[chabot150]

Hello All!

I have been toying back and forth between the idea of a new Elise SC or a slightly used Exige. I can find both cars for around 50k. The Exige has probably 4-10k miles on it. Which would you get?

A part of me loves the spoiler and the rear roof lines of the Exige, but I am hesitant on buying used. (I have never bought used before).

Any advice will be great. This car will be used as a DD in the northeast.

 

[Murix]

I think it comes down to which you prefer. I like the lines on the Elise more, so I bought one and supercharged it and then upgraded everything else.

Take note that if you want to make more power, the Exige has a larger supercharger with more proven potential.

If you plan on just leaving it alone (no one does) and not tracking then you might find the Elise more liveable. (barely)

 

[Crazy05]

exige hands down. looks more exotic/cooler/sexier

 

[Mr. Know]

For a DD in the northeast, Elise hands down.

Assuming you are talking about an 08 Elise SC and an 08 Exige S 240 for the same price, *I* would take the Exige hands down, because I track and wouldn't DD it.

 

[EliseSC]

Both cars will be very close in terms of performance and unless you are on a track, it's unlikely you will notice any difference. Performance and handling is excellent with both cars. As a daily driver I think the Elise has the edge as rear visibility is better and therefore provides more safety and practicality (backing up, for instance). With a new car you aren't inheriting someone elses mistakes, accidents or mistreatments. In terms of esthetics, well, that's completely subjective and for you to decide.

 

[luxige]

You will keep a whole lotta dollars in your pocket buying a normally aspirated car and supercharging it yourself (as Murix notes). In case you were not aware, that also includes the 2006 Exige.

Oh, BTW, I coincidentally have a BWR supercharger kit for sale:
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f95/fs-bwr-supercharger-kit-new-box-2006-cars-72280/

Good luck with your decision.

 

[4380r]

For a DD in the northeast, Elise hands down.

Assuming you are talking about an 08 Elise SC and an 08 Exige S 240 for the same price, *I* would take the Exige hands down, because I track and wouldn't DD it.

Important distinction. You ARE talking about an S240 Exige, right? If it's an 07 Exige S, you are WAY overpaying at $50K for a used one, or even a new one. I bought a new leftover Exige S last August for $46K from a dealer.

If it's an S240, they are not simply different in body. You've got more hp, better brakes, upgraded clutch, wider front tires, sport suspension as standard, and some other niceties that come with the S240 that you won't get on the SC.

 

[Vampyre]

IMHO ...For a DD I like the Elise looks better, so that is where my vote goes... it has better body lines, and the side view / profile is much better looking...

 

[sandsmuseum]

the Elise hit a sweet spot...

If it's an S240, they are not simply different in body. You've got more hp, better brakes, upgraded clutch, wider front tires, sport suspension as standard, and some other niceties that come with the S240 that you won't get on the SC.

Better brakes? I disagree. The 4 piston AP brakes that come with the Track Pack are more fade resistant but are not "better". The antilock brake servo is tuned to cycle more frequently for the standard Elise brakes. It does not cycle slow enough for the AP brakes and it is possible to lock the brakes and motor off the autocross course. The calipers are bigger and so you cannot fit 15 / 16 inch wheels. I have never had the Elise brakes fade with Ferodo 2500 pads while driving on the track.

Wider Front Tires? Mine did not come with wider tires and in fact, came with narrower front wheels! The LSS style wheels went from 6.5 to 6 inches wide in the front for 2008. Buyer beware if you are purchasing someones LSS wheels.

I owned an Elise for three years before I bought the S 240. Should you take the time to read my posts, you will notice how I miss the nimble handling of the Elise. The Elise hit an amazing sweet spot and the Exige, while probably technically faster, missed it by a significant margin. I never would have believed it if I had not spent significant time with both. I am still working on getting the handling back and have ordered different shocks. Right now, I suggest the supercharged Elise, the best of both worlds.

Yes the power is intoxicating. However a super charged Elise will have close to the same power and a later aftermarket mod might match the power.

Michael

 

[agirls]

This comes down to personal preference. I like the look of the Exige better. But I have an Exige S, so I might be biased. You get used to not seeing out the back but it takes a while. You have to park ass in first, etc. And when I am forced to park head first like on a street with slanted parking spots, then I watch the building windows for oncoming cars. Lame, but it works. You learn how to coop with it. But you can also buy a camera, etc. Both cars are great cars. I would honestly be happy with either.

 

[chapster5]

Exige