2000 Lotus Elise · 1,567 MOT tests
2000 Lotus Elise reliability
2000 Lotus Elises fail 17.5% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 5 Elise years (1,567 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- 17.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 45% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 23
- 51,021
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 23
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,567
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2000 against the years either side
- 1999 cars: 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2000 car does worse)
- 2001 cars: 60% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2000 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 8.4% of tests fail here (62% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 81% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 2000 Lotus Elise
Fail rate by area
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.4%
- Lights and electrics7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.6%
- Suspension2.6%
- Brakes1.8%
- Steering1.3%
- Tyres0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.74%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Position lamp not working 1.98%
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 1.98%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Headlamp aim set too high 1.66%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Carbon monoxide high, default limits 1.53%
High carbon monoxide at fast idle suggests engine or exhaust-emission faults, so diagnosis is recommended before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.08%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (5.3%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (4.15%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (4.02%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (2.81%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (2.62%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.98%)
Is a 2000 Lotus Elise reliable?
2000 Lotus Elises fail 17.5% of first MOT tests, 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 5 Elise years (1,567 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2000 Lotus Elise MOT?
Most often lambda reading outside specified limits (2.74% of tests), position lamp not working (1.98% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (1.98% of tests).
How many miles should a 2000 Lotus Elise have done?
At its MOT aged about 23, a typical 2000 Lotus Elise shows 51,021 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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