also check the Lotus forums first, Lotus owners are said to be an excellent, helpful community! PS A different story would of course be specific weak points of the model series, which of course you try to eliminate :) PPS I can't wait to sit in an Exige myself, but until then I'll keep my eyes peeled for a nice one - I can't wait! I also have a particular spec in mind, but I've only seen it once so far and it was sold abroad a short time later :( Keep your fingers crossed for me, I wish you a good time with your Exige🤟
@stiftungwarentest9636 thanks for your thoughts. I plan to keep mine stock, as I have mentioned in my video. Lotus has tunned the 420 very well, and did a lot of r&d and track tests, why would I change any of that just for a tiny gain? And risk messing up the near perfect balance that the car already possess? I have seen too many examples of after market mods that messed up a nice stock car because people don't know what they are doing 😆. As for the ride Height, I don't have much issues with it, as long as you be careful when going on bumps and ramps. Good luck with finding your Exige! Let us know how you get on 🙂
They are very different cars, and I love them both. I find the Exige more fun on the road, it's smaller, lighter, more agile, and has a great manual transmission. The GT3 on the other hand is an absolute weapon on track, and also good for longer journeys with its PDK gearbox 😀
Honest,great review❤
I own a 350 from 2017,wich has now 33000km and i had never relevant issues.
About the negative points i m with you,but the most is disturbing me the range of the fueltank, because it takes to much gasoline even of you go really slowly (i m good with high consumption when i go fast,of course).
The light system is also a very significant issue ,because at night you run on candle light(this is security problem that should have not been).
I also use the car only on road trips and i enjoy every second,i m already like a happy child when i go to the garage😊.
This kind of cars,will be always something special and nothing similar will come on the market anymore.
I m only sad that most of people has discovered the V6 Exige at the final Edition, when the car came in 2013,but i m glad to see younger drivers like you that catched the opportunity to get one.
I m BMW testdriver and i can tell that for sure that i would not change my car for any BMW in production.
Greetings from Germany to you and all the Lotus drivers💪
Thank you for sharing your experiences! And glad you liked the video. I agree with you on the fuel tank issue, I can probably only get around 300km from a full tank of fuel, but I usually just drive it in the weekend, so it has never really been a problem to me, I guess Lotus did this probably to save weight, haha. So you must track your car? How do you find it on the track?
@@sundaymorningdrives
Sorry took me s bit to answer,i m always behind the steering wheel😒
I think like this about the V6 Exige...
It started with the 350 and it was a bargain in the sport cars world,untill you got it for 70.000€ and for that price nothing else was available(think back what was the concurrent cars in 2013),thats why i accecpetd some quality defeats.
The things have changed a lot when they started with the cars over 100.000€ and the quality was staying the same,plus came on market Gt4 etc.
The issue of the tank would be esily solvable with the aluminium tank of 60liters,but it is not homologable in Germany.
I would have changed it for sure,because has only plusses,capacity,lightness and without the corrosion problems(Lotus could put it at least on the options for the clients).
I m driving only mountain b roads and some fun Trips with my woman,because i dont have much fun to drive on truck,because i drive there often for the job.
To make a good truck car out of it is needed a Ohlings set up,plus a better slip differencial,at least for the 350(i do not know about higher levels).
I have driven a 460 by Komotec on Nürburgring and the other cars passing me me only on the long straits, because they had 20+on the straits.
In accelarations out of the corners and entering corners i was always before competitors,but i had the advantage that i turn around the Nürburgring aprox 2months a year.
I think that the best tracks for the Exige are middle quirly trucks and not high speed trucks.
Anyway if you set the car with Ohlins suspensions, mecc slip differential and sequential gearbox, the 490hp kit(more its not possible with standard pistons),plus you know how to drive a Lotus properly,than you will have most of sport cars behind.
I recomend you to watch on the Pages of Komotec or Jubu(they have also a lot of carbon components if you wanna make you car even lighter).
If you want to keep your car stock i can only recomend you to buy the carbon air intake from Komotec, because it makes it sound like a jet😀
I hope i could explain my thoughts on this car.
@automotivetestdriver3473 wow, that's a long reply! Thank you for your thoughts, I am always very intrigued by the thoughts of other Lotus/Exige owners, everyone has their own stories and thing the do with their cars, very interesting. I would keep mine as a stock car, because I feel it's just perfect for me right now, maybe one day when my skills out-grows the car then I might consider upgrading it. I really envy that you are able to drive on the Nürburgring, really want to do that sometime in my life 🙂
When I moved to the UK I was obsessed with the Lotus brand, test drove a 370 Exige and was very tempted. The drive was really unique and special but for the money I couldn't get over the 'basic-ness' of the interior and the old parts you mentioned....ended up delaying my car buying decision and got the 718 GT4 which has all the performance and more quality materials. Also had a supercharged s2000 before ;) Guess we look for similar things in car hehe.
The basic-ness is what makes these cars so light and engaging, so I guess you either love it or hate it. I actually really like the simple and minimalistic feel of the cabin, it's all about the driving and nothing else. GT4 is a great sportscar (we did a 718 vs 981 GT4 comparison on our channel) and definitely much more refined than a Exige, but if you are looking for a very raw driving experience, an Exige is the way to go. How are you enjoying your cars in the UK?
Always has been my dream car. I have owned two Fiat X-1/9s one in Europe in 70s and 5 speed in Australia in 80s. 930 kgs and mid engine with clever Targa roof
Wow, I don't really know that car, but sounds like an amazing recipe, have you driven an Elise or Exige?
@@sundaymorningdrives I almost got the opportunity to drive an Elise for my 50th as a surprise however my new girlfriend at the time thought I might have my kids so she git the Audi TT instead. Big regrets
@robertpawley5715 hahaha, what a missed opportunity, you will fall in love with it once you have driven it, if you love the act of driving 😉
Problem 1. Komotec sells an adjustable power steering 2. High Sills keep me motivated to work out so i dont lose my moility to get in and out 3. You want storage space get an suv. 4. Dont like the aim dash lots of older model owners will pay to swap analog gauges for your aim. Or u can get the motec dash which is what i did. 5. Got the pagani style mirrors looks amazing but you still have to hand adjust them.
Yup, I know the answers to all these, they are not problems, probably more like the characters of the Exige 🙂
Great review. I own a 410 20th year anniversary edition. Agree with all your likes / dislikes. Only other dislike i have is the headlights - theyy might as well be candles!!!! For all the compromises thought, it's still the best sports car I've ever owned. Love it!
Hahaha, ya, candles, well said 😆, how long have you had your 410?
@sundaymorningdrives About 18 months. Came out of 15 years of Porsche ownership (987 cayman S, 997 turbo, 991 gt3). The 410 is on another level. It's been tracked regularly and has never missed a beat.
@davew5167 very nice! Glad you are enjoying you 410, how do you find it compared to your GT3?
@sundaymorningdrives I find the 410 far more comfortable than the GT3. Suspension is compliant without being jarring. It's faster around corners than the GT3, although marginally slower in a straight line. It literally eats GT4s for breakfast on track and will match the 991 GT3 on track over a lap. The GT3 was a great car, but it does so much for you. The 410 asks more of you as a driver - every input has a consequence, good or bad. Lotus make the better drivers car IMO.
@davew5167 very well said, and good to know your thoughts since you've had both! Do you think the Exige is better off without the rear diff? Or would it benefit from fitting a diff?
Really enjoyed the review thanks
Thanks, are you a fan of Lotus cars?
Hiya,
I used to own an Elan Sprint many years ago and it is the only car have ever regretted selling.
Used to commute from Kent to London in an Elise which had it's moments.
Had around 5 Caterham 7 which offers similar no holes barred driving experiance .
Currently own a 620r have you ever been in one if not i think you would love it.
Almost changed to an Ariel Atom few years back had deposit paid etc but decided to keep with Caterham in the end.
I just don't see the point in this country tons of horsepower unless going on track to be honest.
Anyway stay safe.
@davidlloyd-cx3er wow, looks like you are someone that's always looking for that raw and visceral driving experience? Very interesting history of cars you've had!
@@sundaymorningdrives Most of my driving now is country roads to and from my daughters.out near brands hatch.
I do prefer smaller cars for this type of driving that you can hustle along these types of road.I've a 595 abarth and smart car and it allways makes me smile how peoole struggle to keep up with the smart car in these situtions due to sheer size.
Horsepower sure isn't everything .
@davidlloyd-cx3er I totally agree with you, and on public roads you can't really push those high hp cars 100% anyways, so their hp are rendered useless in most twisties. And driving on country roads for me is mostly about the satisfaction of managing that "flow", if you know what I mean, haha
Excellent review. 👍
Thank you, glad you liked it, what do you think of the Exige?
Thank you for the great video🫡. I hope i can afford one in 2-3years. But i might have to be content with an Elise for the meantime, starting this summer. Dailying a Fiat Panda 😂
Nice! Good luck! What kind of Exige would you go for?
@@sundaymorningdrives Thank you fine Sir! Your wishes mean alot.
I would be looking for a base Exige V6 (350). It would be my 2nd car so always time eventually to upgrade to Cup 430.
What about you? Any car you're setting your eyes on? 👀
@neverenoughgames72 nope, I am very content with my garage right now, it's perfect as it is 😄. 350 is good, there are a lot of mature after market upgrades for it too
@@sundaymorningdrives With a GT3, and an Exige 420 FE, i can see why :) I can only dream of those right now lol.
Thanks again. You give off such positive vibes, just thought to let you know. Cheers from The Netherlands.
I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of a man here in the US named John Hennessy. He just built a Lotus that topped 265mph. He calls it the Venom. Worth a look if you haven’t seen his work already. 🏁
Yup I have, pretty crazy stuff that he does/did, hypercar territory, have you seen one in the flesh before?
@@sundaymorningdrives No, I’ve never seen one in person, as the Venom is so rare. I know John has set lots of records with the Venom (A modified Lotus) and I think he does them as a flagship for the work he does for his cars that he does for the public. It seems like formula for success, because there’s always a big waiting list to have something built from Hennessy. I’ve heard good and bad things about some of the cars, but when you’re pushing 1100HP out of a pickup truck, Camaro, Mustang, or suv, you’re bound to find a weak link somewhere. It’s a commitment to build big horsepower, and you have to expect premature wear on components, but when you drive something like that, it’s expected… and worth it! He usually does 650, 850, and 1000+HP versions of his builds, so you can choose you poison. Neat stuff. 🏁
@@sundaymorningdrives th-cam.com/video/L3yrv5M035g/w-d-xo.html&si=e20_XtVDqB_JmYlW
@mikeyerke3920 yup, pretty insane, but sometimes I don't really see the point of people wanting that much horse power, most people don't even know how to handle that much power, let along finding suitable places to unleash that much power
@@sundaymorningdrives I guess it’s just for bragging rights! lol
I guess you can take it to the Bonneville Salt Flats here in the states… I think he does his testing in Texas, as it’s big and flat there, but for average guys, it’s never going to be used to its fullest potential. Sometimes the police block off huge stretches of roads just so he could do testing on his cars from time to time!! People in Texas are a unique breed!
If I had the money, I guess I’d have to have one… haha! Could you imagine telling someone “I go from 0-265 in 35 seconds?” Hilarious. It’s weird, because Americans usually don’t like things that are so excessive. (Joking) Haha!
Hope you guys are doing well down there!
Going to pull the trigger soon, but still tossing up between the Emira and a V6 Exige for ~ 60% of the price. Any thoughts?
Really depends on what you are looking for, the Emira and the Exige are very different cars altogether. If you are looking for the most direct, engaging, and thrilling driving experience then definitely go for the Exige, but it's also a car with flaws, you can't really drive it as a daily or do the everyday stuff with it. On the other hand the Emira is much more comfortable, you can daily it, take it on long trips, go shopping with it, and it also looks better 😉, but it's definitely not as capable or visceral from the driving perspective.
Hello, question sir not related to car but will you tell me or help where to find those cool shades? Haha
Is the power-assisted steering wheel optional? What about air-con?
@khvidtube1617 No, no power assisted steering for Exige and Elise, If you want power steering you need to go for the Evora or Emira. Yes, air con is standard for all Lotus models.
The Lotus brand has captivated me since day one and still fascinates me today.
For many years now it has been an absolute dream and a life goal of mine to own a Lotus Exige Sport 350.
By the way, I find it absolutely understandable that you want to use your Exige exclusively as a road car, it must be a blast to drive along twisty roads and feel the short throws of the open-gated shifter! And you still got your GT3 and your Type R to do some miles on the track, right? :)
Did you ever thought about a suspension lift? Or is an angled approach to hills and ramps sufficient?
And is the trunk of the Exige really that bad? I mean the car isn't exactly predestined for grocery shopping, but does the engine really heats it up as much as some people claim and makes it almost impossible to transport something heat-sensitive over longer distances (apart from the space available)?
It would also be interesting to know how much you pay in maintenance costs (approximately, I just want to get an idea). Are they in any way comparable with your GT3? I've heard that finding suitable insurance can be quite challenging too - especially at an acceptable price.
For the moment, a Lotus Exige Sport 350 will probably remain just a dream for me - but a nice one indeed!
PS I wonder why I didn't come across your channel earlier, I somehow had the urge today to see if there were any new videos on the Lotus Exige... what a coincidence.
Anyways, new subscriber here and much love from Germany!🤟
Hi, I am glad you liked the video! To answer your questions:
1. The ride height is actually quite ok, I have never had problems going through speed bumps or ramps, as long as I am careful and slow.
2. The trunk is ok for a short trip, I did a video of my 3 day roadtrip in the Exige, you can watch that from our channel. Things do get hot in the trunk though, because there's not much insulation, and the trunk lid is Carbon Fibre.
3. The service cost is around nzd$900, for an oil and filter change, it's not cheap, and all the Lotus parts are pretty expensive from the dealership in NZ. But luckily there are a lot of aftermarket companies making parts for these cars because they have been in production for so long, so you can get cheaper parts from them, especially if you live in the UK.
Hope I have answered your questions. Why are you interested in the 350? But not later versions of the Exige?
@@sundaymorningdrives Thank you for your honest answers. I will check your video of your roadtrip out as well. I only prefer the Sport 350 because of the price "advantage“ over the newer models. The Sport 350 is in a more reasonable range for me :)
Wish u all the best
@stiftungwarentest9636 that is true, and there are some after market methods to increase power anyway, so 350 is a good choice. Good luck with your purchase! Let us know how you get on 🙂
@@sundaymorningdrives The only aftermarket upgrade I could think of at the moment would have been a suspension lift (If I owned an Exige). To be able to determine whether a power upgrade would be necessary at all for such a lightweight vehicle, the car has to be driven for a longer period of time in my opinion. However, I have also heard from several sources that the suspension is simply perfect as it is and that you are taking an unnecessary risk with aftermarket solutions. So maybe slowing down and going carefully through speed bumps or ramps is really enough, as you said. At least if you think about it and don't accidentally forget it…
But it's not for nothing that the Exige has no selectable driving modes that affect the suspension setting (Touring, Sport, DPM off & Race Mode - which was only available with the optional Race Pack - don‘t affect the suspension at all, only the car’s electronic systems and tolerance limit for oversteer and understeer), as is now standard on many Porsches, for example. Before resorting to aftermarket "upgrades", I would definitely try without them for a while. If there is a need, I would also check the Lotus forums first, Lotus owners are said to be an excellent, helpful community!
PS A different story would of course be specific weak points of the model series, which of course you try to eliminate :)
PPS I can't wait to sit in an Exige myself, but until then I'll keep my eyes peeled for a nice one - I can't wait!
I also have a particular spec in mind, but I've only seen it once so far and it was sold abroad a short time later :(
Keep your fingers crossed for me, I wish you a good time with your Exige🤟
@stiftungwarentest9636 thanks for your thoughts. I plan to keep mine stock, as I have mentioned in my video. Lotus has tunned the 420 very well, and did a lot of r&d and track tests, why would I change any of that just for a tiny gain? And risk messing up the near perfect balance that the car already possess? I have seen too many examples of after market mods that messed up a nice stock car because people don't know what they are doing 😆. As for the ride Height, I don't have much issues with it, as long as you be careful when going on bumps and ramps. Good luck with finding your Exige! Let us know how you get on 🙂
Do you like it more than the GT3?
They are very different cars, and I love them both. I find the Exige more fun on the road, it's smaller, lighter, more agile, and has a great manual transmission. The GT3 on the other hand is an absolute weapon on track, and also good for longer journeys with its PDK gearbox 😀
If you could only keep one car from your garage, which would it be?
You mean only one sportscar? Then it's probably the Exige 😀
The side mirror could be a museum pieces
Hahaha, ya, they look so dated, but they are very light, that's probably why Lotus never bothered to update them
@@sundaymorningdrives they should just use digital camera, even lighter and more aero!
@@kimyee2010 I don't think they had the budget to do that for the Exige and Elise 🤣
What is your height bro I'm 181cm will I fit in it?
I am 175cm, I know someone who's almost 190 and can just fit. But it will be very tight if you want to track it with helmet on.
Don't ever sell it, no one is making sports cars like this anymore!
Yes, exactly my thoughts, haha
Hello, question sir not related to car but will you tell me or help where to find those cool shades? Haha