LOTUS EXIGE (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 98 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 35-50
3456cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%.
At 5 years old, 92% of LOTUS EXIGEs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 98 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 6,384 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
6,384
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 LOTUS EXIGE has 6,384 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
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 2021 LOTUS EXIGE
The 2021 LOTUS EXIGE is a performance with a 3456cc petrol engine. 98 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 6,384 miles at 5 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.
2021 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 LOTUS EXIGE?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2021 LOTUS EXIGE
At 5 years old, the LOTUS EXIGE offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 98 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 LOTUS EXIGE's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Oil Consumption
Low riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 2021 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(2021) | 92% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 35-50 | £2042 |
| BMW 5 SERIES(2019) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| BMW X3(2019) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| MERCEDES GLC(2019) | 93% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| BMW X5(2019) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
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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