1999 Lotus Elise: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Lotus Elises, from 641 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1999 Lotus Elises than on all cars registered in 1999.
- Steering rack inner joints2.1× usualLotus Elise7.2% All 1999 cars3.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Brake discs: 4.8% here, against 10.5% of all 1999 cars.
By area
The share of 1999 Lotus Elise MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension13% 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.
- Brakes10% 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 electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering8% 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.
- Tyres5% 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% |
| 1998 | 603 | Suspension 15% |
| 1997 | 227 | Suspension 17% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Lotus Elises registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score