2000 · 24 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2000 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

450 MOT tests in 2024. 81.6% passed first time, compared with 61.5% for all cars the same age.

133Well above average
Passed first time81.6%
Failed or needed repairs18.4%
Typical mileage at test51,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 450 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.3%
  5. Headlamp aim: too high1.1%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.1%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
  8. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated1.1%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.2%
  2. Emissions & leaks9.1%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  4. Brakes3.3%
  5. Suspension3.1%
  6. Tyres1.3%
  7. Steering1.1%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.2%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)5.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.3%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened4.0%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.6%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2000 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 81.6% of 2000 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 450 tests. The average for all 24-year-old cars was 61.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2000 Lotus Elise?

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

Is the 2000 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 133, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).