2003 Lotus Elise · 1,055 MOT tests
2003 Lotus Elise reliability
2003 Lotus Elises fail 16.6% of first MOT tests, 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 5 Elise years (1,055 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- 16.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Lotus Elises: 14.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 51% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 51,288
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,055
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 55% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1% of tests fail here (77% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 88% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Lotus Elise
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.5%
- Brakes3.4%
- Suspension1.3%
- Steering1.2%
- Number plates and VIN1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.09%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Headlamp aim set too high 1.52%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.33%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 1.23%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.23%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.04%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (5.12%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.55%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (2.65%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.56%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (2.46%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (2.18%)
Is a 2003 Lotus Elise reliable?
2003 Lotus Elises fail 16.6% of first MOT tests, 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 5 Elise years (1,055 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Lotus Elise MOT?
Most often lambda reading outside specified limits (2.09% of tests), headlamp aim set too high (1.52% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.33% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Lotus Elise have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Lotus Elise shows 51,288 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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