1991 Lotus Elan: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1991 Lotus Elans, from 339 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 339 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 1991 Lotus Elan MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes25% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics24% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension15% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Steering11% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
- Tyres10% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks9% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 139 | Brakes 24% |
| 1992 | 173 | Brakes 30% |
| 1990 | 248 | Brakes 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1991 Lotus Elans registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score