2002 Lotus Elise 1.8L Petrol · GK51 RZX

The 2002 Lotus Elise presents a remarkably clean MOT record, with the most recent test on 1 July 2022 at 33,730 miles passing with zero defects. Across all six recorded tests spanning from February 2017 to July 2022, not a single advisory or failure has been logged. This indicates a stable and well-maintained vehicle with no recurring mechanical or structural faults flagged by DVSA testers over a five-year period. The maintenance trend is clearly stable, with no evidence of emerging deterioration in brakes, suspension, exhaust emissions, or structural integrity. The mileage pattern tells an unusual story for a 24-year-old sports car. Between the February 2017 test at 33,250 miles and the July 2022 test at 33,730 miles, the car covered just 480 miles over more than five years. That equates to roughly 96 miles per annum during that window. The annualised mileage across the full 24-year history sits at approximately 1,405 miles per year, which is exceptionally low. Such minimal use raises questions about prolonged periods of standing, which can cause its own issues including seized brake calipers, perished rubber bushes, degraded fuel, and dry-rotted tyres regardless of tread depth. Prospective buyers should treat this MOT record as a strong positive but not a substitute for a physical inspection. With no recent MOT since July 2022, the car has now gone over four years without independent examination. A thorough inspection should focus on the condition of suspension bushes and coil springs, which can deteriorate from age rather than mileage. Brake discs and calipers must be checked for corrosion and binding, particularly given the extremely low recent usage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking and perishing even if tread depth remains adequate, as original or aged rubber is a known concern on low-mileage Lotus Elise models. The exhaust system and its mountings, along with any structural corrosion around the chassis and subframes, should be closely inspected given the car's age. The complete absence of advisories across six consecutive MOTs suggests attentive previous ownership and a vehicle that has been genuinely cherished rather than neglected. However, the combination of extreme low mileage and a four-year gap since the last test means a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Lotus composite body construction and bonded aluminium chassis is strongly recommended before committing to any purchase.