Lotus Exige

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 2,620 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

93%

Total Tests

2,620

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (98%)

Years Covered

About the Lotus Exige

The Lotus Exige was MOT tested 2,620 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (2000 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 93%. That's comfortably above 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 98% from 189 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 88%. The 10 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 Exige has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2000) averages 34,885 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 6,384 miles.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3456cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,413

Per month£201/mo

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 2021 details

How reliable is the Lotus Exige?

vs average of all models+11% (82% avg)

vs Lotus brand average+3% (90% avg)

Best to worst year spread10 percentage points

Reliability trendStable over years

Lotus Exige by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	98	6,384 mi
2020	95%	164	9,530 mi
2019	98%	189	13,275 mi
2018	94%	159	15,610 mi
2017	95%	176	17,471 mi
2016	96%	182	19,868 mi
2015	94%	179	26,709 mi
2014	93%	184	23,573 mi
2013	95%	142	25,541 mi
2010	94%	133	27,160 mi
2009	96%	74	33,090 mi
2008	89%	168	42,736 mi
2007	92%	169	37,419 mi
2006	88%	193	44,832 mi
2005	92%	156	50,716 mi
2004	87%	94	44,899 mi
2001	96%	49	38,260 mi
2000	95%	111	34,885 mi

Questions about the Lotus Exige

Is the Lotus Exige reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (2000 to 2021), the Lotus Exige averages a 93% MOT pass rate, from 2,620 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 98%.

Which year Lotus Exige has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Lotus Exige has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 88%, a 10 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.