1997 Lotus Elise 1.8L Petrol · FC 6400

The vehicle currently holds a roadworthy status following a clean pass on May 13, 2026 at 12,508 miles. This result followed a failure just one month prior, indicating that the owner is responsive to MOT rectification requirements. While the overall maintenance trend appears stable, the recent failure in April 2026 highlights that specific rubber-based suspension components are beginning to degrade due to age rather than high mechanical wear. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 29-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 431 miles per year. The data shows significant gaps between tests, such as the four-year interval between May 2018 and April 2022, where the car covered only 434 miles. Such infrequent usage patterns suggest the vehicle sits for long periods, which often leads to the perishishing of rubber components, seized seals, and the drying of brake fluid despite the low mechanical mileage on the engine and drivetrain. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering assembly. The April 2026 failure specifically flagged worn anti-roll barity bushes on both sides alongside a missing nearside steering rack gaiter. Although these were rectified for the May pass, the buyer must verify the new gaiter is correctly fitted to prevent dirt ingress into the steering rack. Given the age and low usage, also check the chassis for surface and and corrosion, as low-mileage cars can suffer from hidden structural rust if stored in damp environments without regular use.