← All Lotus models
Model reliability
Lotus Elan reliability
The Lotus Elan fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 24.3% of 1,281 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
Over 10 years old
24.3% failed their MOT
From 1,281 MOT tests of Lotus Elans this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 2× as oftenBrake performance12.2% vs 5.8%
Fails 67% more oftenWheel bearings1.5% vs 0.9%
Fails 75% more oftenElectrical equipment1.4% vs 0.8%
Fails 2× as oftenFlexible brake hoses1% vs 0.5%Fix about £120
Advised 5× as oftenWheel bearings8.7% vs 1.7%
Advised 37% more oftenBrake performance6.3% vs 4.6%
Checking a Lotus Elan before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.