Exige, Honda, Sport 160...what now?

[SteveBanks]

Well after my car park incident and my S1 being written off, I’m now in a position to buy a replacement. Insurance company have been complete and utter pricks and I’m going to have to go down the ombudsman route, but enough of this depressing crap, in the meantime I have a new toy to buy!

My S1 was 180 with cr box so I want something of similar performance but preferably better. So I’m looking for some opinions on the following and if anyone knows of any good cars for sale then let me know…

I’ve always wanted an S1 Exige, this looks good value, nice upgrades etc, but needs a 190 upgrade (pref Emarald DVA kit about 1k extra)
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/90836.htm

or a Honda, good upgrades & performance but a lot for a 9yr old car. Does anyone know this car? I know it was originally a prototype DIY install but has been sorted by MSC. Its been up for sale for months now, started at 19k
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/54327.htm

or cracking (sensible option) S1, would want a CR box for this tho
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/90997.htm


Budget is 20k(ish) max, has to be Elise or Exige and S2 may be considered.

Steve
ps
Needs to look better than Scott the (i'm not allowed to say the P word) green S1 in the works car park

[Uldis]

I'd say that Honda converted S1 has got to be the best of the bunch.

Other than that, if you like the Exige you can do the equivalent of the 190 spec easily yourself, verniers, thermostat, and Emerald if you want.
I wouldn't go through DVA, just buy directly from Dave Walker.

And afaik the S160 had already a CR so don't need to buy one.

HTH.

[kenny]

I am biased towards Honda power so it gets my vote, 17k is a lot but I think you would knock at least a grand off the seller for a car that looks as if its been well looked after with plenty of other upgrades.

[jj]

That sport 160 looks pretty awesome setup. The honda is a dodgy colour (no offence to any owners) and has been for sale as you say for months and months. But may be more reliable.

I`d say you`d have to drive them to decide.

[GregR]

that 160 is complete and utter porn!

[Scottd]

....ps Needs to look better than Scott the (i'm not allowed to say the P word) green S1 in the works car park

Impossible, cheeky barsteward

[Gareth]

135R...my one.

[SteveBanks]

Hmm...the Honda is my current favourite from a driving perspective (especially after being in Mckeans car) and I'm trying not to let looks get in the way. Sport 160 does look but some black victories on the Honda would make it look similar - I quite like the dark blue and if I could get it for 16k then I'm sure I could live with it.

Uldis, unfortunately the 160's came with a standard box. Buying an emerald etc. for the Exige and getting someone more competent than myself to fit sounds like a good option but I'm still concerned about an almost 40k VHPD, the ad doesn't mention any rebuild work and I don't want a tired engine, or to be constantly worried about it going bang.

Gareth, I do like the 135r's (a newer car also appeals) but want something quicker. Saying that, I haven't actually driven one and may be surprised.

Steve

[jj]

Gareths car is the fastest lotus on the planet, just ask him.

[Gareth]

Having only been up against Exiges (S2's) at Knockhill, I think the 135R holds it's own on the straight bearing in mind, top speed under the bridge is about 105/110 tuts. Who knows the out come if the straight was another 1/4 mile longer. Probably due to the c/r box. On the corners with the same driver....just as quick. All IMHO.

[tut]

If I was starting again I would go for Bernards 330hp Audi conversion.

tut

[Gareth]

Out of interest, how much is the Audi Conversion?

[Sanjøy]

Not sure if the Swiss car refers to this owner.

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=89752

[ed]

re audi: clicky

the 250bhp i think is around £10k all in?!
the 300+bhp is around the 12.5k mark.....

[GregR]

If I was starting again I would go for Bernards 330hp Audi conversion.

tut

tut, i'm curious. why would you do so?