1999 Lotus Elise · 2,493 MOT tests
1999 Lotus Elise reliability
1999 Lotus Elises fail 16.4% of first MOT tests, 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 5 Elise years (2,493 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- 16.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 48% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 53,827
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,493
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 40% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1% of tests fail here (47% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 83% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Lotus Elise
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics7.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Suspension2.1%
- Brakes1.6%
- Steering1.6%
- Number plates and VIN1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.49%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Position lamp not working 2.41%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.81%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Windscreen washers not working 1.36%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Headlamp aim set too high 1.12%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.76%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Slight play in steering rack joints (5.33%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.65%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.97%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (1.93%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.76%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (1.72%)
Is a 1999 Lotus Elise reliable?
1999 Lotus Elises fail 16.4% of first MOT tests, 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 5 Elise years (2,493 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Lotus Elise MOT?
Most often lambda reading outside specified limits (2.49% of tests), position lamp not working (2.41% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (1.81% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Lotus Elise have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Lotus Elise shows 53,827 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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