2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

226 MOT tests in 2024. 84.5% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

150Well above average
Passed first time84.5%
Failed or needed repairs15.5%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 226 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.2%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.8%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.3%
  4. Horn: not working1.3%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.3%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.9%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
  8. Position lamp: not working0.9%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.9%
  10. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.1%
  2. Emissions & leaks5.8%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  4. Brakes3.5%
  5. Suspension1.8%
  6. Number plates & VIN1.3%
  7. Body & chassis1.3%
  8. Steering0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.2%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.8%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened4.9%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)3.1%

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: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2003 EliseAll Elise years2005 Elise →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 84.5% of 2004 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 226 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Lotus Elise?

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

Is the 2004 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 150, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).