2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

235 MOT tests in 2024. 91.5% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

162Well above average
Passed first time91.5%
Failed or needed repairs8.5%
Typical mileage at test46,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 235 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.3%
  3. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated0.9%
  4. Headlamp aim not tested: unable to be tested0.9%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.9%
  7. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits0.9%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.4%
  9. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.4%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks5.5%
  2. Lights & electrics3.4%
  3. Suspension3.4%
  4. Number plates & VIN0.4%
  5. Steering0.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.4%
  7. Body & chassis0.4%
  8. Brakes0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened7.2%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.0%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.6%

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: headlamp: not working on dipped beam. 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 2005 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 91.5% of 2005 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 235 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Lotus Elise?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on dipped beam; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; wheel bearings: rough when rotated. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2005 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 162, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).