Lotus Elise and Exige Alternatives

A list of other great cars you can get for about the same price.

I started to put together my options package to place my order for the Elise. Lotus Sports Suspension, exhaust, hardtop, and Touring Package, plus tax, and I was looking at over $51k US for the car. Aftermarket tuning would easily add up to another $5k US, putting me at over $56k US for the car. That's insane!

When I had problems with my dealership and realized that I couldn't even get the car when I wanted it, I withdrew my deposit from them and placed a later deposit with another dealership. Then I started researching other cars on the market to see what I can drive in the meantime, at the advice of some friends. What I found is just amazing. Forget the $55k - here's a list of great cars that you can get for US $40k to $45k - cars you've probably craved with the same lust as I.

The reason for the lowered prices in the sports car market could be one of many: high rate of repossession, anemic economy, new model introductions, and so on. Personally, I don't care why, I'm just ecstatic that these cars can be had at such bargains at all!

So without further ado, here they are:

1. Dodge Viper GTS

Prices for a 1998 to 2000 Viper GTS with under 20k miles range from $40 to 60 thousand dollars, asking price. If you're looking for a unique car, there are very few Vipers on the road. The GTS has got 450-500 horses, and a new pricetag ranging from $80 to $100 thousand! Consider in June 2004 that you'll be able to get them for less than you can now, you're talking a dowright steal!
2. Chevy Corvette Z06

A 2000 Z06 with low miles can be had for around $30,000. Less than the price of a loaded Nissan Z will get you one of the best performing track cars available for under $100k. If performance is your objective, there's no question that a slightly used Z06 is something to consider!

3. Lotus Esprit V8 Turbo

Asking prices for a '98 to '00 range between $50k and $60k for a recent Esprit V8. You can get one realistically for $40-50k. You're talking about a car with true exotic styling, 350hp, and supercar performance. The fact that the Esprit body style is terminal will probably make prices plummet even further. While not the greatest in terms of reliability, the Esprit is truly a great alternative to consider to the Elise.

4. Acura NSX

You can pick up an older style NSX for very, very cheap. Anywhere from $25k on up to $50k depending on how old and how many miles you're willing to deal with. Fortunately with the NSX, it has proven that age and mileage don't phase it. It's got true Honda reliability, and is a good performaer. While not as flashy or fast as some, this is a great "all around" MR car.

5. 2005 Corvette C6

Two corvettes on this list?! You know it! The new corvette is restyled and re-engineered. It's got 400 horses, a Ferrari-esque visage, and an overall streamlined design all for around $45k! If you can wait and you love American muscle, maybe you should look in to this sweet car a little!

6. Panoz AIV Roadster

Weighing only 2500 pounds and producing 320 bhp, the Panoz AIV is a real monster. It may be one of the few cars ever made in the US that fits in with Lotus' philosophy. Unfortunately, there were only a handful made, and they're becoming every harder to find (and pricier) so keep your eyes peeled!

7. Porsche 993

A late 90s 993 can be had (with a reasonable amount of miles) for 40-80k (depending on whether you get the turbo or carrera). While I'm not the biggest Porsche fan, this is said to be "the last true Porsche" and puts down some great numbers. Furthermore, I much prefer the 993 styling to the 996. If I HAD to get a Porsche, this would probably be it.

8. BMW M3 E46 or E30

Depending on what you're looking for in a car, one of these M3's will likely meet your needs. The E30 is a raw performer and great for tracking. The E46 is aggressive, with modern styling, raw power, and creature comforts, for an all-around great daily driver. Both are Bimmers, and thus command respect from your next-door neighbor. While I'm not a huge fan of the whole "Ultimate Driving Machine" image, both of these cars are cool with me. The E46 can be had in the 40s, the E30 for significantly less.

9. Honda S2000

Under $20 thousand buys you the closest thing you'll find to an Elise. Who would have thought that you could get such a great performing car for so little? While the 1999-2003 S2000 is a bit anemic in power, there are definitely upgrades for it. 350 HP can be had without too much investment. Weight can pretty easily be cut down to around 2500 lbs, too. Definitely something to consider.

10. BMW M Coupe S54

Yeah, another BMW. I'm not a BMW fan, but I love the M Coupe, especially the S54! 315 HP stock, a super-stiff chassis, and under 1000 on US roads make this little hottie a sure collector. Prices have barely fallen below $40,000 in the few years since it's been out of production. If you think that's overpriced, consider an S52, for as little as $20,000. Slap on an Active Autowerks turbo kit and you've got a 600 HP 3.5 second 0-60 monster on your hands!

So before you place that order and sign that contract at your Lotus dealer, maybe you would like to think about one of these beauties first? I personally have placed a second deposit further down the line. I've waited a long time for the Elise to come to America. A little longer won't hurt!