Lotus Evora (S & 400) Problems by Year
The Lotus Evora was designed to be a more practical, everyday usable sports car, offering a 2+2 seating layout and a smoother, more compliant ride than the hardcore Elise. Powered by a mid-mounted, Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6 (often supercharged in S and 400 models), it provides serious performance to rival the Porsche Cayman and 911. In the UK, it is a rare, exotic alternative to the German default choices, praised for its sublime hydraulic steering and supple suspension tuning. Reliability is generally strong regarding the engine, but the interior build quality and electronics can reflect its low-volume, hand-built nature. It appeals to buyers wanting a sublime driving experience with enough comfort for cross-country touring.
Select a year below to see the specific problems affecting that model year, with estimated repair costs and severity ratings.
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Browse Lotus Evora (S & 400) in our Directory
View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for the Lotus Lotus Evora (S & 400).
View Lotus Evora (S & 400) DirectoryBuying Tips for the Lotus Evora (S & 400)
- ✓Check the operation of the clutch on manual models; replacement is an engine-out job and therefore extremely expensive.
- ✓Test the IPS (automatic) gearbox on a test drive; it is an older torque-converter design and can feel sluggish compared to modern dual-clutch systems.
- ✓Inspect the interior trim; the leather on the dashboard can shrink and peel away from the backing in hot sun.
- ✓Verify that the air conditioning works perfectly, as condenser and compressor failures are known issues and costly to fix.
- ✓Look for any bubbling or cracking in the paintwork on the fibreglass panels, particularly around the edges and joints.
- ✓Check the Alpine infotainment system, which is often dated and prone to freezing or dropping Bluetooth connections.