Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Lotus Elise (2009–2011) Reliability

The Lotus Elise (2009–2011) scores 98/100 on our composite reliability index — excellent territory — drawn from DVSA data. Estimated used prices span €8,400–€12,700.

Composite Score
98
/ 100
Excellent
Sources: DVSA · latest 2024
Market Snapshot
Listed model years20092011
Est. used price€8,400€12,700
Documented issues0
Listings in catalogue8
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Buying a Lotus Elise? Check its VIN history first

Reliability data covers the model. A VIN history report covers the exact Lotus Elise you're looking at — accident and write-off records, mileage rollback, outstanding finance and theft checks.

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Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2004–2021 · 2024 report · n=3387
3,387 UK MOT tests · overall 8.5% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
99
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2020 · 2023 report · n=2275
2,275 UK MOT tests · overall 10.2% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
96
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 3,387 MOT tests in the UK during the 2024 reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 35 yrs
98
3.2% fail vs 10.9% fleet
377 tests
Age 69 yrs
97
6.3% fail vs 19.2% fleet
631 tests
Age 1014 yrs
98
9.6% fail vs 32.1% fleet
531 tests
Age 1520 yrs
100
10.1% fail vs 38.8% fleet
1,848 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Catalyst emissions
694
39.6%
#2
Position lamp
311
17.8%
#3
Ball joint dust cover
285
16.3%
#4
Stop lamp
248
14.2%
#5
Headlamp aim
214
12.2%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2024 period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

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