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Lotus Exige (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 142 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,003

£250/month

MOT Pass Rate

95%

Excellent

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3456cc Petrol

Great Choice

95% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 13 points above average.

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Petrol3456cc13 years old142 tests26k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3456cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£3,003
Per month£250/mo
Per week£58/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

95% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lotus brand average of 90%.

95% of MOT tests on Lotus Exiges from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 142 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 25,541 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models59th of 588(top 11%)
Rank among Lotus models19th of 84(top 23%)
vs average of all models+13%(82% avg)
vs 2013 models average+15%(80% avg)
vs Lotus average+5%(90% avg)

Mileage Analysis

25,541

Average miles

vs

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 Lotus Exige had 25,541 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-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 2013 scores 95%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lotus Exige by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202192%986,384 mi
202095%1649,530 mi
201998%18913,275 mi
201894%15915,610 mi
201795%17617,471 mi
201696%18219,868 mi
201594%17926,709 mi
201493%18423,573 mi
201395%14225,541 mi
201094%13327,160 mi
200996%7433,090 mi
200889%16842,736 mi
200792%16937,419 mi
200688%19344,832 mi
200592%15650,716 mi
200487%9444,899 mi
200196%4938,260 mi
200095%11134,885 mi

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About the 2013 Lotus Exige

The 2013 Lotus Exige is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3456cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 142 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 2013 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 25,541 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.

2013 Lotus Exige Fuel Costs

The 3456cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2013 Lotus Exige?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 95% 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 2013 Lotus Exige

At 13 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

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 13 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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 2013 Lotus Exige stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Lotus Exige(2013)95%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003
BMW 3 Series(2014)87%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808-£195
BMW 1 Series(2013)84%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808-£195
BMW X1(2011)81%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808-£195
Porsche Macan(2015)91%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003same

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 2013 Lotus Exige

Is the 2013 Lotus Exige reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 95% of MOT tests on 2013 Lotus Exiges ended in a pass, from 142 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 Lotus Exige cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2013 Lotus Exige?

95% of 142 MOT tests on the 2013 Lotus Exige ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 59th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (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 2013 Lotus Exige?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 Lotus Exige is 25,541 miles, which is significantly below the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Related Lotus Models

Explore other Lotus cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Lotus Exige.

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