Lotus Exige (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 193 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1796cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol1796cc20 years old193 tests45k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1796cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on Lotus Exiges from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 193 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 44,832 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models56th of 554(top 11%)

Rank among Lotus models59th of 84(bottom half)

vs average of all models+6%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average+15%(73% avg)

vs Lotus average-2%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

44,832

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Lotus Exige had 44,832 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. 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

2008 · 1388cc Petrol

£2,153/year

72%

-16%

Ford Focus

2008 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-15%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

-8%

MINI

2008 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

74%

-14%

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About the 2006 Lotus Exige

The 2006 Lotus Exige is a family car. Our records list a 1796cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 193 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 44,832 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.

2006 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 2006 Lotus Exige?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2006 Lotus Exige

At 20 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.

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 20 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 2006 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(2006)	88%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
Ford Fiesta(2008)	72%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£208
Ford Focus(2008)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361same
MINI(2008)	74%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133

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 2006 Lotus Exige

Is the 2006 Lotus Exige reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2006 Lotus Exiges ended in a pass, from 193 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Lotus Exige cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 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 2006 Lotus Exige?

88% of 193 MOT tests on the 2006 Lotus Exige ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 56th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top 11%).

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 2006 Lotus Exige?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Lotus Exige is 44,832 miles, which is significantly below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.