Lotus Esprit (1998)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 184 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,411
£201/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1974cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2,411/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
89% of MOT tests on Lotus Esprits from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 184 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 62,245 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,245
Average miles
192,400
Expected for age
The average 1998 Lotus Esprit had 62,245 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 83%. The 1998 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Lotus Esprit by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1998 Lotus Esprit
The 1998 Lotus Esprit is a family car. Our records list a 1974cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 184 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 62,245 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lotus Esprit 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.
1998 Lotus Esprit Fuel Costs
The 1974cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 Lotus Esprit?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,411 (£201/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Lotus Esprit Reliability Trend
The Lotus Esprit has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 Lotus Esprit
At 28 years old, the Lotus Esprit 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 28 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.
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 1998 Lotus Esprit stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lotus Esprit(1998) | 89% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,411 |
| Mazda MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1,398 | £375 | Grp 12-25 | £2,328-£83 |
| Volkswagen Golf(1999) | 71% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£150 |
| BMW 3 Series(1998) | 79% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£150 |
| BMW Z3(1997) | 75% | £1,631 | £375 | Grp 18-32 | £2,561+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1998 Lotus Esprit
Is the 1998 Lotus Esprit reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 1998 Lotus Esprits ended in a pass, from 184 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1998 Lotus Esprit cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,411 a year (£201 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Lotus Esprit?
89% of 184 MOT tests on the 1998 Lotus Esprit ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 36th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 12%).
Which year Lotus Esprit has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Lotus Esprit has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1999 the lowest at 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 1998 Lotus Esprit?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Lotus Esprit is 62,245 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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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