2010 Lotus Elise 1.8L Petrol · JB10 TUS

The Lotus Elise presents a largely stable mechanical picture, with a clean pass recorded as recently as 15 May 2026 at 20,983 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, though a recurring advisory on rear tyre wear suggests a minor, unresolved pattern rather than a serious deterioration. The vehicle has not failed an MOT within the supplied history, and no structural or safety-critical defects have been flagged in recent years. Mileage accumulation is exceptionally low for a 2010 vehicle. Between the March 2022 test at 15,059 miles and the May 2026 test at 20,983 miles, the car covered just 5,924 miles across four years, averaging roughly 1,481 miles annually. The jump from 17,726 miles in March 2024 to 20,983 miles by May 2026 accounts for 3,257 miles in just over two years, indicating a slight uptick in use recently. Even so, the overall mileage profile remains well below typical annual figures, pointing to light, intermittent use rather than sustained daily driving. Long periods of standing can itself raise concerns around deteriorated rubber components, stale fuel, and surface corrosion on brake discs and suspension bushes, even when mileage is low. The most persistent advisory relates to rear tyre condition. Both the 2025 and 2026 tests flagged the nearside and offside rear tyres as worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge. This repeated pattern across consecutive years suggests either a persistent alignment or suspension geometry issue causing uneven wear, or simply that the rear tyres are not being replaced promptly when they degrade. A buyer should inspect the rear tyre sidewalls for perishing given the car's age and low use, and check the condition of the rear suspension bushes, toe links, and any adjustable alignment settings specific to this model. The March 2024 advisory for rear brake pads wearing thin at 17,726 miles has not reappeared in subsequent tests, implying the pads were replaced and the issue resolved. Still, with such low annual mileage, brake discs may carry surface corrosion from standing, and calipers should be checked for binding. A hands-on inspection should focus on the structural integrity of the chassis and body mounts, the condition of all rubber bushes and hoses, and whether the exhaust and fuel system show any signs of age-related deterioration rather than wear.