2007 Exige S (NEW) or 2008 Exige S 240 (USED)

[lotush3]

I have been looking at some used Exige S's, but I can have a brand new 07 for about 7K more (full warranty). Then up pops the 08 Exige S 240 in IL. I talked to Kyle from the dealership in IL and we worked out a decent deal including the transportation to TX. Props for Kyle by the way.

The 2 cars are within about $1,200 of each other. A bit of a delima for me.

07 Exige S is British Racing Green (Much more preferred color)
Has Tour, Track, and Star Shield.
Brand New and FULL warranty.
Local!

The 08 Exige S 240 is used (only 2000 miles).
Was used by a Lotus Rep (titled to Lotus).
Has 2 years of warranty left
Has Tour, Star Shield (NO Track).
I like the color, but I like a lot of other colors way more. Laser Blue.
See posting in Cars for Sale if your interested.

I am not too concerned about the lack of the Track package. I will probably go out to the track a few times a year and it will just be for fun. Sounds like the non-track package car would be a bit smoother ride (don't make fun of me, you know what i mean).

Thoughts, comment?

PS. Just have to figure out insurance first. May affect my budget.

[TTZip]

I say purchase which ever you feel you will enjoy more.

As for insurance stay away from Geico and give Progressive a call.

Send me a PM if you have any direct questions I could help with.

-Alex-

[jah29]

The new 2007 probably does not have a full warranty. If it sits on the lot past a certain amount of time the manufacturer, not the dealer, starts the clock on the warranty. Double check the warranty status with the dealer and Lotus Cars North America. Getting something in writing wouldn't be a bad idea if they say it still has the full warranty.

Justin

[BatmobileS240]

Having no track pack sucks, but to each his own. However, 08 models compared to some 07 and prior years I've seen seem more refined, less rattles and such. The new instrument panel is nicer as well. These cars are pretty reliable. The extra year probably won't matter that much, that is, if the 07 does in fact does still have a 3 year warranty.

[lotush3]

I have confirmed that the 07 warranty is 3 years from date of purchase. Will get it in writing. Actually the sales guy at star motors (Tim) is fantastic. He is absolutely no pressure. I had to talk him in to taking my phone number.

Batmobile, why do you say that no track pack sucks. What do you think is the advantage from a driving standpont? So far I have only driven an 08 Elise SC, an 06 Elise and an 07 Exige S (with no track pack).

Originally Posted by BatmobileS240

Having no track pack sucks, but to each his own. However, 08 models compared to some 07 and prior years I've seen seem more refined, less rattles and such. The new instrument panel is nicer as well. These cars are pretty reliable. The extra year probably won't matter that much, that is, if the 07 does in fact does still have a 3 year warranty.

[Zinhead]

If you prefer the BRG, get the BRG. I once bought a car in my non-preferred color and it bothered me for 7 years of ownership. Besides, British Racing Green is the best color for an Exige.

[Scott Bowman]

I've seen the BRG Exige (with yellow racing stripe) at Star and it's quite nice. I've met Tim and can't imagine anyone more knowledgeable and easier to deal with. Besides, there aren't many BRG Elises or Exiges on the road in Texas, so it would be nice to see another one.

There is also a Persian Blue 240S (former Lotus exec demo) at John Eagle European/Lotus of Austin. See posts by Charlie Lunsford--I think that car is still available and it's much closer than IL.

[David Craig]

Pick the car based on the color. Go with your gut feeling.

[Christophe111]

Originally Posted by David Craig

Pick the car based on the color. Go with your gut feeling.

+1
Let your heart make the choice for you.

[1Sick:E]

s240

[jesterbot]

If the colors were the same (or you liked them equally) I'd say the S 240 all the way. That's a no brainer... low miles may as well be no miles (if not abused), and who really gets a lot of warranty work done anyway?

I see a lot of people getting hung up on that (afraid to do anything to break their warranty), but yet we never end up using them anyway... I've had virtually no problems with my elise, certainly nothing that required it to be worked on (other than the few service bulletins in the beginning - but that would be covered by lotus, warranty or not, unless I'm mistaken)...

That being said, color is kind of a big deal... you're the one that has to look at it, so wait till you find one in a color that speaks to you. As impatient as you may feel, that's nothing compared to the regret you'd feel if you "settled" on a color that doesn't do it for you~

[BatmobileS240]

Color is definitely a big deal, but can you really go wrong?

[Mr. Know]

If it were a utilitarian or appliance car, then color is the bottom of the list. In this case, I think color is the top...as it should be, because if you don't love the color every time you see it, you won't enjoy the car as much...trust me.

[paulhastings]

Actually I believe the track pack may be a softer ride on the street as you it gives you a range of adjustability. I remember this being mentioned on a test when the '07 first came out. My '07 Exige with track pack does seem a little more compliant on the street recommended shock setting then my previous sport pack Elise. However, it's nice to have the option to adjust to find your preference.