Lotus Evora Buying Guide - Evora - Evora S - 400

Thought it would be useful to do a buyer's guide of my Lotus Evora S before it goes!

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

Sometimes I like to dwell on the day in the distant future where I get my Evora. You've helped me imagine it all the more.

[@Number27]

Jeffrey Salzman hope you manage sooner rather than later! Great little cars. Best usable sportscar out right now for me

[@elcanbu5610]

The same for me!!

[@RM-bv1xm]

I can definitely relate to that

[@theegyptianlumberjackfirew7076]

It was truly a pleasure to watch you. I have been doing so much research here recently on buying my next sports car, & I truly learned something from you. I did not know the Evora 400 is the amount of horsepower in the car. You have changed my entire outlook on what type of Lotus I want to get. Thank you for your time & have a wonderful day.

[@andrewvertes7467]

Thank you very useful, interesting to see that prices today are the same as you guided 3 years ago.

[@itsagiven7675]

Thank you for having LOGICAL comments about this car. There's just too many people who are garage guys who don't understand this car. Good job.

[@Number27]

Thanks Todd, glad you approve!!

[@kypreose5586]

I can't aford an Evora but watching your videos and learning about car stuff is invaluable. I'll stick with my 1977 x-19 and pretend I'm driving your Lotus.

[@Number27]

Sandy Evagorou hey the X19 is a cool little motor and in some ways a spiritual predecessor for the Evora!

[@Lemma01]

X1/9 was my dream car as a kid - Dad had an Uno, so I saw them at the dealership when I took it in for its services. Once tried to tell them Dad was thinking of swapping, so I could get a test drive. They didn't fall for it. So next time I said he wanted to upgrade to the Uno turbo - and they did! Terrified me!

[@david_100]

THE BEST LOOKING EVORA !!!!! period !!

[@robertlawson2608]

I have a 2014 S and I love this car. I prefer it over the 400. I appreciate the interior quality that I think is superior to the 400. More leather and less plastic. I agree about the exhaust. I upgraded to a Plack and it is wonderful to hear.

[@henryhol8538]

Wow, this is Jayem level of detail. Thanks!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The highest form of compliment

[@Number27]

As JayEmm says... the highest form of compliment!

[@samadhistate9637]

I bought an Evora S a few months ago. Hard to get in and out but I love it.

[@Number27]

Yes great cars!

[@michaelking4578]

What an awesome car. I never considered a Lotus until now. The 3.5 Toyota engine is why I only look to buy Lexus ES, GS, or IS 350. But now I have another option. Thanks!

[@Number27]

No problem. Have to say in the end it was not as reliable as I hoped but awesome car. Thanks for watching!!

[@harmonised8353]

Love the outtakes at the end, brilliant!! Great video, nice and informative.

[@Sigma.6]

What a brilliant review! Just going to pick up my Evora in 5 days. 🥳

[@chawenhalo0089]

Very good review for those who have experienced different types of performance cars. Also for those who understand the category and appreciate purer sports cars.

[@Number27]

Thank you sir, I do love mine.. so much so it was supposed to have been sold months ago!

[@FLG8r]

i'm captivated by this sports car

[@keitumetsem1344]

outtakes.......it's a lot harder than it looks, you guys make it look easy

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

sounds like a cracking car, I must get to try one sometime, great video again

[@Number27]

Roger Bailey thank you Roger!! All good with your 911??

[@ChristophePeytier]

well done. Excellent video ! Extremely informative for someone like me who is beginning shopping around for that car.

[@xjk5Mikel]

Great video! I have a question: the Evora S is out of my budget. I am looking for an Elise or a normal Evora (I prefer the Evora). Do you recommend the normal Evora?. (I came from an Audi TT and a MX5. Thanks! By the way, blue Evora (like the video) or yellow?

[@StarHorseLover2012]

A well looked-after N/A Evora is a quick car, PROVIDED it has the close-ratio gearbox. It was standard from 2013 I think, an option on earlier models. I think both the power and the ride make it the right choice on imperfect roads, plus it will return much better mpg. Evoras kept getting more track-focused with stiffer suspension over the years, but honestly that defeats its purpose. It is a GT car. The Exige is the track car.

[@nedalrabadi1]

amazing video . . . . i like the way you present the car you seem to know the car very well . . . keep up the good work

[@Number27]

Thanks for watching!

[@matmulder]

Great guide - I'm in the Evora market and the info about the airbag cover I wasn't aware of, so really useful. However, I will say that the 2+0 and pack options are critical for resale. They're no easy cars to sell as it is, and the 2+0 are even more difficult. Even if you're not bothered about the rear seats, you'll find it much easier to sell a 2+2 in future.

[@Number27]

Matt yep, true on the 2+2 and pack options.. which is why mine has them all! But not the +2 which I agree is considered desirable.. even though the rear seats really are totally unusable!!

[@iant419]

No, way! I hate the two heavy fake seats in the back. It just makes it look like your car was built by idiots. I can't believe they bothered to waste time and money on them.

[@StarHorseLover2012]

Not necessarily. I ordered a 2+0 and never regretted it. The luggage carrying area (with a net) is far more useful, unless you have really small kids.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Comprehensive stuff Jack and I loved the bloopers 😉

[@Number27]

Ryan Mccormick thanks bud 👍

[@AlexQuail]

Evora S just made the shortlist. Thanks for the comprehensive video!

[@wlewisiii]

I so want one of these. I now know much more about what to look for :)

[@1183newman]

Also worth knowing a clutch change on an evora is about 3000.00 due to the engine needing to come out to get to clutch. So make sure clutch feels good.

[@Number27]

sam newman thanks for posting that out Sam.. was not aware!!

[@yxcvbnmyxcvbnm2434]

80.000km. No clutch change

[@pwolsey42]

Great job - The Lotus Evora should be a cult classic and an honest review - warts and all - is a must!

[@Number27]

Agreed.. so underrated!!

[@p4cks]

I agree about the lack of noise as standard. My NA had the Sports Exhaust from new and even that was silent. Ended up selling it and getting a third cat delete and straight through pipe (£200 in total!) - there's a before and after video on my profile.

[@Number27]

Cool, thanks for that!!

[@GajenComedy]

Great video mate. can you also share on the common technical (engine and electronics) problems on used models?

[@Number27]

Thanks buddy! To be honest, engine and electrics don't seem to be weak points on these cars. Engines for sure and not heard of many electrical issues.As far as I know anyhow..

[@MrCarrera28]

Great informative video that is great for potential buyers. Keep up the great work and your positive energy.

[@Number27]

MrCarrera28 thank you sir!!! Much appreciate the nice feedback and thanks for watching!!

[@Joni_Papillon]

I had a 2011 Evora S in Liquid Blue with komo-tec tuning. So 390hp. Absolutely loved that car. I sold it 2014. Only car i really miss, so im thinking of buying one again. Would like 430 sport tho.

[@MrCarrera28]

Great useful video that provides a useful insight into the car.

[@williejack3695]

another great video Jack, really interesting and funny ending, love it.

[@Number27]

Ah thanks Willie!

[@hatcherbyron]

Man, FANTASTIC review. Thank you so so much!

[@joeychaseable]

In my opinion JM's 400 looks much better then the "previous" Evora. Although the plastic buttons are trumped by the aluminum bits in your car.

[@matmulder]

Also - no mention of the clutch in the guide? It's well documented elsewhere I suppose, but worth mentioning that they cost between £2k-2.5k (specialist) and £3-3.5k at dealers to replace.

[@Number27]

Matt my bad.. was unaware of this!! Thanks for informing us!

[@simonhughes3406]

Wouldn't be too chuffed if you sat on my Evora like that! After a a 400 to replace my S but for an extra £30k? Is it worth it? Not really, I much prefer the S interior too.

[@Number27]

Def not worth the price hike. Did a vid comparing mine to a 400 and the difference is minor. Only the noise was really improved in my view

[@karlhurn]

Lovely car. Some day! 🤞

[@StarHorseLover2012]

Evora non-S is fun and quick too provided it has the close-ratio gearbox option. And very good MPG. In today's world of speed cameras, I would rather have a non-S. It's a car you can drive every day. And I definitely prefer the bespoke feel of the first-gen interior.

[@alanwayte432]

Ease of access is a big plus point for the 400, the lower sill is a massive gain

[@scanspeak00]

Have you thought about keeping the engine cover off? Will give you more engine sound.

[@Number27]

scanspeak00 I hadn’t... I’ll try it!

[@nathanbower9893]

Just found this video after following you through the Ferrari 308. Just in the process of selling my Ferrari and buying one of these? Quick question as to why you sold the Evora??

[@Number27]

I don’t tend to keep cars very long... great cars these! Though the quality is not the best.

[@StarHorseLover2012]

You will find it miles ahead of the 308 in terms of built quality. Evoras with full leather option - especially red or Oyster - feel very upmarket, rather like a Ferrari. Running costs will be lower. And it will be smoother. Remember the cars are 30 years apart. Still, one could argue that the Evora has a 'berlinetta' feel to it. But it is best described as a GT with an Elise chassis.

[@charliemartin8270]

love it what's the colour?

[@briansteele2723]

Hi Jack do you miss the Evora?

[@ebaloch7319]

Hello there, I would like to know if the body of the Evora 2011 is the same as the Evora 2012. Thank you.

[@scottyo64]

Many people don't like the evora, I love them! I have done an aftermarket shifter, helped a ton. Cold air intake, exhaust etc. fun car.

[@StarHorseLover2012]

Those who don't like the Evora haven't driven one.

[@archemity]

There's a 2011 Base Evora near me listed for sale at $47,000 USD, I'm from the US. Blue color like the one in this vid, and only has 18k miles. I really want to buy it but the price is definitely high. That is reaching prices of a nice condition 997 around here. Is it worth it being how rare it is?

[@Number27]

I’m sorry but not up to speed on US prices.. if you live near some curvy roads though I think you’d enjoy it! Try before you buy. If it’s an NA car it will be quite soft so make sure you like it before you buy.

[@toms_garage]

Great video! I love the colour

[@Scisca1a2a]

The main difference between early Evoras and the 400 is the footwell, especially for LHD markets. The early ones are ridiculously cramped and that's the reason why I've decided I'm not getting one. This leaves me with the 400, but at this price point it starts competing with the Corvette C8 and that's not a comparison the Evora want to take

[@StarHorseLover2012]

If you're in the US where corners are rarer than a tart without herpes, then the Corvette makes sense. In Europe you'll want the Evora every time you see a curve ahead.

[@jaap5398]

Really well made and super helpful video, thank you! I’m wondering; at 6’3, would I fit?

[@Number27]

Jaap hey, yes I think you’d be fine but test drive one.. I’m 6.1 and do not have the seat fully back so think you’d be ok!

[@jaap5398]

Many thanks!

[@filmalchemistfish472]

Thanks a lot for the review, really informative. However, please do level the audio next time, as it was very challenging to sit through the whole thing with ease. At some points, I can barely hear what you are saying, so cracked up the vol, everything was fine. But half a minute later, all of a sudden the sound became so loud that my ear drum hurt, lowered the vol and came the whispers again. Such frustration can be easily ironed out by simply level the audio track before export. Hope it can be taken care of for future posts. 🙏

[@250ratc4]

Very helpful video! Thank you!

[@paulpaul8861]

Lovely looking car.

[@Number27]

Thanks!!

[@craigyirush3492]

Didn’t the S get bigger forged wheels? Looks like your car has the smaller wheels that, at least in the U.S., only came on the non-S cars. Subjective opinion, but I think they look so much better with the black pack.

[@xjk5Mikel]

I heard that the NA Evora hasnt ESP It was dangerous sometime while driving fast? Thanks.

[@StarHorseLover2012]

Not true. The N/A has the same system as the S or the 400. Two levels of stability control: normal and sport; plus you can deactivate it completely. The car is so balanced anyway you could drive it with everything off, and unless you do something terminally stupid, or on a really slippery road, it just goes where you point it.

[@damos_cars]

Nice vid. Always wondered about the passenger air bag.. Kind of wish I didn't know about those clips now! Mine has gone. Also the leather covering the binnacle for the drivers instruments has receded which is annoying and I do keep it in a garage. The sun visor is definitely a good idea. The 911 is a great car but in my mind its just not as jaw dropping as an Evora. One of the great things about them is how great they look. Totally agree about the styling on the S vs the 400 too. I much prefer the original cars over the newer 400. The styling was just so right and worked really well. That's not to say I wouldn't have a 400 if someone wanted to give me one! but you're totally the right the extra money just doesn't justify it. Assume you're selling this? If so will it be replaced?

[@Number27]

Pedal Loud hey, if you’re handy you can take the dash out yourself and replace the clips.. it’s not hard, just laborious! It is for sale and I’m not sure what will come after at this point. Looking at a few options! Thanks for watching!

[@StarHorseLover2012]

You can access it through the glove box, no need to take the dash out.

[@b3ardedragon921]

You could upgrade the s to make 400hp and make it sound like the 400. Why not just get the s?

[@Number27]

Blasian ZX it’s personal preference really as I mentioned.. because this was a short term car (part of 12 cars series) I did not want to spend £1200 on a back box which would be lost on resale

[@keitumetsem1344]

great video, very enjoyable

[@Number27]

Keitumetse M thank you!!

[@provotrout1]

Informative summary, thanks!

[@Number27]

jordan pleasure, hope it was useful!

[@davidog3]

I heard all the manual transmission 400 come with an standard LSD , and supercharger is inter cooled, part of the gain on power there, also bigger brakes, unfortunately can't afford a 400, but I'm looking for an S, do you know if any of the S models have LSD option ?

[@simonhughes3406]

They don't no. Unless it was a third party upgrade. Expect about £1k plus fitting? Unless doing a lot of slide work, i've always had cars with lsd's before my Evora S and had intended to upgrade. In truth? It just doesn't need it- hence why lotus doesn't fit them. The 345bhp is a huge amount of power for the road but it won't loose traction unless you REALLY try. In the wet it is perfectly controllable- unlike lesser engineered, cheeper cars where an lsd will solve the issue.

[@VEEZER1]

Still cant find a base for under 38k US... hard car to find

[@robertl2856]

Very interesting thanks

[@Number27]

Robert Lloyd glad it was useful. Thanks for watching!

[@bmhits5162]

Evora 3.5 S IPS (A) cost S$338,668.00 (May 2016) in Singapore

[@fwlp11]

You need to do more outtakes....very funny..

[@AutoSugar]

Love it!

[@Number27]

Little Lost Lotus thank you!!

[@williamegler8771]

Remember the A/C can barely keep the cabin cool when the weather is in the mid seventies.

[@StarHorseLover2012]

Mine worked perfectly in 90 deg F / 35 C.

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

The Elise is like that (due to the lightweight AC unit), the Evora isn't.

[@hillbillyartscrafts4367]

I wonder if my local Toyota dealer would service it lmao

[@dg7438]

Now that the Supra is out.. u have Japanese reliability with German power. And cheaper and as fast/faster. a good run for the Evora money

[@Number27]

Although I see where you’re coming from, the Supra is ugly, not faster and certainly does not handle anything like as well as one of these.. on reliability though...

[@steffydog]

Lovely

[@chrismartin5870]

An EB110 from the front......nice.

[@EvoraGT430]

TBH the S are more like £5-£7K more than NAs. All good info, though.

[@Number27]

RS2Russ thought the gap was smaller but you may be right!

[@georgecaceres880]

Nice rebodied Toyota 👍🏻

[@Number27]

Rebodied, rechassied.. just an engine and gearbox from Toyota..

[@georgecaceres880]

Number27 thats like saying a ferrari isnt a ferrari because the body is pininfarina. The engine is the heart

[@Niallboy1]

Not if you can drive

[@seancain7305]

Nice one :-)

[@Number27]

Sean Cain thanks feller!!

[@talk2thoran]

More KZbinrs should do out-takes!

[@Number27]

Ha, thanks and glad you enjoyed them!

[@MartynStanleyAuthor]

The S is £200 a year more tax than the the standard though.

[@StarHorseLover2012]

And mpg is much lower.

[@JB-F10-M5]

✊🏼😂 hello everyone and welcome @oh fuck 🤣🤣

[@zivkosuton4162]

Used cay....majn S is less espencive ajnd hihh er sport option

[@hjr.holland]

Zivko Suton don’t type when you are drunk dude 😉😂

[@Niallboy1]

It’s aalllyso farrrr moooore boring

[@RoverWaters]

I would rather have an old Esprit

[@Number27]

Love the old esprits too ...BUT.. if you want a modern usable mini Supercar you’re not going to beat one of these

[@1031ent]

Good luck keeping an Esprit V8 running.

[@augnkn93043]

I think the exhaust should be routed into the cabin. That way the sociopaths who change their exhausts can really appreciate the noise and the fumes whilst the rest of us can live in peace and won't have to breath in the shit. Thanks.

[@tommyhagan]

Look at that chest hair :o

[@Number27]

🤣🤣🤣

[@johngraydon506]

Im looking

[@Number27]

This one is for sale!

[@Number27]

if you're interested send me an email jack.pe(at)btopenworld.com

[@yxcvbnmyxcvbnm2434]

Mann setzt sich nicht auf einen leichten GFK Kotflügel

[@aky19832001]

Oh fak!

[@jpslayermayor9293]

It's truly callous of Lotus install cats (two in Euro Evoras) and one additional in US cars for a total of 3 cats per car! It seems quite counterintuitive and frankly I question the reviewer's objectivity on this - to believe that removing a cat (as he has done) actually increases the noise level in the car. I have one cat in my flat and he makes all manner of noise, particularly if Im on the phone and ignoring the cunning bastard!

[@Number27]

😄😄 🐈

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

Yes, XXVII, that's all very well, but do you know any honest individual who is selling one⁉️ Evoras seem to attract a very dodgy type of individual, just check out the herberts on KZbin‼️Would you buy a car from them❓🤔🤔🤔

[@Number27]

MrKeyboardCommando no mate, I’d steer well clear of any Evora that’s been on YT...

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

Thank you, XXVII, those are wise words from a wise man.👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼