Is the 2001 LOTUS EXIGE reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 96% of LOTUS EXIGEs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 49 tests. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2001 LOTUS EXIGE cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 LOTUS EXIGE?

The 2001 LOTUS EXIGE has a 96% MOT pass rate based on 49 tests in 2026. This ranks 6 out of 362 cars from 2001.

Which year LOTUS EXIGE is most reliable?

The 2019 LOTUS EXIGE has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 87%.

LOTUS EXIGE (2001)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2001 LOTUS EXIGE?

The average mileage for a 2001 LOTUS EXIGE is 38,260 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 49 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,897

£158/month

MOT Pass Rate

96%

Excellent

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Great Choice

96% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 14 points above average.

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Petrol1796cc25 years old49 tests38k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1796cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,897

Per month£158/mo

Per week£36/wk

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

96% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 25 years old, 96% of LOTUS EXIGEs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 38,260 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars6th of 362(top 2%)

Rank among LOTUS models15th of 84(top 18%)

vs national average+14%(82% avg)

vs 2001 cars average+23%(73% avg)

vs LOTUS average+6%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

38,260

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 LOTUS EXIGE has 38,260 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2001 sits between the two at 96%.

LOTUS EXIGE by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FIESTA

2003 · 1388cc Petrol

£1,722/year

71%

-25%

MINI MINI

2003 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

72%

-24%

FORD FOCUS

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,027/year

68%

-28%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2003 · 1400cc Petrol

£1,922/year

67%

-29%

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About the 2001 LOTUS EXIGE

The 2001 LOTUS EXIGE is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 49 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 2001 cars for reliability.

With an average of 38,260 miles at 25 years old, LOTUS EXIGE 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.

2001 LOTUS EXIGE Fuel Costs

The 1796cc 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 2001 LOTUS EXIGE?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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.

LOTUS EXIGE Reliability Trend

Newer LOTUS EXIGEs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 LOTUS EXIGE

At 25 years old, the LOTUS EXIGE 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 LOTUS EXIGE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 2001 LOTUS EXIGE stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
LOTUS EXIGE(2001)	96%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£1897
FORD FIESTA(2003)	71%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£175
MINI MINI(2003)	72%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£70
FORD FOCUS(2003)	68%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£2027+£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003)	67%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1922+£25

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.