Not to open up a can of worms but should I have bought an Exige instead?

I have an FD Rx7, a 2006 NA Exige, 355, and a Scud. If I had to sell my cars for whatever reason, it would be in this order:

1. Exige
2. scud
3. 355
4. Rx7
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If you think the 355 looks like it's from the '80s, or even the '70s, and you like the Exige a great deal then maybe you'd be happier with one of those. But be aware that they have their own set of unique problems, many of which are not shared with the 355.

 

If you feel that way about the Ferrari then you should sell it.

As for the the Exige???? when I drove one ....it reminded me of a kit car or an Toyota MR2....
nothing wrong with that....if your in to that kind of thing

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I believe there are roughly 600 S2 Exiges in the U.S. Not too sure about Canada. So it is a fairly rare car you don't see too often on the road.

Most parts built for the car is of high quality (headers, suspension bits, brakes, etc) so the parts are indeed expensive, but the performance parts are "smaller" or there's less of it, so it seems less ecpensive compared to a similar mod for the 355. For Example, and Arqray Titanium Exhaust is about $1900. I picked up a used Stainless Steel version for $600. Quality 321 SS headers are $1600. You can find them a lil less than $1k for ones made with less expensive materials. I usually like to put top of the line stuff for my car, so it does add up. I just sold my set of JRZ 2-Ways ($6k) for pretty much half of that (due for a rebuild) today, so I can try a set of Ohlins TTX 2-way ($5k). I'm a bit hesitant to go all out like that on a 355 because of the car's rising value and limited track time because of it's rising value. I would need a higher mileaged , less valued 355 for that.

In general, i think parts are expensive for the car, but maintenance is relatively inexpensive because it is a 4 cylinder Toyota Motor. The weak point is the head. However, it is inexpensive to rebuild if it goes and most opt to improve the flow as well as upgrade the valvetrain while they're in there. There's no belt service. Everything is easily accessible. It probably maintains easier than a Honda Civic. But if things wear out or break, be prepared to $$$$.

I went to Japan earlier this year to pick-up a few needed parts.

1. ARC Front and Rear Sway Bars. $1000
2. ARC arms and Heim joints (oem is super weak and completely worn on mine). $1100
3. Ikeya Formula 1.8 Way LSD. OEM LSD sucks. $1800.

If you have an NA. Transmission will last you a long time. I bought my car with 8k miles. It now has 87k mi. I drive it... Often... Everywhere. Upgraded the clutch to an ACT Street clutch only to find my OEM clutch still looks BRAND NEW after 85k miles. synchros and everything was still fine. Not even close to needing a rebuild. Of course, your driving style matters as well.
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Driving Experience:

Definitely not the best car to drive around town. It's a hassle getting in and out of the car. Valet rarely knows how to start it. Super tight in there with two people. Girls love the car, so having a girl/date as a passenger gets you close to the action . For me, driving alone is great. Once you get it the car, it feels comfortable, to me at least. You feel like you're in the middle of the car, so it gives a racecar like experience. I drive mine quite often, so it doesnt bother me. I think its a fun car to daily drive.

No power steering. AC does malfunction. Bucket seats are comfortable. Car feels like a toy. afterall, it weighs in at only 1900 lbs stock. When you drive the car, you will realize the importance of weight reduction in a sports car. Car handles and responds very well. Car takes a set almost immediately. To me, it's a true driver's car. The car is drive-by-wire, but a very good one. You can barely tell it is dbw. Other than ABS, the driving experience is pure imho. The 355 obviously has ABS as well, but it is not drive by wire, which is great. However, it does have power steering and it has some computer assistance with the factory dampers.

The 355 sounds 10x better to me. Ferrari engine is much crispier. Exige is all about simplicity, light weight, and chassis design. You don't really feel or hear "machinery."

However, it is fun and challenging to drive an underpowered car at the limit. Exige is perfect for that. It is also easier , for me at least, to drive a less expensive car at the limit. One that isnt going to break the bank account if something goes wrong.

Looks: i find tons of women and Kids love the Exige. My gf thinks my Exige is my best looking car. Random girls will come up to me because they are genuinely excited seeing one. Ferrari.... Not so much. I think with Ferrari, people are just more intimdated to approach. I personally think the Exige is cool looking sports car, but the 355 is a far prettier, sharper, and more confident looking car... At least the way mine looks.
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+1 on the rx7. I had one long ago and still miss it.
As for the exige...pehhhhh, I'm not a big fan as I don't fit in it. When I drove it once I wasn't too exited about it but didn't have track time.
355>exige for sure!

 

Girls sure will like ithe exige better. Because, it's cute.. Ahhhhh
They also love the new bettle better than Ferrari. Except for Miami beach.. Other places usually guys stare at the Ferrari. Ahhh, Miami beach before I got married. Good times.
The exige looks can not compare to the 355.

 

Didn't you say you're 6 "4" ? The Exige is definitely not for you . I'm 5 "10" 175lbs. For me its fine.

 

Do you own Shine Automotive? If so, I bought a few things from you for my old FD.

 

Yeap.. I had my knees next to my ears. Never mind the shins. Got brushed in 15 drive.
I do appreciate the simplicity of it though.

 

These are very different cars. An Elise/Exige is not a car to run an occasional errand in, just to enjoy its "specialness." The F355, like almost any Ferrari, is a rolling event wherever it goes. Of course both are impressive cars to bystanders, but the moment I sat in an Elise I knew it was too hardcore for me.

 

http://youtu.be/xWmCyFOyHL8

NA Exige vs F355 Challenge

Enjoy

 

A Ferrari is not for everybody. I love mine.

 

If that's a naturally aspirated Exige then it's not stock. The Exige's light weight gives it a huge advantage, but having driven both cars on the track I know the 355 has a bigger power advantage than is indicated in the video.

Both are super-cool cars though. I'd own one of the Lotuses if they weren't so danged fragile. I typically don't go off track and when I do it's usually uneventful, but I'd be very uncomfortable knowing I could total the car by sliding the wrong way over some curbing.

 

Very nice driving for both guys. Reminds me of my younger days in my evo9. Friend of mine hated my evo9 being on his azz in his 360.

 

Its your can of worms..I dont think anyone else..Sorry you bought the wrong car for you,but it happens!..Get the the Lotus that you truly appreciate!

 

My 10 cents-
Originally looking for a twin turbo esprit, nothing but bs from sellers, and knowing the nightmare of electrical.
Lotus tried making a comeback using exotic performance and styling from cars such as Ferrari etc, but still poor cars. Depends if you line working on cars as well. 355 May have issues, but workable through them, good wrenching car and lots of parts around. British is bad history of electrical etc, cheap craftsmanship in newer cars.
Stay with a known head turner, just my thoughts.

 

I'm pretty certain you'll find that the Italians have an even worse history/reputation when it comes to car electrics!

(And unlike Ferrari, the British do tend to at least put all of their fuses and relays in the one, easy to find place rather than scattering them throughout the car, and not even mentioning where some of the fuses and relays actually are! )

 

OP, I'll buy a regular Exige and trade you straight up for the 355.

 

No mention of this yet?-

Lotus Exige 260 v Ferrari F355 | Autocar

 

Nice !!

I raced a 1979 RX7 in GTU in 79-81. Was a blast love those rotarys

 

I don't have a 355 so no bias, but this thread is a joke right?

Lotus didn't attract the title 'Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious' over here for nothing!

 

Why would you not spend at least 10 minutes on the internet researching the car your about to buy?
I knew all the issues before hand, chose a car with the known issues fixed and was prepared for the rest of them.

You would think that goes without saying.

 

Did anyone see the interior on that 355? Beautiful. The comments are interesting as well.
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