I've got an S240 and you will love this car! Like everyone else said, there isn't a massive difference between the S and the S240, I would personally recommend the s240 though just because it has that little bit more power and in terms of looks, the wider roof scoop looks SO much better than the regular scoop on the S IMHO.

The car can suffer from fuel and oil starvation if you are tracking/racing the car. Check out sector111, BOE, Really Light stuff, and loads of other sites and you can get baffled oil pans and fuel tanks too.

The transmission is a little weak as in the gear syncros wear out a bit if you really track it hard, but there also are stronger gears available too. I've been told they need to be rebuilt every 1-2 years depending on how hard you are on it.

I hope this isn't scaring you away from getting one, don't get me wrong, it is a great car, and amazing to drive, I personally drive mine soley on track so always drive it hard and am unforgiving.

Good luck on your purchase and hope this helps

 

Oh and also invest in a rear view camera as there is zero visibility from the rear view mirror.

 

@Simba: You make some excellent points there. I wouldn't be looking to go up over the 350hp mark anyways... for now that is Thanks Simba!

@Mike S: That's another interesting point... does that mean that you always run the car on the track with a full tank just to avoid any issues? I will get to researching the BOE surge tank you mentioned. Thanks!

@430berlinetta: If anything, you have made me just want the car more lol so you ain't scaring me here buddy I will definitely keep in mind the fuel starvation issue; living in Kuwait we don't have a track (as I'm sure you know and which is totally unfortunate), but we do make our way to the lovely circuit you have in Sakhir for the open track day sessions. I think I am angling more for the S240 at this point, but will let you know what I end up doing. Still considering a used one as well but not sure. Might want to keep some cash to spend on my E92 M3.

Thanks again people!

 

I've had my Elise since December, and it's been fantastic. Especially if you get a supercharged Exige, with much more mid-range torque, you're going to love it! It's a fantastic car, and so much fun. Getting tons of looks everywhere you go is nice, too. Especially when people actually know what it is.

 

It's definitely unique-looking; add to that the fact that it isn't a common sight on the road. I'm leaning towards either the Exige S or S240, depending on the deal that I get... but a supercharged version for sure. Cross your fingers and hope I find the right one