2022 Lotus Elise Sport 240 1.8L Petrol · WV71 HMY

With only two MOT tests on record and both returning without advisories or failures, this Lotus Elise Sport 240 presents a notably sparse DVSA history that limits any meaningful trend analysis. The most recent test on 5 January 2026 recorded a pass with no defects, and the earlier examination on 6 January 2025 was similarly clean. Because the vehicle only became subject to MOT testing from its fourth anniversary onwards, there is no three-year rolling pattern to interpret. The absence of recorded advisories so far is encouraging for a machine of this type, particularly given that the Elise is a bonded-aluminium chassis rather than a steel monocoque, so corrosion-related advisories that plague many older vehicles are largely irrelevant here. However, the limited sample size means there is simply insufficient data to confirm whether the components inspected have remained within tolerance consistently over a longer period. The recorded mileage of 19,014 miles across approximately four years equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,754 miles, which is low for a modern performance car and raises legitimate mechanical questions. Such modest use suggests the vehicle may have spent considerable periods stationary, which on a performance-oriented machine can lead to specific issues distinct from high-mileage wear. Brake discs and pads are particularly susceptible to corrosion pitting and seizure of caliper slide pins during extended standing periods, even on a low-mass vehicle like the Elise. The Yokohama or Pirelli tyres typically fitted should also be inspected for age-related sidewall cracking, as rubber degrades regardless of tread depth when a car sees limited use. Fuel system components, including the injectors and the fuel pump, can suffer from stale fuel residues, and the oil should be checked for moisture contamination given the likely condensation cycles inside the sump during cold soaks. For a prospective buyer, a thorough physical inspection must compensate for the thin MOT paper trail. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the wishbone bushes and rose-jointed track rods, which are known wear items on the Elise platform. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no judder under hard application suggesting warped or corroded discs; because the car uses relatively small discs, any unevenness will be felt almost immediately. Check the steering for any vagueness or wandering, as the unassisted rack can develop play at the inner or outer joints, and verify that the hydraulic clutch operates without sponginess given the system shares fluid with the brakes. Inspect the underside for any oil weeping from the cam cover gasket, the sump plug, or the rear main seal area, all of which would be unrecorded on the MOT but are common Elise concerns. Finally, attention should be directed towards the Toyota-sourced 2ZZ-GE engine and its associated ancillaries. A cold start should be observed to confirm smooth ticking over without excessive smoke, and once at temperature, listen for any timing chain rattle from the right-hand cam cover, particularly on initial start-up. Verify that the radiator fan cuts in at the correct temperature and that there are no obvious coolant leaks from the header tank or hose connections. Given the low annual mileage, the battery is likely to have suffered repeated partial discharge cycles, so electrical load testing is advisable before purchase. The clutch should be exercised through full travel in each gear, feeling for any slipping under high torque in fourth or fifth, which would indicate wear on this frequently stressed component. With only two clean MOT entries to its name, this Elise Sport 240 cannot be described as having an extensive proven record, but the absence of flagged defects combined with its specialised construction does mean that a competent pre-purchase inspection by a Lotus-experienced specialist will carry far more weight than the limited DVSA documentation available.