Used 2008 Lotus Exige Coupe
Used 2008 Lotus Exige Coupe





+4
Used Exige for sale
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2008 Lotus Exige appraisal values can range from $16,083 - $22,194.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Ultralight chassis, laser-scalpel steering, racetrack-oriented design, low volume ensures rarity, relatively good fuel economy, you'll be the envy of neighborhood car nuts.
Cons
- Spartan interior furnishings, contortionist entry and exit, cramped interior, poor outward visibility, Flintstones ride quality, peaky power delivery, limited dealer network.
What’s new
For 2008, the base model Exige is discontinued; however, the more powerful Exige S 240 debuts. With 20 more horses than the Exige S, the 240 can reach 60 mph in an estimated 4 seconds flat. The 240 also gets bigger brakes and a larger roof-mounted air scoop. All Exiges get a new gauge cluster with trip computer for 2008.
Edmunds says
By conventional measures, the 2008 Lotus Exige S is a miserable little car. But Lotus didn't build it to be a grocery getter. As a weekend track-day weapon, the Exige is unsurpassed.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Lotus Exige S 240 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $5.33 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$294/mo
Exige S 240
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Ever dream about owning your own racecar? If you don't want to spend the cash and time to transform an existing car (and void the warranty), the 2008 Lotus Exige S is a quick and easy way to make your dreams come true. A fixed-roof version of the company's Elise targa-style roadster, the supercharged Exige is easily the most focused from-the-factory performance car on sale in the United States. Creature comforts are kept to an absolute minimum, while the suspension is set up for the smooth surfaces and high G-forces of a track rather than soaking up the choppy mess of America's roads. The Exige is not just a weekend toy; it's a toy that can only be enjoyed on one playground -- a racetrack.
Despite a mere 220 horsepower generated from its supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the Exige S still manages to go from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 4.1 seconds. By comparison, the Chevy Corvette Z06 needs 505 horses to accomplish the same task. Credit a curb weight of 2,077 pounds, which is a minor miracle in this era of perpetually pudgy vehicles. By comparison, a Mazda Miata weighs 2,498 pounds and has only 170 hp aboard. For 2008, the Exige S 240 debuts, featuring a larger roof-mounted air scoop, which forces more air into the supercharger, resulting in 20 additional horses. Lotus estimates only a 0.1-second improvement in 0-60 time, however.
But the Exige isn't a dragster. Instead it features sublime handling and massive grip. In fact, this coupe was built for no other purpose than to carve up corners, whether on a racetrack or a favorite back road. Unencumbered by the safety equipment and luxury amenities of most cars, the featherweight Exige S responds immediately to driver inputs and does so with minimal lean or roll. And with no power steering assist or extraneous seat padding buffering the feedback, the interface between car and driver couldn't be more direct.
Considering the Exige's performance potential, the price of admission for the street version is relatively modest. But don't plan on taking the missus out for a Sunday drive in the thing. On regular old roads, the Exige's ultra-stiff suspension will bounce and crash you about as if you belonged to the modern stone-age family. Storage space is also practically non-existent, while the "cabin" is really only suitable for small-to-average-sized people who are flexible enough to finagle themselves over the wide door sill and under the low roof. Most buyers will therefore be happier with a Porsche Cayman S or BMW M Coupe. But if you're not "most buyers" and you're searching for a toy to play around with on a weekend track day, it's hard to beat the 2008 Lotus Exige S.
Performance & mpg
The 2008 Lotus Exige S is powered by a supercharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder producing 220 hp and 165 pound-feet of torque. Lotus estimates that a 0-60-mph sprint will take 4.1 seconds. The Exige S 240 features a more powerful supercharger (fed by a larger roof scoop) that increases output to 240 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available on both cars. Despite its greater output, the estimated 0-60 time is only a tick quicker at 4.0 seconds. Fuel economy is excellent at 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for both Exige styles.
Safety
Don't expect much more than federally mandated safety equipment on the 2008 Exige S. An antilock brake system and traction control is included, but neither stability control nor side airbags are available.
Driving
Because of its 1-ton curb weight, super-sticky tires and unassisted steering, the 2008 Lotus Exige S is pretty much the most precise-handling car available at any price. No other car feels more eager to go where it's pointed and no other car speaks to its driver as clearly in the process. The Exige's body modifications over the open-top Elise do make a difference, but only at the higher speeds seen at a racetrack. Because of its sport-tuned suspension, the Exige rides like the Flintstone-mobile on normal pavement and makes a horrible commuter car for all but Barney Rubble. The brakes are simply phenomenal, though, providing fade-free performance in nearly every situation and bringing the Exige to a stop with the tenacity of an aircraft carrier catch wire.
Interior
The Exige's minimalist design carries into the interior. The controls are simple and there's not much room available for storage. The composite sport seats provide plenty of support, but the car's low fixed roof and wide sills make entry and exit particularly challenging for any human more than 3 feet tall. Plus, those twice that height may find it difficult to drive the Exige, as their right leg can get painfully sandwiched between the steering wheel and gearlever. The trunk is rated at 4 cubic feet of capacity, which is enough for a to-go box and not much else.
2008 Lotus Exige models
The 2008 Lotus Exige S is a two-seat, high-performance coupe. It is available in Exige S and Exige S 240 styles. Standard equipment on the S includes forged alloy wheels (16-inch front, 17-inch rear), Yokohama Advan performance tires, Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo ventilated/cross-drilled brakes, Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, sport seats with Probax anatomical padding, black cloth upholstery, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel and a four-speaker Alpine stereo with a CD player. The S 240 adds a more powerful engine, a larger roof-mounted air scoop, larger brake discs, variable traction control and launch control. The Touring Pack available on both styles includes additional sound insulation, a cupholder, interior stowage net, full carpet set, an auxiliary audio jack and black leather for the seats, door panels, handbrake and center console. The Track Pack adds manually adjustable springs and dampers. A limited-slip differential and special-order exterior colors are also optional, although some of the latter are more expensive than all the other options combined.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Lotus Exige Coupe.
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
Street Legal Race Car
SanDiegan,03/12/2008
S 240 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M)
This is my second Lotus. My first was an 05 Elise with 190bhp, a soft top, and standard ("Touring") suspension. My new S240 could not be a more different car. This Exige is serious business. The acceleration is spectacular; when you get on the throttle the supercharger sounds like a jet engine and you quickly become one with the driver's seat. I really enjoyed the handling and cornering … of the Elise, but the Exige S240 with the Track Pack is not to be believed. The capability of this car to corner hard with minimal body roll is unlike anything you have experienced before (including 360 Modena's and Gallardo's that I have driven).
4.75 out of 5 stars
And I thought my N/A Exige was HOT!
Al B, Bach,01/29/2008
S 240 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M)
Well, this is the second Exige I've bought and for those that thought the S version was hot in 07, this limited 240S for US release in 08 is just outstanding. I'll put this simply, this is the street version track car. Not much has changed overall, unless you count the interior is redone, has the launch capability, better, bigger brakes, 4 piston calipers and (gasp) a cupholder! Now, I … didn't think that Lotus could improve the Exige, even with the superchager in 07. I waited since my first one was the first release without the SC. I was going to buy the track version, but heard that I should wait. I'm glad I did... so worth it! This Exige is is the BEST! Words can't describe the feeling
More about the 2008 Lotus Exige
Used 2008 Lotus Exige Coupe Overview
The Used 2008 Lotus Exige Coupe is offered in the following styles: S 240 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M), S 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M), and S Club Racer 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl S/C 6M). Pre-owned Lotus Exige Coupe models are available with a 1.8 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 240 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2008 Lotus Exige Coupe comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2008 Lotus Exige Coupe?
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Should I lease or buy a 2008 Lotus Exige?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Lotus lease specials
Check out Lotus Exige lease specials
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