1998 Lotus Elise 1.8L Petrol · S810 BAE
1998 Lotus Elise (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01/08/1998. Recorded mileage 77,910 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Make & Model
- LOTUS ELISE
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/07/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 77,910 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1796cc
S810 BAE Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/06/2025
- 77,910 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
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Dimensions & Weights
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S810 BAE Mileage History
- 06/07/202275,164 mi
- 30/06/202376,101 mi+937 mi
- 03/07/202476,821 mi+720 mi
- 28/06/202577,910 mi+1,089 mi
Average of roughly 922 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
S810 BAE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Lotus Elise (S810 BAE) between July 2022 and June 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A classic driver's car that appears well-maintained in recent years but carries a history of significant electrical neglect and age-related wear.
When inspecting this Elise, your priority must be the electrical system. The 2016 MOT history shows a cascade of failed bulbs and indicators suggesting the car may have sat for long periods without proper attention. Test every single light, indicator, and the hazard circuit. Additionally, check the wiring loom for signs of corrosion or wear, which is a common point on early Elises.
Check the service history specifically for oil changes and fluid refreshes. The 1800cc Toyota-based engine is robust, but the chassis requires attention. Ask the owner for evidence of work done on the suspension components, as the MOT history noted excessive surface corrosion in the past. Ensure the tyres are relatively new, as the history shows a pattern of cracking from age.
Running costs for a Lotus Elise are higher than a standard hatchback but lower than exotic supercars. The 1.8L engine is surprisingly efficient, often achieving 25-30 mpg depending on driving style. Insurance groups are typically high due to the specialist status, and tax is moderate for this engine size.
Maintenance requires budgeting for specialist parts and labour which can be expensive. Expect an annual running cost of approximately £1,200-£1,600 covering fuel, tax, and basic routine servicing.
Focus heavily on the chassis and suspension points. The MOT history notes 'excessive surface corrosion' to front and rear suspension components in 2016; check if this has progressed on the structural arms or mounting points. Inspect for play in the wheel bearings, as an advisory noted play in the offside front bearing previously.
Check the tyres thoroughly for sidewall cracking. This vehicle has a history of tyres failing due to age/cracking, suggesting it may sit for long periods which dries out the rubber. Finally, check the exhaust system; the car failed on carbon monoxide and Lambda tests in 2018, which could indicate oxygen sensor issues or mixture problems if not were not properly addressed.
This 1998 Lotus Elise sits at approximately 77,910 miles, which is well below average for a 28-year-old vehicle. While it has maintained a clean MOT record for the last five years, a major failure in 2016 revealed extensive electrical issues and emission failures. The car appears to have been used sparingly and cared for recently, but buyers should be wary of the history of suspension corrosion and tyre degradation noted in earlier advisories.
The early Toyota-sourced engines in the Elise are renowned for their reliability, though the bespoke chassis and electrical systems can be temperamental.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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