Lotus
Running costs, reliability, and MOT data for 12 models from 19,014 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included).
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Avg Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests
19,014
Models
12
Years Covered
1990-2021
About Lotus Cars
Lotus ranks joint 13th out of 70 car makes in our data (those with at least 1,000 MOT tests) by average MOT pass rate, at 90%. That's slightly above the 85% average across all models in our data, putting Lotus in solid middle ground for reliability.
With 12 models across 32 years of data (1990 to 2021), there's a moderate spread of 15 percentage points between models. Some Lotuss are notably more reliable than others.
Most and Least Reliable Lotus Models
The Exige leads the range with a 93% average pass rate from 2,620 tests. At the other end, the Elan has the lowest at 78%. Overall, more than half of Lotus's models have a pass rate of 85% or more, which is a good sign for the brand.
Lotus Fuel Types
Lotus models in our data come in 12 petrol variants (each model counted once, under the fuel type recorded for most of its tests). The range is predominantly petrol-powered.
Estimated Running Costs
Based on most recent year, 7,400 miles/year and average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026). Insurance not included.
Full detailsHow reliable is Lotus?
All Lotus Models
Click any model to see detailed year-by-year reliability data, running costs, and comparisons.
| Model | Years | Pass Rate | Tests | Fuel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elise | 25 yrs | 91% | 10,587 | Petrol | |
| Elan | 7 yrs | 78% | 3,029 | Petrol | |
| Exige | 18 yrs | 93% | 2,620 | Petrol | |
| Esprit | 10 yrs | 90% | 959 | Petrol | |
| Evora | 8 yrs | 94% | 716 | Petrol | |
| Evora S | 7 yrs | 92% | 703 | Petrol | |
| Europa | 2 yrs | 86% | 103 | Petrol | |
| Eclat | 2 yrs | 82% | 85 | Petrol | |
| Evora 4 V6 | 2 yrs | 88% | 82 | Petrol | |
| Elise Sport 240 | 1 yr | 96% | 53 | Petrol | |
| Exige Sport 390 | 1 yr | 100% | 41 | Petrol | |
| Excel | 1 yr | 83% | 36 | Petrol |
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