Lotus Elan
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 7 model years from 3,029 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests
3,029
Highest Pass Rate
1994 (85%)
Years Covered
7
About the Lotus Elan
The Lotus Elan was MOT tested 3,029 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 7 model years (1990 to 1996), with an average pass rate of 78%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 85% from 219 tests. The 1992 model has the lowest at 77%. The 8 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Lotus Elan has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 87,120 miles, while the newest (1996) averages 66,887 miles.
Compared to the Lotus brand average of 90%, the Elan is 12 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Lotus models.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
Full 1996 detailsHow reliable is the Lotus Elan?
Lotus Elan by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Lotus Elan
Is the Lotus Elan reliable?
Across its 7 model years in our data (1990 to 1996), the Lotus Elan averages a 78% MOT pass rate, from 3,029 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1994 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 85%.
Which year Lotus Elan has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Lotus Elan has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 77%, a 8 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Lotus Elans more reliable?
The Lotus Elan has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
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