LOTUS EXIGE (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 168 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,047
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1796cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2047/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1796cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 18 years old, 89% of LOTUS EXIGEs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 168 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 42,736 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
42,736
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 LOTUS EXIGE has 42,736 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2008 sits between the two at 89%.
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
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About the 2008 LOTUS EXIGE
The 2008 LOTUS EXIGE is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 168 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2008 cars for reliability.
With an average of 42,736 miles at 18 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.
2008 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 2008 LOTUS EXIGE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,047 (£171/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2008 LOTUS EXIGE
At 18 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 LOTUS EXIGE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 18 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 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 2008 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(2008) | 89% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2047 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£325 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£220 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£325 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£20 |
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.
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