2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

175 MOT tests in 2024. 89.1% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

157Well above average
Passed first time89.1%
Failed or needed repairs10.9%
Typical mileage at test39,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 175 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    4 marked dangerous
  2. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.1%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.1%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.6%
  5. Position lamp: with a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning0.6%
  6. Registration plates: inscription illegible0.6%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements0.6%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.6%
  10. Headlamp: not working on main beam0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.3%
  2. Brakes2.3%
  3. Suspension2.3%
  4. Tyres1.7%
  5. Number plates & VIN0.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.1%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened4.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2008 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 89.1% of 2008 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 175 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Lotus Elise?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; headlamp: not working on dipped beam; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 157, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).