Lotus Elise reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Lotus Elise is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 226 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 15 of 442, and 11.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is headlamp aim (1.2% of tests).
Ranked 15 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,251 Lotus Elises aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 11.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Lotus Elise is 56% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
11.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
2,800
Typical age at test: 16 years
Lotus Elise MOT failure rate by age
Most common Lotus Elise MOT faults
- Headlamp aim: too low1.2% of tests
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.9% of tests
- Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.8% of tests
- Headlamp aim: too high0.8% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.7% of tests
What the Lotus Elise fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 5.0% | ▼ 50% less often |
| Visibility | 2.1% | ▼ 58% less often |
| Brakes | 2.0% | ▼ 66% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.0% | ▼ 26% less often |
| Suspension | 1.2% | ▼ 84% less often |
| Tyres | 0.8% | ▼ 82% less often |
| Steering | 0.5% | ▼ 65% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | ▼ 89% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.1% | ▼ 86% less often |
| Wheels | 0.0% | ▼ 77% less often |
What MPG does the Lotus Elise do?
Official economy for the Lotus Elise ranges from 32.1 to 44.8mpg across the 16 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 37.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Lotus Elise?
Any Lotus Elise first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Lotus Elise registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £445 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carLotus Elise specs and running costs
Official figures for 16 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
32.1–44.8 mpg
CO2
149–208 g/km
Power
220–248 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elise Sport 220220 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 173g | £200 | 37% |
| Elise Sport 240243 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 36.2 mpg | 177g | £200 | 37% |
| Elise Cup 250248 PS · M6 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 36.2 mpg | 177g | £200 | 37% |
| Elise Elise SportM6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 44.8 mpg | 149g | £200 | – |
| Elise Elise Sport 220M6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 37.7 mpg | 173g | £200 | – |
| Elise Elise Cup 250M6 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 37.7 mpg | 175g | £200 | – |
| Elise EliseM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 44.8 mpg | 149g | £225 | – |
| Elise Elise SM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 37.7 mpg | 173g | £325 | – |
| Elise EliseManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 44.8 mpg | 149g | £225 | – |
| Elise Elise SManual · listed 2014 | Petrol | 37.7 mpg | 173g | £325 | – |
| Elise Elise RM6 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 34.4 mpg | 196g | £410 | – |
| Elise Elise SCM6 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 33.2 mpg | 199g | £410 | – |
| Elise S Elise SM6 · listed 2010 | Petrol | 34 mpg | 196g | £410 | – |
| Elise 2 seater sports cabrioletM6 · listed 2008 | Petrol | 32.1 mpg | 208g | £445 | – |
| Elise S 2 seater sports cabrioletM6 · listed 2008 | Petrol | 34 mpg | 196g | £410 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 16 versions.
What a Lotus Elise costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 37.7mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Lotus EliseBuying a used Lotus Elise?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Lotus Elise reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Lotus Elise is 56% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 226 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Lotus Elise?
The most common MOT fault is “Headlamp aim: too low”, found in 1.2% of tests.
›What MPG does the Lotus Elise do?
Official economy for the Lotus Elise ranges from 32.1 to 44.8mpg across the 16 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 37.7mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Lotus Elise?
Any Lotus Elise first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Lotus Elise registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £445 a year.
›How many Lotus Elises fail their MOT?
11.3% of Lotus Elises aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Lotus Elise combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.