2004 Lotus Elise 1.8L Petrol · GN04 CZL

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 1 July 2026, but the record shows a persistent mechanical trend regarding the steering system. While the vehicle has passed consecutive tests since 2022, the steering rack inner joint on the offside has been flagged in three separate inspections. Specifically, the tester recorded an advisory for offside play in the steering rack inner joint in August 2023, again in July 2024, and most recently in July 2026. This indicates a worsening or unaddressed condition in the steering assembly rather than a resolving issue. The recorded mileage of 154,895 miles reflects an average annual usage of approximately 7,041 miles over the vehicle's 22-year lifespan. The MOT history provided covers a five-year period from September 2022 to July 2026. The data shows consistent annual testing without significant gaps in the inspection timeline. The mileage accumulation appears steady, which aligns with the typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age. A prospective buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the steering mechanism. The recurring advisories for offside play in the steering rack inner joint suggest that this component requires attention to prevent further degradation or a future failure. Beyond the steering rack, the absence of advisories regarding brake discs, tyres, or suspension bushes in the recent years suggests these consumables were within acceptable limits at the time of testing. However, the repeated steering fault remains the primary mechanical concern identified in the official documentation.