Lotus Evora S (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 36 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,003
£250/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3456cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
92% of MOT tests on Lotus Evora Ss from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 36 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 41,283 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
41,283
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Lotus Evora S had 41,283 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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 2010 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 91%. The 2012 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Lotus Evora S by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 Lotus Evora S
The 2012 Lotus Evora S is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3456cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 36 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 41,283 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lotus Evora S 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.
2012 Lotus Evora S Fuel Costs
The 3456cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2012 Lotus Evora S?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Lotus Evora S Reliability Trend
The Lotus Evora S has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 Lotus Evora S
At 14 years old, the Lotus Evora S 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
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 14 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 2012 Lotus Evora S 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 Evora S(2012) | 92% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003 |
| BMW 3 Series(2014) | 87% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808-£195 |
| BMW 1 Series(2013) | 84% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808-£195 |
| Mercedes E(2010) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£150 |
| BMW X1(2011) | 81% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808-£195 |
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 2012 Lotus Evora S
Is the 2012 Lotus Evora S reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2012 Lotus Evora Ss ended in a pass, from 36 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Lotus Evora S cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Lotus Evora S?
92% of 36 MOT tests on the 2012 Lotus Evora S ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 90th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 14%).
Which year Lotus Evora S has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2010 Lotus Evora S has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 2015 the lowest at 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Lotus Evora S?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Lotus Evora S is 41,283 miles, which is significantly below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-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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