I did a Bad Bad thing... - LotusTalk

lotush3 · 06-30-2009, 11:30 AM

Hey all,

Just joined, this is my first post. I went out and test drove an Elise SC yesterday. What a great car to drive. I am very seriously considering buying a Lotus.

Is there any good places to look for used ones? I am in Houston, TX. I am considering a new 2007 Orange Elise (some options, but pretty basic with the roof).

I am looking to spend about 40-45K

Are there any significant differences between the model years?

The big intensive for going new from a dealer is the loan interest rate and the warranty. Other then that I would be happy with a used one.

Ben.

Bavarian Motorist · 06-30-2009, 11:31 AM

Very little difference between any SCs... If you're talking older model years, well, you won't get into an Elise SC because they were sold beginning '08

mrcarcrazy · 06-30-2009, 11:42 AM

read the Uberpost a few times. Its possibly the best thread of all time, on any forum I've ever been on.

Used can be had, especially in a large market like Houston. just takes a little searching. However the SC cars are much more limited in avail. due to reason above. (started in 08).

oh, and welcome to the insanity. You have a good name. (I'm Ben as well

).

abdult786 · 06-30-2009, 11:42 AM

get an exige ; )

Demonized · 06-30-2009, 12:11 PM

Get a ~20,000 mile 2005 for 26,000-32,000 and put a supercharger on it.

Monsi · 06-30-2009, 12:28 PM

you might be able to find a low mileage 07 exige S in your price range as new ones sold for a hair over that not too long ago

LotusStig22 · 06-30-2009, 12:47 PM

Demonized has a good point. A used 05-06 can run you from $25K to ~$35K (I can say this from my unnecessary eBay and Autotrader searching for no real reason

) and then TurboPhil makes a TVS Supercharger for $6500. That's got more power than you'd get in a regular SC and it's still cheaper than the max you'd want to pay.

mrcarcrazy · 06-30-2009, 01:07 PM

He seems interested in a warranty...so might not be option for him....

LotusStig22 · 06-30-2009, 01:45 PM

Hmm...that gets rid of any S111 engine products then, and the TurboPhil SC.

Isn't there a stock supercharger you could buy that wouldn't break the warranty?

lotush3 · 06-30-2009, 01:52 PM

Thanks all for your feedback.

I am not looking for a blazing fast car. Rather a nimble car. I would be satisfied with a base Elise. That being said, I would not complain about more HP. I had a modded VW GTI. I am not interested in modifying the Lotus.

As far as pure styling goes, I like the look of the Exige better.

One concern about a used car is how it was treated. Obviously, these cars are made to be driven hard. When I test drove the Elise, it really wanted to be driven hard.

BrianK · 06-30-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

He seems interested in a warranty...so might not be option for him....

Then he should get the Lotus supercharger installed.. It's about the same price as the aftermarket stuff, is CARB legal, and comes with warranty.

Of course, an '05 no longer has a warranty, but the Lotus SC is probably the the safest way to go.

LARRY · 06-30-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenLevy3

Thanks all for your feedback.

I am not looking for a blazing fast car. Rather a nimble car. I would be satisfied with a base Elise. That being said, I would not complain about more HP. I had a modded VW GTI. I am not interested in modifying the Lotus.

As far as pure styling goes, I like the look of the Exige better.

One concern about a used car is how it was treated. Obviously, these cars are made to be driven hard. When I test drove the Elise, it really wanted to be driven hard.

The "base" Elise will knock your socks off.

It will kill a GTI.

Make sure it wasn't tracked, have a Lotus mechnic look at it...and BUY it.

Don't think twice.

LotusStig22 · 06-30-2009, 02:01 PM

Then might as well get an Exige.

mrcarcrazy · 06-30-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenLevy3

As far as pure styling goes, I like the look of the Exige better.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LotusStig22

Then might as well get an Exige.

Hate to admit it, but I agree w/ tweedle dee. If you like the Exige...look for an Exige.

Just giving you a little hell LS22

LotusStig22 · 06-30-2009, 02:45 PM

Tweedle Dee,

that's good.

It's okay, as long as you don't genuinely hate me, then I have an issue I need to deal with.

Ben - According to the 5 minutes of research around the Houston area, most Lotus Exiges are going to be slightly more than 45K. Yahoo Autos (Classifieds) gives me figures of 50-65K, but if you like an Exige, best of luck finding one in your budget.

lotush3 · 07-01-2009, 06:38 AM

Thanks all. I have purposely stayed away from these cars so that I wouldn't be all crazy about wanting one (Hence the "Bad Bad Thing"). I have been really looking at the cars and thinking about what appeals to me. I can say that I like the look of the Exige better because it look "cool". On the other hand, the Elise looks very elegant. I know this car is a looker, but I am buying this car for me to drive and not to be seen in.

On another note, I found this on eBay: 2006 Exige

Anyone know this car or can give me some feedback on price

jesterbot · 07-01-2009, 08:12 AM

I met with Ben yesterday to talk cars - standup guy! You'll be right at home here on the forums, Ben! Enough info here to keep you reading for about 2.1 thousand years.

lotush3 · 07-01-2009, 09:14 AM

Thanks for the props Kevin. You car is high on my list of possibilities.

By the way, if anyone is interested, Kevin's car is immaculate. I am a bit concerned about buying a used Lotus, but I would not hesitate to buy his.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesterbot

I met with Ben yesterday to talk cars - standup guy! You'll be right at home here on the forums, Ben! Enough info here to keep you reading for about 2.1 thousand years.

jesterbot · 07-01-2009, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the plug Ben

I'm sure once I actually get around to taking pics and listing my car for real it'll move pretty fast, so I'm not worried either way - aside from new, I don't think there are many cars in cleaner/better shape - it's pretty sad to think how little it's been used!

I'm sure you'll find one that's right for you - but just make sure if you want an exige, you don't "settle" on an elise just to save money. The car should speak to you!!

In my case I lucked out and liked the lines (and weight) of the cheaper car better

06-30-2009, 11:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
lotush3 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 59	I did a Bad Bad thing... Hey all, Just joined, this is my first post. I went out and test drove an Elise SC yesterday. What a great car to drive. I am very seriously considering buying a Lotus. Is there any good places to look for used ones? I am in Houston, TX. I am considering a new 2007 Orange Elise (some options, but pretty basic with the roof). I am looking to spend about 40-45K Are there any significant differences between the model years? The big intensive for going new from a dealer is the loan interest rate and the warranty. Other then that I would be happy with a used one. Ben.

06-30-2009, 11:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Bavarian Motorist Live to Drive Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NYC/Westchester, NY Posts: 10,850	Very little difference between any SCs... If you're talking older model years, well, you won't get into an Elise SC because they were sold beginning '08 __________________ Be an alpha male. Drive a Lotus.

06-30-2009, 11:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
mrcarcrazy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Midland, TX Posts: 689	read the Uberpost a few times. Its possibly the best thread of all time, on any forum I've ever been on. Used can be had, especially in a large market like Houston. just takes a little searching. However the SC cars are much more limited in avail. due to reason above. (started in 08). oh, and welcome to the insanity. You have a good name. (I'm Ben as well). __________________ 2005 Magnetic Blue Elise - "the Lotus" (original I know) 2001 Jeep Wrangler - "soul crusher". If you dont GET it after you drive it, then you dont GET it - serpent

06-30-2009, 11:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
abdult786 I run the Streets Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Atl Posts: 131	get an exige ; ) __________________ I am just being HONEST. ' 05 Elise ST - Work in progress. ' 00 Frontier - DD.

06-30-2009, 12:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
Demonized NOT ßANNED! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,538	Get a ~20,000 mile 2005 for 26,000-32,000 and put a supercharger on it. __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise, Katana Supercharger, LSS Wheels, 2Bular exhaust & cat, rear panel delete, Cup Airbox, Volt / Oil temp gauge, Ohlins double adjustable coilovers, Dual Oil Coolers, S111 RTD Brace, Moroso Oil Pan, MicroMirror, S111 "V-Force" Harness bar, Manly Engine Mounts, Odyssey PC680 & RLS Bracket, Saikou Michi OCC, CF Scoops, CF Bootlid, CF Front Lip.

06-30-2009, 12:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
Monsi Statistical Anomaly Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kauai Posts: 2,289 Images: 21	you might be able to find a low mileage 07 exige S in your price range as new ones sold for a hair over that not too long ago __________________ Dude, there's my car!

06-30-2009, 12:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Demonized has a good point. A used 05-06 can run you from $25K to ~$35K (I can say this from my unnecessary eBay and Autotrader searching for no real reason ) and then TurboPhil makes a TVS Supercharger for $6500. That's got more power than you'd get in a regular SC and it's still cheaper than the max you'd want to pay. __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

06-30-2009, 01:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
mrcarcrazy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Midland, TX Posts: 689	He seems interested in a warranty...so might not be option for him.... __________________ 2005 Magnetic Blue Elise - "the Lotus" (original I know) 2001 Jeep Wrangler - "soul crusher". If you dont GET it after you drive it, then you dont GET it - serpent

06-30-2009, 01:45 PM	#9 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Hmm...that gets rid of any S111 engine products then, and the TurboPhil SC. Isn't there a stock supercharger you could buy that wouldn't break the warranty? __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

06-30-2009, 01:52 PM	#10 (permalink)
lotush3 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 59	Thanks all for your feedback. I am not looking for a blazing fast car. Rather a nimble car. I would be satisfied with a base Elise. That being said, I would not complain about more HP. I had a modded VW GTI. I am not interested in modifying the Lotus. As far as pure styling goes, I like the look of the Exige better. One concern about a used car is how it was treated. Obviously, these cars are made to be driven hard. When I test drove the Elise, it really wanted to be driven hard.

06-30-2009, 02:01 PM	#13 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Then might as well get an Exige. __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

06-30-2009, 02:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
LotusStig22 LT Rebel in Hiding. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Wouldn't you like to know? Posts: 848	Tweedle Dee, that's good. It's okay, as long as you don't genuinely hate me, then I have an issue I need to deal with. Ben - According to the 5 minutes of research around the Houston area, most Lotus Exiges are going to be slightly more than 45K. Yahoo Autos (Classifieds) gives me figures of 50-65K, but if you like an Exige, best of luck finding one in your budget. __________________ "My plan is to dress as a leprechaun and stand at the side of the road with an engine crane and a crowbar. The cops will waste valuable time breathalyzing the driver after he tells them a leprechaun stole his engine and I'll be able to make an escape" ~Cthulhu ChuforiaGraffix.com SDD Lives On! SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com Last edited by LotusStig22 : 06-30-2009 at 02:51 PM.

07-01-2009, 06:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
lotush3 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 59	Thanks all. I have purposely stayed away from these cars so that I wouldn't be all crazy about wanting one (Hence the "Bad Bad Thing"). I have been really looking at the cars and thinking about what appeals to me. I can say that I like the look of the Exige better because it look "cool". On the other hand, the Elise looks very elegant. I know this car is a looker, but I am buying this car for me to drive and not to be seen in. On another note, I found this on eBay: 2006 Exige Anyone know this car or can give me some feedback on price

07-01-2009, 08:12 AM	#17 (permalink)
jesterbot "Are you in a band??" Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 456	I met with Ben yesterday to talk cars - standup guy! You'll be right at home here on the forums, Ben! Enough info here to keep you reading for about 2.1 thousand years. __________________ 20XX Lotus Evora SC 2009 Star Raider 2007 F-150 Lariat 2006 SY Elise - SOLD

07-01-2009, 10:05 AM	#19 (permalink)
jesterbot "Are you in a band??" Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 456	Thanks for the plug Ben I'm sure once I actually get around to taking pics and listing my car for real it'll move pretty fast, so I'm not worried either way - aside from new, I don't think there are many cars in cleaner/better shape - it's pretty sad to think how little it's been used! I'm sure you'll find one that's right for you - but just make sure if you want an exige, you don't "settle" on an elise just to save money. The car should speak to you!! In my case I lucked out and liked the lines (and weight) of the cheaper car better __________________ 20XX Lotus Evora SC 2009 Star Raider 2007 F-150 Lariat 2006 SY Elise - SOLD

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