Test drives booked
 

Had a good day today. not only a successfully short trip into town to buy stuff, had a fruitful visit to a BMW dealer and the Lotus dealer. Next weekend I've got a test drive booked in an E46 M3 and the following weekend I'm having back to back test drives of a 111R, Exige and Exige S. The exige can be remapped to 216bhp, so has become a more realistic proposition for me.

Having looked at a lot of beaters I've realised that I can't settle for a crap beater. There's too much thought in the decision and I can't just go with my head. So I've come to a realistic compromise. It will still cost, but will be interesting. I'm going to run cars for 6 months for a while. I have an E46 M3 Coupe and Elise sized itch to get rid of.

So rather than sticking 24k miles on a car in a year, I'm going to put 12k miles on a car, then change it and put 12k miles on the other. I realise that the M3 and Elise are opposite directions to each other from an S2000, but both have their appeal to me.

I was v tempted by an M3.

I know they are common as muck but I do like the understated nature of them. I got utterly punished by one in a straight line (in the S) so they really do move. Can you stretch to a CSL? I think this would be next on my list. If I ever tire of mine!

Interested to hear your thoughts, as I never drove one.

Your chop and change plan means you have to look for a very good car, which will sell on (right colour / spec / miles / history) and more importantly, a good price.

This is how I do it!

Not sure on BMW residuals by Loti seem pretty good.

220 bhp in an exige is plenty. Been looking at 250 for a laugh though.

One word of warning on the Exige is that it is quite impractical. I would use it every day if I worked in the UK and a normal working week, but it would get frustrating. It's not the comfort, that's no probs - it's the visibility.

Reversing is a bloody nightmare. You can't see a thing, and i've had to get out a few times (which takes a while) and see what's behind.

:rolleyes: n00b ;)

:D

4 point harnesses...

I'm getting normal belts added too!

What are you going to use as a track car mark?

The Exige I'll be taking out has the Sport and Super Sport packs. And it has aircon, which is what I want.

My concern with the M3 is that it'll just feel too big and unwieldy. Whereas the lotus is clearly just that's too impractical on a day to day basis. But we'll see.

Elise is more practical - I think you can see out the back?

Whatever car I get. I'll track the M3 if I get one, and you can be certain I'll track the Lotus. I need a car that I can drive to the nurburgring, thrash it around the ring, then drive back.

I'll probably hire the occasional caterham though.

You can see out of the back of the Elise, and also there's a small amount of visibility in the non-s exige.

Just get a CSL :)

I think i'd be happy driving to the Ring and back in the Loti, but obviously it would be much nicer in an M3.

The seats are comfy enough for 3 hour stints. You will have more padding than me though :D

Noise wise, I would be wearing earplugs on a long journey. Much over 60 and it get's a bit much, over a long drive.

I have driven a few m3's, nice cars :thumbup: Manual and SMG gearbox. Make sure you get one with a TV so you can watch it as you go along ;)


A few people on pistonheads complain about the brakes fading but bar that they are pretty bullet proof.

My plan is to put Pagid pads on it straight away if I get one anyway.

Harsh (Bachi) had issues with his M3 cab brakes from memory.

Nice cars, but i can't see you enjoying it that much as a track toy.

[QUOTE=chilled,May 13 2008, 09:53 AM] My plan is to put Pagid pads on it straight away if I get one anyway.

may be a parking rear sensor will be a more viable option?? :D :rolleyes:

at least u can hear the "bips"......haaa

Some owners have fitted cameras :eek3:

Don't suppose it was a CSL and the guy was Scottish?

Have you considered a VX220 Turbo? I took one out on a test drive and was quite impressed....that is an itch I have right now!

Easy to tune and it IS a lotus, if you can get over the badge on the front....but then you could remove it! :D

No it was a left hooker M3 with German plates, pretty sure he was German.

VX220: I am NOT going to deal with Vauxhall dealers. I'm PXing my S due to ease of getting rid of it.

I won't be tracking the M3 much Richard, I'll be hiring caterhams if I go the M3 route. But I still need something that I can drive around the ring in.

It's only about 30% lotus - think that's confirmed figure.

Different engine, ECU, brakes, fuel system, interior etc etc.

Lot faster too, those VX Turbos are well rapid ;)

Up until 2004 I would have had the VX over the lotus, because of the engine, Toyota did wonders for them there.

And you deal with a select few of Vauxhall dealers who are accredited to sell and service VX/VXRs so not you r usual dealer rubbish I would have thought!
You cant go into any Vauxhall dealer to get a VX! Posh hey?!

I'd have one at a drop of a hat tooo!!!!! ;D

Sell the S and buy one then? There can't be that much diff in price :)

2000 S is worth circa 10k, I think the cheapest turbos are circa 13k.

Just can't bring myself to buy a vauxhall. And also, I'm used to having convenient dealers, there's no VX vauxhall dealer near me.

Looked and felt remarkably similar when i test drove one a couple of years ago.

They do seem to use a lot of replacement Lotus parts over on the VX220 forum.

The turbos are indeed hanging around 13k, and thats for a 2002. Not a bad price for the performance, insurance is slightly less than the S and probably similar running costs...maybe a little cheaper.

However the S is a lot more refined and more practical! You dont need a shoe horn to get in! Particularly when the roof is on! MB can elighten you, if you havent had the joy!

As a summer/track/ring car, I wouldnt hesitate!

True, I have driven a Lotus and although it was great it was a nightmare to get in and out of for me.

Well you are a porker in a Porker Jamie. :D

OK, I realise I'm throwing stones in glasshouses here, but it was too tempting.

:D yes true but even a normal 12 stone lighweight would have trouble.

Beat me to it Chilled :D

I can get in and out fine (12st) As long as you can open the door fully.

Better to put your lid on once in the car though.

You have put a bit of weight on lately ;)

I'm heading that way!

:hello: :)

Good job I am flexible