1998 Lotus Elise · 2,138 MOT tests
1998 Lotus Elise reliability
1998 Lotus Elises fail 18.6% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 5 Elise years (2,138 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- 18.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 40% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 56,809
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,138
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 7.4% of tests fail here (28% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 81% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Lotus Elise
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics9.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.3%
- Brakes2.9%
- Suspension1.8%
- Tyres1.3%
- Steering1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.27%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.1%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.92%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Windscreen washers not working 1.59%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Headlamp aim set too high 1.59%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Carbon monoxide high, default limits 1.36%
High carbon monoxide at fast idle suggests engine or exhaust-emission faults, so diagnosis is recommended before buying.
Common advisories
Slight play in steering rack joints (3.98%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (3.09%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (2.53%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.39%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (2.25%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.1%)
Is a 1998 Lotus Elise reliable?
1998 Lotus Elises fail 18.6% of first MOT tests, 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 5 Elise years (2,138 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Lotus Elise MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.27% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (2.1% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (1.92% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Lotus Elise have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Lotus Elise shows 56,809 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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