LOTUS ECLAT (1991)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 41 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2194cc Petrol
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £2577/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2194cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the LOTUS brand average of 90%.
At 35 years old, 78% of LOTUS ECLATs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 41 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,745 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
36,745
Average miles
259,000
Expected for age
The average 1991 LOTUS ECLAT has 36,745 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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About the 1991 LOTUS ECLAT
The 1991 LOTUS ECLAT is a family car with a 2194cc petrol engine. 41 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 36,745 miles at 35 years old, LOTUS ECLAT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 LOTUS ECLAT Fuel Costs
The 2194cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 LOTUS ECLAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1991 LOTUS ECLAT
At 35 years old, the LOTUS ECLAT is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 41 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1991 LOTUS ECLAT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 35 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1991 LOTUS ECLAT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOTUS ECLAT(1991) | 78% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£710 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1990) | 84% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£710 |
| MERCEDES 190 E(1992) | 79% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
| SAAB 900(1993) | 73% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£560 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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