Lotus is a legendary car manufacturer responsible for introducing some of the most lightweight exotic supercars to the world. Exige being one of them is a two-door mid-engined sports car known for its featherweight and high-performance characteristics. Sharing the chassis and interior with the Lotus Elise, it has a fixed roof, different body panels, and a rear wing to increase the downforce.
It is an excellent thing to bring on track as it will give you an exhilarating performance but at not so in price. If you are someone looking to buy a used Lotus Exige here are 10 things you need to know about this British dream before writing the cheque.
11. Find one as original as possible
When searching for an Exige make sure to find one as stock as possible. Because these were performance cars and they are thoroughly modified, tracked and there are chances that your car might have been owned by several people before you. Therefore you need to carefully check the vehicle and look for matching engine and chassis numbers. Also, check the documentation such as the owner’s manual and service records to provide a track record of maintenance to know how the car was treated at the time.
10. If you are tall or overweight
Lotus put a great emphasis on making their car lighter, thus adapting to a small chassis was necessary to achieve this which can be a problem for people who are taller or have big stature. It is an important point to consider the space and comfort limitations of Lotus Exige before making the purchase. The Exige is known for its compact driver-focused cabin, which does not provide ample room for taller or larger individuals. It is advisable to take a test ride and if you don’t feel comfortable, or the headroom lacks you can go for other models or counterparts that are better in terms of space.
09. Wear and tear on the car
Lotus Exige is a low and nimble track-focused sports car that was meant to be driven. And when you drive it as intended the wear and tear becomes a part of it. However, the cost of the repair can be expensive therefore it is crucial to evaluate these aspects before writing the cheque. Start with the exterior and look for signs of previous repair, after that interior, and mechanical components of the car. Make sure to bring someone who owns or knows about these cars. You can also raise these factors while negotiating the price of the car.
08. Look Underneath
A thorough look under the car tells a lot about how the car was used by the previous owner. There are certain things that you should look for like ant dents, sliding marks, etc. It can tell you whether the car was involved in an accident and potential signs of damage and corrosion. Look for things like fluid leaks, assess the frame and chassis structural rigidity, and inspect the drivetrain components. A thorough evaluation of the underside can reveal several important aspects of the car that are related to the safety and longevity of the car.
07. Inspect the windshield
When inspecting a used Lotus Exige, one more important thing to do is to check the windshield of the car. Since it is a low car the chances of damaging the windshield are quite high and the cost of repair can be even higher. Check for any cracks, chips, or starbursts which can cause glares and distortions making it hard to drive. Check the weather seal to see if it does not leak which can damage your car on the inside.
06. Run the diagnostics
One of the crucial aspects is to run diagnostics on the car to assess its overall condition and identify any potential issues. You might need professional help for this one or you can do it yourself if you have access to the software. Address any illuminated check engine lights by reading and clearing codes to understand the underlying problems. This will help you to assess underlying problems that are not identified by the naked eye or just the overall feeling of the car. Running diagnostics provides valuable insights about the car’s health, enabling you to make an informed decision for the purchase.
05. Check the intake and exhaust cams
Although the Exige is a reliable car, there is a common camshaft problem that needs to be checked. While checking look for signs of wear, damage, or any visual abnormalities such as scoring discoloration, or pitting. Assess the condition of the camshaft lobes and ensure they are free from excessive wear and damage. Also, make sure that the intake and exhaust valves open and close smoothly. Furthermore, keep in mind to take expert help wherever needed because it will save you time and money in the long run.
04. Transmission inspection
Transmission is one of the most expensive repairs in any car, therefore a thorough inspection is much needed. For manual transmission, ensure smooth shifting without grinding or unusual noises and check the engagement and disengagement. The automatic transmission should be tested for smooth and responsive gear changes, without delays and jerky movements. Check the transmission fluid level and condition, look for cleanliness, and see if there is any burnt smell.
03. Brakes AOK
Brakes are another important aspect that you need to check during the inspection process. Check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the brake rotors to ensure they are within safe limits. Also make sure that the brake fluid levels are fine, as dirty and deteriorated fluid may indicate a need for maintenance. Test the brake pedal for a firm and responsive feel.
02. Professional check
If you are not well versed in the mechanical aspect of the car, then taking the professional approach is the only viable option to get. A qualified mechanic or a Lotus specialist can conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s overall condition. They have the expertise and specialized tools to identify any hidden issues or potential problems that will help you save a lot of time, hassle, and money in the long run. They can also help you to make an informed decision whether to make the purchase decision or not.
01. Test Drive
Never buy a car or any vehicle without taking a test drive, with that said it is the most important aspect of the inspection. At first, you should just start the engine and look for any unusual noises, ensuring a smooth start-up and consistent idle. While driving, check the acceleration, responsiveness, and handling of the car and notice if anything feels unusual. Pay close attention to the braking performance and the comfort of the ride, checking for excessive road noise and vibrations. This helps you to understand the car better and see if there are any problems while purchasing the car. Also, steer clear from the car if the current owner is allowing you to test drive the car because there are chances of some significant issues.
