2002 Lotus Elise 1.8L Petrol · T7 TWO

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, though the maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. The most recent test on 23 June 2023 at 29,874 miles resulted in a pass following a failure for ineffective windscreen wipers and both front tyres. While the immediate faults were addressed to secure the pass, the history suggests that components are only serviced when they reach a point of failure or legal limit during the annual inspection. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 1,245 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between July 2018 and September 2021, where the car covered only 746 miles over three years. Another period of low activity occurred between 2021 and June 2023, covering 256 miles. This pattern of intermittent use suggests the car sits for long periods, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and surface corrosion on metal surfaces despite the low mechanical wear. A buyer must physically inspect the braking system thoroughly, as pitting and scoring on both front and rear discs appeared in 2017 and 2018. Low mileage often causes brake calipers to seize or discs to rust due to lack of abrasive cleaning. The 2018 record also noted rust on the front upper and lower suspension arms, requiring a close look at the chassis and mounting points to ensure that corrosion has not compromised the structural integrity of the Lotus frame. The recurring reports of uneven tyre wear on the inside edges in 2018 and 2023 indicate potential alignment issues or worn suspension bushes. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage, all rubber seals, hoses, and suspension bushings should be checked for cracking or dry rot. The wiper blade failure in 2023 is minor, but the overall vehicle should be evaluated for any fluid leaks that may have developed during the long periods of inactivity.