2002 Lotus Elise · 1,476 MOT tests
2002 Lotus Elise reliability
2002 Lotus Elises fail 14.5% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 5 Elise years (1,476 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- 14.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 57% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 50,053
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,476
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 60% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 78% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Lotus Elise
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics5.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.6%
- Brakes3.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.6%
- Suspension2.3%
- Tyres1%
- Number plates and VIN0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Lambda reading outside specified limits 1.83%
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 1.29%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.22%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.95%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 0.95%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Hydrocarbons high after fast idle 0.81%
High hydrocarbons suggest unburnt fuel or engine faults, which can hurt fuel economy and need diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (4.74%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (3.93%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.71%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (2.57%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.44%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (1.76%)
Is a 2002 Lotus Elise reliable?
2002 Lotus Elises fail 14.5% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 5 Elise years (1,476 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Lotus Elise MOT?
Most often lambda reading outside specified limits (1.83% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (1.29% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.22% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Lotus Elise have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 Lotus Elise shows 50,053 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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