2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Lotus Elise MOT pass rate and common faults

230 MOT tests in 2024. 87.4% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

156Well above average
Passed first time87.4%
Failed or needed repairs12.6%
Typical mileage at test44,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 230 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: too low2.2%
  2. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.7%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%
  4. Horn: not working1.3%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect0.9%
  6. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.9%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits0.9%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.9%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high0.9%
  10. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.0%
  2. Brakes4.8%
  3. Emissions & leaks4.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  5. Steering1.7%
  6. Suspension0.9%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.9%
  8. Speedometer0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.5%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened3.0%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%

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 aim: too low. 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 2006 Lotus Elise?

In 2024, 87.4% of 2006 Lotus Elise cars passed their MOT first time, across 230 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Lotus Elise?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: too low; headlamp: not working on dipped beam; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 Lotus Elise reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 156, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).