2013 Lotus Exige 3.5L Petrol · F13 SME

The vehicle demonstrates a consistent record of roadworthiness, punctuated by a single significant suspension failure in November 2024. This event, involving a fractured offside rear coil spring, was rectified prior to a pass on the same day, and the subsequent test on 20 November 2025 was completed without any defects or advisories. The overall trend indicates a stable mechanical state, with the majority of tests since 2019 resulting in clean passes. With 31,510 miles recorded over thirteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 2,424 miles per annum. This low annual accumulation indicates a usage profile characterized by infrequent road use or extended periods of inactivity. Mechanically, such a pattern often shifts the primary cause of component failure from high-mileage wear and tear to degradation caused by stagnation or environmental factors affecting rubber and plastic components. Given the history of a fractured rear coil spring, a test drive should focus on the rear suspension's behavior. Listen for any metallic knocks or clunks when traversing uneven surfaces and observe if the vehicle exhibits any instability or unexpected camber changes during cornering. It is important to ensure the replacement spring has not introduced any misalignment or abnormal wear to the surrounding suspension bushings. The 2020 record noted significant wear on both rear tyres, suggesting a tendency for rapid tread depletion on the rear axle. Inspect the current tyres for uneven wear patterns or edge wear, which could indicate alignment issues. Verify that the current tyre depths are well within legal limits and that the rubber remains supple, as low-mileage vehicles may retain tyres that are legally deep but aged.