1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

549 MOT tests in 2024. 80.5% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

124Well above average
Passed first time80.5%
Failed or needed repairs19.5%
Typical mileage at test58,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 549 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.4%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  4. Washers: not working2.4%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.2%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.8%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high1.6%
  8. Stop lamp: all not working1.3%
    14 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks14.2%
  2. Lights & electrics12.8%
  3. Brakes4.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  5. Suspension2.7%
  6. Steering1.3%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.9%
  8. Tyres0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)5.8%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened4.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.6%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 80.5% of 1998 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 549 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Lotus Elise?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1998 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 124, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).