2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

393 MOT tests in 2024. 86.3% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

149Well above average
Passed first time86.3%
Failed or needed repairs13.7%
Typical mileage at test49,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 393 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.5%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.0%
  5. Washers: not working1.0%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.0%
  7. Stop lamp: not working1.0%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  9. Horn: not working0.8%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks9.2%
  2. Lights & electrics7.9%
  3. Brakes6.4%
  4. Suspension2.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.3%
  6. Number plates & VIN1.3%
  7. Body & chassis0.8%
  8. Tyres0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.8%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)3.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.3%

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 2002 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 86.3% of 2002 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 393 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Lotus Elise?

The most common failure reasons were 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; catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2002 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 149, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).