Lotus Exige (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 49 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,211

£184/month

MOT Pass Rate

96%

Excellent

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Great Choice

96% pass rate, £2,211/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

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,211

Per month£184/mo

Per week£43/wk

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

96% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lotus brand average of 90%.

96% of MOT tests on Lotus Exiges from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 49 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 38,260 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models5th of 350(top 2%)

Rank among Lotus models15th of 84(top 18%)

vs average of all models+14%(82% avg)

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

vs Lotus average+6%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

38,260

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Lotus Exige had 38,260 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 88%. The 2001 scores 96%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

£2,153/year

71%

-25%

MINI

2003 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-24%

Ford Focus

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-28%

Volkswagen Polo

2003 · 1400cc Petrol

£2,353/year

67%

-29%

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About the 2001 Lotus Exige

The 2001 Lotus Exige is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 49 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 2% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 38,260 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,631 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 2001 Lotus Exige?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,211 (£184/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 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

The Lotus Exige has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 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

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 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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Lotus Exige(2001)	96%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,211
Ford Fiesta(2003)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£58
MINI(2003)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228+£17
Ford Focus(2003)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£217
Volkswagen Polo(2003)	67%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,353+£142

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 2001 Lotus Exige

Is the 2001 Lotus Exige reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 96% of MOT tests on 2001 Lotus Exiges ended in a pass, from 49 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Lotus Exige cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,211 a year (£184 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2001 Lotus Exige?

96% of 49 MOT tests on the 2001 Lotus Exige ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 5th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 2%).

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% and the 2006 the lowest at 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Lotus Exige?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Lotus Exige is 38,260 miles, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.