Looking to buy (UK) V6 Manual

[DBLE07]

Wow. Triple wow. I'm on the cusp of buying a new Emira, and this is precisely what is giving me great pause. I have an LC500 Convertible on order--in fact it's being built later this week--and it will be on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of quality and reliability. That said, I'm strongly considering giving it up for an Emira.

With all due respect and absolutely no offense intended, I believe the unfortunate fact is that the British (and Italians) can design absolutely gorgeous cars and engineer some impressive performance, but there has never been such thing as a high quality (beyond skin deep)/high reliability British car brand. It's something one must simply accept. I'm not sure I can do that. Very much on the fence.

I don’t know about that… I’ve had 5 Land Rovers, 2 Jaguars, and this is my first Lotus. Not one had a “major” problem.

Keep in mind people aren’t posting when they went for a ride and everything “worked”, most people post when they’ve done an upgrade to share, or are having a problem.

Myself, I’ve had my 2024 V6 FE now for almost 2 years and haven’t been back to the dealer since pickup.

 

[StopLoss]

I don’t know about that… I’ve had 5 Land Rovers, 2 Jaguars, and this is my first Lotus. Not one had a “major” problem.

Keep in mind people aren’t posting when they went for a ride and everything “worked”, most people post when they’ve done an upgrade to share, or are having a problem.

Myself, I’ve had my 2024 V6 FE now for almost 2 years and haven’t been back to the dealer since pickup.

Well you certainly lucked out. Of ALL the British brands, I'd say Land Rover has the worst reputation, perhaps because their volume is more significant. Here in the U.S., when 34 manufacturers are ranked by JD Powers, Land Rover excels at one thing: trying their best to continually be #34! LOL

That said, there were a few times I seriously considered a Range Rover or Range Rover Sport. Again, beautiful British design, infamously poor reliability. Glad you've had a good experience!

Btw another commonality is that British brands are often--or even always--struggling financially, on the brink of bankruptcy, or being acquired by yet another savior nanny. I have a clear theory on why this is the case but will refrain . . . .

 

[geoffbland]

Btw another commonality is that British brands are often--or even always--struggling financially, on the brink of bankruptcy, or being acquired by yet another savior nanny. I have a clear theory on why this is the case but will refrain . . . .

Is your theory that the UK government doesn't provide $80B subsidies to their car manufacturers?

 

[geoffbland]

You won it? and moaning about a free gift, I think a lot of people her would love this for nothing. Why did you not sell it to a dealer and get a load of money? I do not think a Lotus is for you.

I probably should just ignore this response.... but...

I would expect most people would expect a new car to be reliable whether they bought it or got it for free - I don't see what bearing that has at all. Does not buying something with your own money somehow mean you should expect inferior products? From what I've seen of Simon's posts he's been more than patient with the car, really liking the car and wanting it to work and has been mostly poorly treated by Lotus.

 

[SimonT]

I probably should just ignore this response.... but...

I would expect most people would expect a new car to be reliable whether they bought it or got it for free - I don't see what bearing that has at all. Does not buying something with your own money somehow mean you should expect inferior products? From what I've seen of Simon's posts he's been more than patient with the car, really liking the car and wanting it to work and has been mostly poorly treated by Lotus.

Thanks. It says a lot that I have a Toyota IQ from new, 2009 £12k, with 108k miles and all that's gone are wear and tear items. 17 years on and Lotus, Geely, can't produce a car that is trouble free for a good chunk of owners.

It's an awesome drivers car, looks amazing and I hope the next owner enjoys it as much as I wanted to.

 

[Gizmo]

Wow lots of replies to catch up on thanks for all the extra info.!

I am still 95% V6 manual and 99% Atlantis blue (both my Elise and Exige S1s were azure)

I think it unlikely that they will produce an upgraded V6 so I should perhaps just get on with buying one (still need to test drive)

I see that the sunroof is going to be available on the V6 so I wonder if the new 2 way suspension will be offered?

Does anyone know how difficult the KEF audio would be to retro fit? There appear to be a few new v6 manuals available in Atlantis but lowish spec.?

 

[Beachbum]

Wow lots of replies to catch up on thanks for all the extra info.!

I am still 95% V6 manual and 99% Atlantis blue (both my Elise and Exige S1s were azure)

I think it unlikely that they will produce an upgraded V6 so I should perhaps just get on with buying one (still need to test drive)

I see that the sunroof is going to be available on the V6 so I wonder if the new 2 way suspension will be offered?

Does anyone know how difficult the KEF audio would be to retro fit? There appear to be a few new v6 manuals available in Atlantis but lowish spec.?

If you were going to upgrade the stereo, there are far better options than just putting in the KEF system Lotus used.
There are numerous threads out there on other systems that people have installed over and above the KEF, so would suggest reading those for suggestions/examples

 

[Gizmo]

Wow lots of replies to catch up on thanks for all the extra info.!

I am still 95% V6 manual and 99% Atlantis blue (both my Elise and Exige S1s were azure)

I think it unlikely that they will produce an upgraded V6 so I should perhaps just get on with buying one (still need to test drive)

I see that the sunroof is going to be available on the V6 so I wonder if the new 2 way suspension will be offered?

Does anyone know how difficult the KEF audio would be to retro fit? There appear to be a few new v6 manuals available in Atlantis but lowish spec.

If you were going to upgrade the stereo, there are far better options than just putting in the KEF system Lotus used.
There are numerous threads out there on other systems that people have installed over and above the KEF, so would suggest reading those for suggestions/examples

I have read quite alot of those and appreciate they might sound better etc. But would prefer to keep it oem, assuming that the vent flaps issue is resolved!

 

[Gizmo]

So finally arranged a test drive of a manual v6 will be next week.
Have sat in a few again both leather seated and Alcantara it still feels as if the seat is too high and as though I am on it rather than in it. But I need to test drive to really see. Carbon buckets are looking more tempting by the minute.

 

[marc1adrien]

So finally arranged a test drive of a manual v6 will be next week.
Have sat in a few again both leather seated and Alcantara it still feels as if the seat is too high and as though I am on it rather than in it. But I need to test drive to really see. Carbon buckets are looking more tempting by the minute.

For some -- including me -- this feeling goes away. If you watch Harry's video on it he mentions this -- some of it is the illusion created by the scallop in the front windows lowering the glass near the mirrors; it actually feels much like a generation 1 NSX in this regard. I worried a great deal about the seats and the head clearance given I'm 6'3.5. Two years in and it's not an issue. Oh and the car is at 11,000 miles with virtually no issues beyond software updates and a couple of TSBs.

 

[Gizmo]

For some -- including me -- this feeling goes away. If you watch Harry's video on it he mentions this -- some of it is the illusion created by the scallop in the front windows lowering the glass near the mirrors; it actually feels much like a generation 1 NSX in this regard. I worried a great deal about the seats and the head clearance given I'm 6'3.5. Two years in and it's not an issue. Oh and the car is at 11,000 miles with virtually no issues beyond software updates and a couple of TSBs.

Hmm interesting i will have to wait and see on the test drive. There is a car in the UK network that looks like a good deal (right body colour for me but missing a fair few extras I would like but some of which could be retro fitted with the saving on list price

 

[marc1adrien]

Hmm interesting i will have to wait and see on the test drive. There is a car in the UK network that looks like a good deal (right body colour for me but missing a fair few extras I would like but some of which could be retro fitted with the saving on list price

I'd suggest once you get the car, don't change the seats until you've had some hours in it

 

[MiamiBlue]

Wow lots of replies to catch up on thanks for all the extra info.!

I am still 95% V6 manual and 99% Atlantis blue (both my Elise and Exige S1s were azure)

I think it unlikely that they will produce an upgraded V6 so I should perhaps just get on with buying one (still need to test drive)

I see that the sunroof is going to be available on the V6 so I wonder if the new 2 way suspension will be offered?

Does anyone know how difficult the KEF audio would be to retro fit? There appear to be a few new v6 manuals available in Atlantis but lowish spec.

Atlantis blue is a 'new' colour. Most used cars for sale in the UK are FE cars, so Seneca Blue is prevalent. If I was buying one new I would definitely get one of the new colours as that will automatically make it a rare colour in the UK.

I very much doubt there will be a change to the suspension setups offered. You'll need to pick. If you have any experience with German M or RS cars you'll find even Sport very soft and compliant. You'll probably want firmer if you're going to track the car. But if you're going to just 'Tour' and drive around on crappy British roads then Tour makes a lot of sense.

Sound systems in cars are extremely subjective. You'll always get a wide range of opinions on how it sounds. It's best you listen yourself. My take is that the KEF system was billed as a very high end system with a lot of expectation, so when it tuned out to just be an average car system there was a lot of disappointment. It's not an awful system, and it's by far the best sound system to ever exist in a Lotus. Just manage your expectations. I have an FE car so it's included. But I don't think I would spend the £2K (or whatever they charge) to option it in.

As for the seats (I have the firmer Alcantara seats) I did initially think I sat too high. But after literally just a few days I adapted and it felt completely normal. I also initially hated the odd shaped steering wheel. But again after a week I adapted and now it feels fine.

 

[Gizmo]

Looks like someone has bought the stock car I was potentially interested in (ie Manual and in Atlantis blue) which potentially means new order if I want Atlantis Blue (which I think I do)

Problem is I have been reading more about the Nitron Fast road Electron Dampers and they look really appealing as do the Tillet seats which is going to make the bill a lot more!

 

[Whitey]

Atlantis blue is a great colour in the sun, but in dull gloomy, cloudy weather it will pretty much look like it’s black, as happens with Verdant Green. If you don’t mind that, then fine but make sure you see one on a dull day. I’d now go for one of the other 2 greens available or even the oranges. My car is Nimbus, which I’m still very happy with, but if I was to choose now there are a lot more options available.

 

[Abaco24]

I have been a long time member of Pistonheads and posted below but not had any responses so thought it best to come here (have been doing a lot of reading here!)

So I have been looking for a long time.

Finally got around to going to see a car properly in person (it was a Red s/h AMG)

I am fairly sure from doing a lot of reading that my preferred spec would be as follows:

Manual V6
Sports Suspension
Atlantis Blue
Silver wheels V-spoke
MPS Cup tyres (not 100% on this but it will be a fair weather weekend car so perhaps MPS)
Yellow Calipers
Black & Yellow Leather - (perhaps Alcantara to give more seat grip given that it feels like you sit on them not in them)
KEF Audio
Convenience Pack
High Beam Assist

So I will need to go for a test drive (which I think is becoming more difficult?)

But

Think I want the sports suspension even though I will not track it (very much) I want it to be direct and have as much feel as possible - having had a fair few cars with hard suspension (Multiple M3s and 2 M5s) and previous Lotuses (Elise mk1, Exige Mk1, Exige Mk2) - I think Lotus hard will not be that hard!

The seats concern me as they felt as if I was sitting on them rather than in them (seems others feel the same)
has anyone in the UK got the Tillett seats ?

Are the Ultra-light wheels any lighter than standard?

Oh and I think the full Miltec exhaust is a no brainer - I see it is not as expensive as I thought - any real issues with warranty


I would consider up to 1 year old if one came up but from what i am hearing Manual V6s are few and far between. What is the delivery time OR rather does anyone know when you will not be able to order a V6 Manual - I am not in a massive rush as I would need to build a new garage for the car!

Cheers
G.

I've been researching the Emira for a while, and from the reviews I've seen, owners who bought the Sport version suspension ended up wishing they had gone with the Touring version. The Touring version owners also praised the Touring for comfort as a daily. If you're not a big track fan, I'd go with the Touring version.

The seats have also been noted as very comfortable and great for long drives and trips. Watch Harry's Garage, he took a 3-day trip and documented it for everyday use and feel. I'd also go with the Goodyears.
Both choices IMO suck for tires, I'd replace with the Conti DWS 06 High Performance all-season, as I've had 3 sets on Porsches.

Love the specs of Atlantis Blue, I've looked at that with the beige interior. It's like the popular Gentian Blue with Porsche. I'd never track my car, just no appeal to screw something up. There may be a chance the 27's get fitted with the M177 AGM V8, I'm holding out to see. Lastly, if they don't offer a new V8 and manual, and you still need to find a garage, just buy a 26 used with a manual, and save on some depreciation value. There's a lot for sale on CarGurus in the V6 Manual.

 

[Gizmo]

Interesting points and opinions! I am hopefully test driving V6 Manual with Sports tomorrow and possibly a V6 Manual with Touring.

Pretty sure there will not be a manual after the Toyota V6 goes.

 

[geoffbland]

Interesting points and opinions! I am hopefully test driving V6 Manual with Sports tomorrow and possibly a V6 Manual with Touring.

I test drove Sports and Touring back to back and found there is not much difference - or at least not as much as reviews led me to believe - the difference in spring/damper rates is less than 10%. I chose Sports as is gave a little more feedback through the wheel.
I found different tyres (and pressures) made much more of a difference to the comfort and feel of the car.

Still, it's a good idea to test drive them both and see for yourself.

 

[Gizmo]

Atlantis blue is a great colour in the sun, but in dull gloomy, cloudy weather it will pretty much look like it’s black, as happens with Verdant Green. If you don’t mind that, then fine but make sure you see one on a dull day. I’d now go for one of the other 2 greens available or even the oranges. My car is Nimbus, which I’m still very happy with, but if I was to choose now there are a lot more options available.

Are you perhaps not meaning Meridian Blue (which is darker) Atlantis is similar to the original Azure Blue lotus used.

 

[Whitey]

Sorry, yes, I got my blues mixed up