Lotus Exige (2004 - 2021) S Touring 2d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I love driving & are prepared to put up with a few minor impracticalities to drive one of the best handling cars avaliable.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Wow! Get a chrome orange one to really stand out. So far everyone we've taken for a ride has loved every second.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, this is the third Lotus we've bought after owning a series 1 Elise 111S & a series 2 Elise 111S. So far this one is the dog's b******s, performance is STUNNING! It's cheap to run, gives over 30 mpg when not thrashed, tyres aren't astronomical considering the grip, servicing is under half that for a Porche & it's perfectly suited to the UK's narrow roads. Don't buy one if you don't like being looked at everywhere you go & drawing a crowd when parked for more than a few minutes.

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe the new Esprit when finally released.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£36,500

When did you buy the car?

November 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Negotiated 14% off list price by waiting until the end of the year & then walking away after expressing an interest.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Awesome performance, handling, noise, eye catching looks, stunning acceleration.

What was the dealer like?

Very good.

What's it like to drive?

Stunning. Drive it like a superbike & enjoy everything disappearing in the side mirrors. Find the twistiest road, nail it to the apexes & revel in the G force forcing you sideways in the seat. This car makes computer games redundant. Get it on a track to enjoy the full experience.

What's it like to park?

Interesting, if you have a passenger handy get them to guide you in, forget the rear view mirror as all you see is intercooler. Steering is light even at low speeds. Worrying about where to park is normal, regardless of where you do some numpty will park next to you.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Developed a faulty battery which gave starting problems, dealer picked up car & fitted new & uprated battery.

What's most practical about your car?

Nothing. But the boot holds a surprising amount.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The stage 1 exhaust & supercharger make a lovely noise which becomes addictive very quickly. A/C is handy but toys are not required to make driving this car an experience.