1997 Lotus Elise: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1997 Lotus Elises, from 227 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 227 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 1997 Lotus Elise MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension17% 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.
- Lights and electrics13% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes8% 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.
- Steering7% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions7% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Tyres6% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 100 | Tyres 6% |
| 2010 | 110 | Tyres 11% |
| 2008 | 178 | Lights and electrics 12% |
| 2007 | 222 | Tyres 10% |
| 2006 | 218 | Brakes 13% |
| 2005 | 239 | Suspension 15% |
| 2004 | 245 | Tyres 12% |
| 2003 | 274 | Suspension 12% |
| 2002 | 395 | Brakes 14% |
| 2001 | 251 | Brakes 16% |
| 2000 | 482 | Suspension 14% |
| 1999 | 641 | Suspension 13% |
| 1998 | 603 | Suspension 15% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1997 Lotus Elises registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score