Used car buying guide: Lotus Exige S2

The S2 was launched in 2004. In place of its predecessor’s Rover K-series 1.8 (the Exige S1 is quite rare but worth a punt), it had a Toyota-sourced and Yamaha-designed motor of the same capacity, producing 187bhp. Today, this naturally aspirated version is considered a little underpowered. Lotus’s backroom wizards thought so and added an Eaton supercharger to one, taking power to 240bhp. Lotus named it the 240R and made 50 of them. They soon sold out so it made the blower standard in 2006 but wound power back to 217bhp, clearing the way for various uprated specials. 

This so-called S2 S version ran until 2008, when it was replaced by the 237bhp S 240. An S 260 producing 252bhp followed it in 2009. Throughout, there were numerous specials, among them endless Cup specials, the S British GT Special Edition and the Club racer, as well as enough option packs to make even Mercedes blanche. These included Touring, Super Touring and Super Sport packs. 

Best Exige? All of them. Naturally aspirated or supercharged, so long as it has been cherished, an S2 will finish first in your heart, every day.

An expert’s view: 

Steve Williams of Steve Williams Sports Cars: “I’ve been working on Lotus cars since I was 18. I’m now 56. I’ve owned a Europa since I was 21 and also own an Esprit Turbo, an Lotus Evora race car and a Lotus Carlton. For me, the appeal of Lotus is its ability to think out of the box and make something its own. The trouble is, it uses off-the-shelf engines and transmissions not designed to take some of the sustained high revs owners subject them to. So while the Exige’s Toyota engine is thought to be reliable, it requires expert servicing using the correct oils, and proper mechanical upgrades if you’re going to race it. Otherwise, it’s a thoroughly practical sports car you can take shopping one day and racing the next.” 

Buyer beware:

Engine: Check the 9000-mile service interval schedule has been followed and the correct grade of oil used. Cam wear can result if not. A rattle at low revs could be a failing plastic supercharger coupling. If the car has been used on the track, look for evidence of a baffled sump and frequent oil changes. 

Cooling system: Radiator ends leak over time. Check the coolant reservoir isn’t low because there’s no indicator on the dashboard. Ensure the fan cuts in when it should. 

Gearbox: Expect sychro wear on hard-driven cars, especially the mid-range gears on supercharged models. Test by dipping the clutch from fourth to third to second and back up again without releasing it, and feeling for graunching. A track car’s gearbox should show evidence of fresh oil every 10,000 miles. Constant on-limit gearchanges can shatter the oil pump. 

Suspension, steering and brakes: Check the standard Bilsteins for broken spring collars, and ball joints and rubbers for wear and splits. Uneven tyre wear could be kerbing or a poor wheel set-up. Feel behind the front brake discs for rust. Check the unassisted steering for play. 

Chassis and body: With the car on a ramp, check the underside for scrapes and off-track damage, and behind the undertray. Where fitted, inspect the air-con pipes for leaks. Look for paint blistering. At all ages, beware small hairline cracks suggesting structural weakness. 

Also worth knowing: 

Joining a Lotus owners’ club will let you access inside knowledge, servicing contacts and the forums when you want to share a problem (Lotus related, of course). Seloc.org is one such club and its Exige TechWiki pages are a treasure trove of essential info. 

How much to spend: 

£19,000-£24,999: Highish-mileage 2004-2007 187bhp S2s in good condition, including a dealer 2007-reg with 71k miles for £21,695. 

£25,000-£28,495: Mileages coming down now but still 187bhp cars including a 24k-mile 2006 car for £27,995. 

£28,500-£32,999: Good choice of 2006-reg 217bhp S cars at this money with 15k-40k miles. Also a rare 2008 240R with 19k miles for £32,990. 

£33,000-£39,995: A few more 2006 and later Exiges, including 260 Sport Pack cars and British GT Special Editions.

One we found:

Lotus Exige S2, 2004/54, 89K MILES, £19,500: Leggier than normal but better that than one that has been sitting around. Has been tracked (it has a baffled sump and Stage 3 exhaust) but not for the past two and a half years, and the dealer says it’s sound as a bell and has loads of workshop receipts.