I've owned my Lotus Exige for 5 years! Long term review
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2018
- I just passed the 5 year anniversary of when I bought my 2006 Lotus Exige. Want to know what I think about it after all this time? Well, just watch and find out! A few things about my car...
Dynoed at 211 HP to the wheels. 247 to the crank
BWR Supercharger
Stage 2 Lotus Exhaust
Upgraded radiator
Track pack
1 of 11 2006 Krypton Green Exiges in the US
![[ GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULERS ] Teaser Trailer](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/e4TDqaE3XAg/mqdefault.jpg)
I miss my lotus. Nothing better then waking up to leather wrapped steering wheels and hitting that start button. It never gets old.
Had my Exige S for 8 yrs and I can relate! Love the car!
A good driver’s car should be a visceral experience. It should make you want to drive it. It should put a smile on your face and in your soul. Make you feel like an afternoon canyon run or some good switch-backs is a mini vacation where you forget life’s crap and bond with the car & the road. If this doesn’t make sense to you then you’ve not found the right car yet.
Sums up how I feel exactly! Except that was a lot quicker lol thanks for the comment!
I'm like you. I have a 2005 Elise that i've had for 3 years now. I don't see myself selling it anytime soon. Every time I get into it, I feel like a little kid.
Great to see someone enjoying their car just as much 5 years on. A very nice advert for Lotus cars.
Haha thanks! 6 years in now. Love it the same!
AWESOME Testimonial!! 👍👍
Ace car that is 😃👍
Thanks for the video!
Great video. Beautiful car 👍
great honest review .. thanks :)
Thank you for this great video! I also think about getting one, I think you convinced me :) Stay safe and have fun with yours! :)
I've had my 06 Exige for 4 years now, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's the most fun of anything I've ever driven.
I agree with everything Craig said about the driving experience, and would sum it up by saying that owning one will make you the most defensive of drivers. For example, at stop lights, I leave a car length in front of me, and pull up a bit to the left of the car in front of me so the driver can see me in his side mirror, because if he's in a truck, he sure as Hell won't see me behind him. But the upside is that when someone makes a move on you, the car allows you to take very quick evasive maneuvers.
As for reliability, I've been very impressed with mine. Despite having 97,000 miles on it, and having been driven really hard by the previous owner, it's been surprisingly reliable. I've had a few electrical issues, all but one of which were caused by aftermarket parts, like a rather dodgy audio system. Despite being a British car, the electrical system and wiring are first rate.
And it's the same with mechanical issues, all of which have are minor and have to do with aftermarket parts like the BOE supercharger, surge tank, Quantum coilover shocks, and have mostly with how the parts were installed, and not the parts themselves. But then again, whenever you start modifying any vehicle, you are opening a can of worms, so I wouldn't blame Lotus what problems I've had.
The previous owner managed to smoke 2 engines in less than 70,000 miles, which is pretty hard to do, given the Toyota drivetrain. But he was often revving it to 8200 rpm with it pushing 276HP at the wheels. (Stock, it was 180HP). At slightly under 2000lbs, you don't need to beat on it to make it move, so I expect to get about 100,000 miles from the fresh engine and transaxle that are in mine now.
Which brings me to the point that if you can do the maintenance of one of these, they are ridiculously cheap to maintain, partly because of their simplicity. But if you have to take it to a Lotus dealership for maintenance or repairs, you will pay out the nose, the same as with any other exotic. And body damage is expensive, period.
The Exige is a car that can no longer be built, so there is no new equivalent; nothing that light and responsive. The car is telepathic in its response. It really becomes an extension of you, as you sense everything it touches, and its response is so immediate, with no computer aids or nannies to save you from yourself. It's all between you, the car, and God. That said, it is a well mannered car with no bad habits, and is easy to drive at speed.
Lotus recently announced that they will discontinue their current lineup, which means there will be no more Elises or Exiges, (or Evoras). So, I suspect you will see these cars start to rise in value. They are the last of the true lightweights. And if you can't swing the price of an Exige, an Elise is much easier to find, and even more affordable. And being essentially the same car mechanically, pretty much any upgrade you would do to an Exige can be done to an Elise.
This has to be the best comment ever. Thanks!
where do u find them? i would like to purchase one
This comment is gold I am looking into buying an exiges. I didn’t looked into lotus before. But now since I researched a bit I found myself loving the care more and more. It’s an amazing car
Own a 260cup and 211! Fantastic cars,real driving
u seem like a cool dude i was checkin out some of ur other vids too liked and subbed
Thank you!!! I just like to have fun, and live life to the fullest! Life is just too short and goes by too fast
Awesome car. I'm getting ready to go to Kansas City and rent one for 3 days. Maybe, I'll buy one, too. Thank you!
Thanks so much! Have a blast!!
Worth it indeed 👍
Sweet Exige!!!! Wow!
Thank you!!!
Thank you very much for your impressions. I've owning my Elise since February and I really like it in the warm wheater now. Two weeks ago I've done the first service at 1.000 mi to get the full rev and it's great.
Probably the Elise production will end next year, so I decided to get one of the last real sportscars.
Hope I'll like it in 5 years at the same ;-)
Welcome to the Lotus family!!! I just got back from a drive with mine. It's gorgeous weather finally in Chicagoland. I hope you do enjoy it as much as I do many years down the line! :)
What a great car
Thank you!! I also agree! :-)
Beautiful car man! It's something I plan on buying whenever I can afford it. Hell, I'm on my last year of study, and I'm tempted to start saving as soon as I'm done and working. There's a gorgeous matte grey one with black wheels for $80k NZD right now, and I really, REALLY wish I had that sort of money to spare.
Thank you so much! 80k is definitely a pretty penny. Half the price of mine. If it's what you want then focus and you you can get it! So worth it 😁
Speeding down Roselle Rd! Great video! See you around Schaumburg. I'm in Addison. Great car.
I would never! Haha thank, man! If you see me around stop and say Hi!
The drivers seat actually has lumbar support. It is a little hand pump on the bottom left. I just discovered mine the other day. I have a 2005 Elise and love it!!
Interesting.. I just checked and nothing there for me.. maybe the 1st owner removed it for some reason. Hmmm the seats are stock, so I dont know why they would.
@@craigdaniel6423 I just double checked. Your seats are different than mine. I have the Lotus Elise. Your seats look more high tech than mine.
BIG WANT!
Negatives: Why do I have this stupid car? Positives: Get in, drive it, then remember why.
Hey I seen you at supercar Saturdays sometimes.
Lotus kills 💣
You're like 15 min from my house. Small world. Saw that you were traveling down roselle rd past the old torn down coach house. Do you take her out in the winter months? How are the insurance rates in our state? I'm torn between this car or an elise.
That is so crazy! What are the odds?? I live in Schaumburg near the Jewel on Barrington Rd and Schaumburg Rd. I only take her out in the winter when the weather is really nice. When there is no snow or salt on the ground. Like we had for the past month prior to the most recent snowfall.
Insurance actually isn't bad. I actually pay about the same as I do for my Mini Cooper.
I was between an Elise and Exige too, but mainly for some cost savings with the Elise. I'm glad I went with the Exige because I love the more aggressive styling.
How many km or mile you run for 5 years, thanks for the video
Wow, idk why RUclips stopped giving me notifications on comments...
I've had it now 7 years and put about 15,000 miles on it. I know I don't drive it much, but it makes it that much more exciting when I do!
39,900. It’s probably worth 65k now.
Would you consider buying a high milage Exige? I'm looking at one with 118K.
How many miles had it when you bought it and how many does it have now?
Do you drive it in winter?
Great review btw!
Thank you so much! I bought the car with 31k miles on it and now have 48k. I dont drive it much in the winter, only on really nice dry days with no salt on the ground. I think the longest I went without driving it was 3 months. I try to get it out as much as possible!
Aight I know my dream car, that is actually get.
What is it like in terms of reliability? Finding mechanical shops who are able to work on them, and working on it yourself?
It's been extremely reliable for the past 6 years. Only issue I had was a coolant tank leak. Was able to get to it myself. All other things I had Gator Motorsports do for me in Inianapolis. Tune up/new radiator and brake lines. I'm very lucky that I haven't had anything else major happen. Knock on wood... :)
Have you driven an 05 elise? How did they compare? Specifically how is the electric throttle feel compared to the mechanical throttle. Do you have someone that works on it or do you do everything yourself? I'm considering a 05 Elise with sport pack or an exige. Thank you for the great video.
I've never driven an 05 Elise. Or any other Lotus for that matter, so sorry, but I can't give you my thought on comparison. I do as much as I can myself, but the big things that require too many hours/difficulty I take to Gotor Motorsports in Indianapolis.
hey man how tall are you? I'm thinking of getting one but I'm 6'3 and I'm unsure of how much room I'd have. Great review by the way
I'm 5'10". I have a buddy that is 6'2" and fits just fine with no problems. Thanks for watching! I appreciate the feedback!
Man I love this car, it's amazing! Do you use it as daily car? Can I ask you how many km do you usually run in a year? And another question if I may ask, did you have any mechanical problems?
I only put about 3000 miles a year. I don't daily drive it, but take it out every chance I get in the nice months. (From about March to November. When there's no salt on the ground here in Chicagoland). Luckily no major issues and I've had it for 7 years now. Only issue was a coolant tank leak which was an easy fix since it right on top.
@@craigdaniel6423 thanks!
What an epic Exige! I’m strongly considering one after selling my GTR. I have a 996tt but I still want something more exotic/sporty. Just by looking at vids the Exige seems like a street legal go-kart (I never sat in one). I’m 6’0 and you don’t look like a short guy either, would I have a problem with comfort?
An Exige will definitely will get more attention from somebody that doesn't know much about cars compared to a GTR. I'm 5' 9", but I have some friends about 6'1" and they fit just fine. Only complaints from everyone is getting in/out, but I'm so used to it that it doesn't bother me at all.
I'm considering selling my GT86 for an Elise to use on my small 10 mile commute to work. Just not sure if I'd want to drive it through winter, the gt86 is pretty comfortable even on long trips
I'm in the UK so there are more choices here (which were not sold in the US), right from the basic S1 up to the 111R S2 and newer.
I been thinking about the elise but progressive quoted me on the lotus over $400 a month. I'm going to try root.
I would suggest shopping around for insurance. When I did it seemed like they didn't really know how to quote. I got quotes ranged from $80 a month to $400 per month... plus I like near Chicago, so during the winter months I change it to Storage insurance only which saves some money.
NEVER USE A HARNESS ON A STREET CAR!!! Harnesses are made to be worn with a hans and helmet for street use it is waaaaay safer to use a 3 point seatbelt even a small 30 mph impact could kill you in a harness
Nice car chap lots of lightness as "Collin Chapman" would say, can you believe they do a 430 BHP version,
Thank you! It's hard to believe there are Exiges with double the horsepower than my car.. that must feel crazy fast!
@@craigdaniel6423 You are more than welcome chap, take a look at this mate
ruclips.net/video/_aeOXJ62Qhw/видео.html
@Robert Kirk, its not a version of the S2, the 430 is an S3 and it is longer, wider and and an heavier car needing the extra power.. Sure it is faster but Lotus are starting to build "heavier" cars needing all that extra power to maintain performance, not exactly the old Lotus philosophy.. My S2 is beefed up to 285hp at just above 915kg, thats the sweetspot..>310hp/tonne 👌
To me an Exige or Elise is all about handling, but so many US roads are set out in a grid pattern i.e. straight lines. Do you get to enjoy the cornering abilities where you live?
I do get to enjoy the cornering! There are a lot of grid patterns in larger sections of citys, but I live in a suburb of Chicago with some pretty good roads. 😁
@@craigdaniel6423 That's great, I'm happy for you! I used to drive a mk1 Elise, living in the UK with lots of twisty country roads - it was fabulous! When I first got it, the shocks were worn out and it was extremely scary, even in a straight line! Once the shocks were replaced, it was back to being the "one of the best drivers car on the road" (as many reviewers described it). I still miss it!
Exige or Evora? Currently 19 and I’m saving up to buy it when I’m 21. I’m obviously not going to buy it full out in cash I’m going to pull a loan out, but truthfully what would you guys recommend more? It won’t be a daily driver it’ll mainly be a weekend driven car and a track use car. Pro’s and Con’s for both, and what would be recommended more.
I wouldn't be able to give you my opinion on both. I do know for a fact of you're looking for something that will draw attention it'll be the Exige over the Evora any day. Evora will most likely be a little faster and more comfortable. I can only tell you from my experience with the Exige that it's definitely never gets old how much attention the car gets. I'm sure someone else can give their opinion on the Evora vs Exige a little better than I can. Hope this helps a little. Thanks!
I currently have an exige and I'm wondering where you got your side skirts from?
I wish I could help you out, but I actually purchased the car with the side skirts already on it. Sorry! I'm sure they have similar ones if you do a Google search
@@craigdaniel6423 no worries, I've been looking but quite tough to find without going for the uber expensive carbon fibre beasts!!! Thanks for the help though!
There is a guy on lotustalk forum who sells them
Hey you should look into getting a Mirror HD Rear View Camera i dont need one, but i still want to get one heard good things.
Lotus and Mini Cooper, is there any specific reason you opted for such small cars?
Honestly there is no specific reason. I guess I just have a "type" haha I seem to be drawn to smaller cars
@@craigdaniel6423 The Exige is beautiful machine, if I were to set goals in terms of possessing materialistic goods then that would be one
Have you had to change the clutch? How much did that cost?
Fortunately I have not yet. Going on 7 years and 12,000 miles driven. I'm dreading that day
Is it possible to get like paddle shift or gear or whatever it’s called?
None of the Exige models come from the factory with paddle shifters I believe, but I'm sure it can be put in. Seems like a tough job to be but I guess anything is possible!
Craig Daniel nice make more videos with it also what year are your exige from?
@@jonathansteenstrup422 I plan on it!! It's a 2006. It's the NA version with a BWR Supercharger put on aftermarket
You love the car... but how often do you drive it? Is it a weekend toy or do you drive 33 miles to work every day in it?
It's definitely only a weekend car. I drive it to work in the summer pretty frequently, but the winter it doesn't get driven for a month to 3 months sometimes...
Craig Daniel Craig Daniel well winter in Texas isn’t winter in a traditional sense. So long as it has AC, and is reliable enough for a daily 60 mile commute... in sold on a wonderfully impractical car. Provided I can find one in krypton green!
@@albertobertolin7273 I wish I can drive mine all year round! It just seems like a waste sitting in the garage for so long. Good luck! Took me a year of searching and waiting until I found my Krypton Green.
Super video! How is the mechanical reliability?
I've had it for 7.5 years now, and only major fix was a leaking coolant tank. Knock on wood. Feels like I got lucky, but I like to think I take pretty good care and maintenance. 😁
@@craigdaniel6423 Have you ever checked the intake cam for wear?
@@tomslinger6419 I have not yet, but good looking out. Gotta check that out
I currently have a porsche 911 996, thinking of changing to an exige, any thoughts?
I've only ever driven a 911 once. It was fast, and was a blast! But It felt more luxury compared to the Exige. The Exige does not have a lot of bells and whistles, but feels like a glorified go-kart and pure racecar. Just my personal opinion. Also, I believe a Lotus will stand out in a crowd more because Porsches are not uncommon.
@@craigdaniel6423 Thanks for the (quick!) reply. I have been in an elise once, and it was a lot of fun. Definitely not many bells and whistles, but then a 996 also only has the bare minimum, so used to that.
Wats the maintenance cost per year on this.
Hi! Sorry for the late reply... maintenance is not expensive at all, but it also depends on how much it's driven. I only really drive it in the summer. In summers that I autocross frequently I will change the oil a few times during the season. Otherwise just brakes and normal wear and tear to worry about for me!
4pt harness + aftermarket steering wheel. Not a good combination. Make sure got airbags so we don't break out neck during collision.
What engine does it have? A V6 or an I4
I4 1.8L with an aftermarket BWR supercharger. Puts out 211 HP to the wheels. 247 to the crank.
1.8 A toyota corolla engine
How is it as a daily? How is parking?
I don't drive it daily, but I get nervous in bad weather because of how exposed the engine is. Parking is easy because it's so small, but I don't trust parking near other people. One big gust of wind when someone opens a door can really ruin a day lol
And the Maintenance?
I've had it for 5.5 years now and have only had to repair the coolant tank. It started leaking at one of the inlets. I change my oil 2-3 times a year depending on the weather and how much I'm able to drive it. Change the break pads ever 2 Summers and 2 years ago changed the rotors. I've had 3 sets of tire tho :-) I've autocrossed the car about 50 times over the past 5 Summers as well. The Toyota engine is solid.
what issues have you had with the car so far?
Honestly haven't really had any issues with it at all. (Knock on wood)
The worst thing for me was the coolant tank started leaking, but was an easy fix myself and relatively inexpensive. I try to do my best for maintenance every year.
@@craigdaniel6423 wow thats really motivating to hear! thanks for the quick response. i was worried though because I saw another video where the owner said that his supercharger gave out in two years and it was an expensive fix
what area are you in?
I'm in Streamwood now, but was in the Schaumburg area when I made this video
How much is the insurance 😭
Sorry, I just saw this now. Insurance isn't bad either. I pay less for the Lotus than I do for my Mini Cooper. Partly because I only put liability insurance on it during the winter which saves me some money because it just sits in my garage.
Thinking of selling my 911 997.2 to pick up an Exige and came across your video. I was already pretty much sold due to the Toyota engine and transmission but this helped push me over the edge. Thank you - I’m going for it.
Question...how’s your AC work?
BTW I love my 911 but it’s 10 years old now, no warranty, and I’m hearing stories about catastrophic PDK transmission failures that cost about $25k to repair....no thank you.
Even if something goes on the Lotus, it’s not $25k to repair.
Wow, that's such a great compliment! I promise you won't be disappointed if you make the switch. The AC is just like any other car. Low, med, high and can aim it at feet, straight or dash.
LUMBAR SUPPORT
Is this the one with the Toyota engine?
Yep! 2ZZ-GE i4. Same engine that's in a Toyota Celica GTS. Haha, but a much lighter car makes it much more fun
Celica, also MR2 no?
@@Mikeycrzed I dont believe so
Said how great harnesses are. Doesn’t wear them correctly....
How do you wear them correctly?
Is this supercharged? Can’t see an intercooler in the rear window?
Talk about blindspots, drive one with a intercooler in the back window, you see nothing.... I mean nothing at all. The rear vision mirror allows you to see zero!
Want to see more LOTUS Exige, check out my car, EXIGE S Canyon Red on my Channel.
It is supercharged, but it's a 2006, so it was originally naturally aspirated. No intercooler is needed for the 06 with an aftermarket SC. I can only imagine the even less visibility!
@@craigdaniel6423 mine is a 2006 but is supercharged from new. So yours must be a early 2006. Yes the rear vision is gone!
@@waynosfotos it is an early model. Built in December 2005 If I remember correctly.
Trash audio. Video isn't worth watching