2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

256 MOT tests in 2024. 85.9% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

145Well above average
Passed first time85.9%
Failed or needed repairs14.1%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 256 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.7%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.6%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.6%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.2%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.2%
  7. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.2%
  8. Stop lamp: not working0.8%
  9. Valve stem: seriously damaged0.8%
    5 marked dangerous
  10. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks10.5%
  2. Brakes5.1%
  3. Lights & electrics4.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.9%
  5. Tyres2.0%
  6. Number plates & VIN1.6%
  7. Steering1.2%
  8. Suspension0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.4%
  2. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)6.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.1%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.1%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened3.9%

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 2001 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 85.9% of 2001 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 256 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 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: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2001 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 145, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).