I'm thinking of moving on from the S2000 (oh how many threads start this way...)

I was torn between a V8 M3 and a Carrera S. Drove the M3 (albeit a short test drive) and I didn't think it was enough of a "sports car".

Yesterday, I finally had a go in a 911. Another unsatisfyingly short test drive, and dare I say it: I was underwhelmed. I've also taken out a C63, which I loved. If only it had a manual 'box.

Then I thought what about an Evora...?

The thought of running an M3 or 911 is a little daunting. The added warranties alone are enough to make an S2000 look like a Seat Ibiza in the running costs department. But a Lotus?! And the actual companies future looks far from certain (another TVR?).

Has anyone got an opinion on this? Would you stray off the safe path for the thrills that the Lotus (should) offer?

It will be a daily driver -except in really bad weather- so I need to be able to do a little shopping in it from time to time. And I'm not made of money, so any horror stories about them being a bottomless expense pit would help get be thinking straight again.

Cheers.

 

Evora is one of the best cars ive ever driven, and that was the NA version.

Reliability will be good. I ran an Exige for 18 months and it took a lot of track abuse with zero faults. There's more to the Evora but I think it will be fine. If you imagine all the drivetrain is Toyota and well over engineered, there's not much to worry about. Try an Evora forum.

Go main dealer, and drive a hard bargain.

I went M3 as I wanted to see how the residuals went on the S version. Not that the M3 residuals will be good!

 

From research to date, no horror stories (in real life) that I am aware off re expense.

Not as well built as a Porsche, but to be expected. Interior a bit low rent, but it is made in Norfolk.

Door or boot seals apparently leak sometimes, but can be fixed cheaply I am told.

The boot is really quite small and narrow, but there is a reasonable amount of space behind the front seats whether you go for the shelf or kiddy size plus 2.

Very poor rearward visibility, but the "tech pack" (reasonably common option) has a camera for the satnav screen that resolves this.

I have driven one on a short test drive but it wasn't ideal for trying it properly re performance and handling - it was comfortable though, and I got used to seating position quickly. Pedals very close together - not great if you have wide feet .......

I believe a fair number of Elise/Exige owners have upgraded to get something more practical/comfortable for daily use, so I guess it is up to that job. Long journeys allegedly not a problem at all.

Not sure I'd buy a new one when you set it against some of the alternatives, but as a used buy it looks quite good to me.

Many say the additional power of the supercharged version is not as significant as it might seem - you can add c 20hp quite easily to the NA version with a CAI, which narrows the gap.

Doesn't make a great noise with the standard exhaust.

Satnav/media system is notoriously rubbish.

 

*Really* helpful guys, thanks.

I've read the reviews by other users across on Pistonheads, and they seem pretty positive.

This stuff about it being less well build than a Porsche seems to just be a catchphrase. The 911 (gen 1 997) I drove felt like it was made by Peugeot circa 1995. The doorhandles rattled around, the plastic was cheap and scratchy (especially the indicator/ light switches), and the keys felt like they came from the inside of a Kinder egg. The S2000 defo built better.

Time for test drive I think. Newcastle Lotus seem to have a couple in the 30-35k territory...

 

Have you had a look at the Europa as well

 

Do it do it do it !

I've been toying with the idea of trading in the supercharged Elise for one of these, I'm just watching the prices of second hand S variants.

Driving a Lotus is an occasion every time and you won't regret it.
Don't listen to the doom mongerers either, the new ones are very reliable as has already been said.

You know it makes no sense so even more reason to do it !

 

The drive of an Evora is far better than a 911.

Despite the bland Toyota lump, it just feels more entertaining. Partly the better ride & handling & balance, partly the 911 is a bit too good and too German until you get it to about 9/10 when it comes alive. Plus you look like a car phreak & not like a merchant bankster...

The small, hot boot is a big drawback as a practical car - I think that's why the hacks aren't quite sure where to aim it and slag it against the Cayman AND the 911. despite the 911 really being no more practical.

 

I considered trading up to an Evora from my Exige when I had it - they'd recently released the S variant of the Evora. As a promotion, you could pay £200 (refundable on purchase of an Evora from the dealer) to drive both Evoras at Silverstone and surrounding roads - I'd recommend it if your dealer offers it.

It was well worth it, the Evora is definitely a step up from the Exige in all areas, but only fails to match it on the track for involvement. The track-driving was done both as a passenger and driver with one of Lotus' drivers. I don't think the S outshines the standard Evora, it's still a masterpiece in either guise. The supercharger whine is very indistinct on the S when I compare it to the Exige I had.

What really impressed me about the Evora was it's flatness on the track allied to its manners on the road; I remember test-driving a SEAT Leon FR a few days after the Evora and couldn't stand its stiffness. The flexibility of the chassis/suspension really is outstanding, the Lotus driver drove a full-lap in the standard Evora on the limit and said he found it easier to do so in the standard Evora.

I haven't seen very many Evoras on the road, seen more of the GT86/BRZ actually!

Ultimately, pound for pound, was it "better" than my S2000? Probably not...

 

Actually, the last time I saw an Evora on the road, it was being overtaken by an 86...

 

Knowledge > Power

Or maybe not in this case Nick