LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240 (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 53 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1798cc Petrol
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 14 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LOTUS brand average of 90%.
At 5 years old, 96% of LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 53 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 6,594 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
6,594
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240 has 6,594 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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 2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240
The 2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240 is a family car with a 1798cc petrol engine. 53 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 6,594 miles at 5 years old, LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240 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.
2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240 Fuel Costs
The 1798cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,777 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240
At 5 years old, the LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. Note: with only 53 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 2021 LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOTUS ELISE SPORT 240(2021) | 96% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2019) | 88% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1732-£45 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2020) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| MINI COOPER(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
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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