2017 Lotus Exige 3.5L Petrol · KX17 CVS

The Lotus Exige’s most recent MOT, conducted just three months ago on 24 April 2026 at 23,059 miles, confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. This clean pass extends a consistent trend of flawless results across the past five tests, dating back to March 2022. The absence of advisories, major faults, or recurring issues suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a level sufficient to meet DVSA’s minimum standards, though this does not preclude hidden wear or deferred maintenance beyond MOT scope. The most notable exception in the history was the March 2022 test, where the tester flagged rear tyres worn close to the legal limit and exhibiting edge wear—a fault that would have required immediate replacement. No such issues recurred in subsequent tests, implying either a timely tyre replacement or a shift to better-suited tyres. The recorded mileage of 23,059 miles over nine years—approximately 2,562 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the Exige’s performance-oriented nature. The mileage increments between tests are consistent, averaging around 1,500 miles per year, with no abrupt jumps or prolonged periods of inactivity. For example, the gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests saw only 1,069 miles accumulated, while the 2024 to 2025 interval added 1,466 miles. Such low usage may indicate the car has been stored for extended periods or used sparingly, which could contribute to issues like dry-rotted seals, degraded fluids, or minor corrosion that aren’t immediately visible. Conversely, it also suggests the vehicle has avoided excessive wear on high-stress components like suspension bushes or brake calipers. Given the clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components not routinely checked under DVSA’s test criteria. The 2022 tyre advisory warrants scrutiny of the current rear tyres for uneven wear, cracking, or remaining tread depth. Given the car’s age and low mileage, the suspension—particularly the coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be examined for stiffness, fluid leaks, or corrosion, as these are prone to degradation even with minimal use. The braking system, while never flagged in MOTs, demands inspection for binding calipers, warped discs, or deteriorated brake lines, especially if the car has been stored. Finally, the underbody and wheel arches should be checked for corrosion, as prolonged periods of inactivity can accelerate rust formation in critical areas. Fluid levels and condition—brakes, clutch (if applicable), engine, and transmission—should also be verified, as these are not MOT-tested but critical to long-term reliability.