1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

584 MOT tests in 2024. 83.7% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

132Well above average
Passed first time83.7%
Failed or needed repairs16.3%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 584 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  4. Washers: not working1.5%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.5%
  6. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.2%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high1.2%
  8. Stop lamp: all not working1.0%
    12 marked dangerous
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks12.2%
  2. Lights & electrics10.1%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.3%
  4. Suspension2.2%
  5. Brakes2.2%
  6. Steering1.4%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.9%
  8. Body & chassis0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)7.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened2.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.4%

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 1999 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 83.7% of 1999 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 584 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 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; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 132, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).