1999 Lotus Elise 1.8L Petrol · V335 DDK
1999 Lotus Elise (1.8L, petrol). First registered 22 Oct 1999. Recorded mileage 18,761 miles. MOT valid until 17 Feb 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LOTUS ELISE
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 18,761 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
V335 DDK Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/02/2026
- 18,761 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring windscreen items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
V335 DDK 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 1999 Lotus Elise (V335 DDK) between May 2022 and February 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”.
V335 DDK Mileage History
- 26/05/202217,853 mi
- 31/10/202318,055 mi+202 mi
- 17/02/202618,759 mi+704 mi
- 18/02/202618,761 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 243 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Highly recommended purchase for collectors or enthusiasts seeking a low-mileage example. The exceptionally low mileage and clean MOT record make this a standout example of an early Series 1 Lotus Elise.
The primary draw of this vehicle is its mileage, which averages less than 700 miles per year. When inspecting, your priority is verifying that the car has been serviced regularly despite the low usage, as low-mile cars can suffer from dried seals and aging components if neglected. Check for a comprehensive service history to ensure the 1796cc engine has been maintained to Lotus standards.
Pay close attention to the condition of rubber components, bushings, and tyres, which can perish with age regardless of mileage. Because the car failed its MOT in February 2026 at 18,759 miles, ask the owner exactly what the defect was to ensure it was a minor item that was rectified promptly.
As a specialist sports car, running costs will be higher than a standard hatchback. While the 1.8L petrol engine is relatively efficient for its performance, insurance groups for Lotus models are typically high due to the brand status. Tax is based on the specific engine size bracket.
Maintenance should be budgeted carefully; specialist parts for the Elise can carry a premium price. You should estimate an annual running cost of approximately £1,200-£1,800, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and a fund for preventative maintenance.
Inspect the undercarriage for any signs of corrosion, as low-mileage cars are sometimes stored in damp environments. While the MOT shows no defects, the 2026 failure suggests a need to check the lighting system or exhaust, as these are common failure points for the Elise model.
Check the interior for any wear on the seats or steering wheel that might contradict the 18,761-mile reading. Ensure the tyres have a recent date code, as old rubber is unsafe on a high-performance car even if the tread depth remains.
This 1999 Lotus Elise is a remarkably rare find, having covered just 18,761 miles over 27 years—significantly below the national average for its age. The MOT history shows a consistently clean record with no recorded defects, despite a minor failure in February 2026 which was resolved immediately. Given its 1.8L engine and classic silver paintwork, this vehicle represents a well-preserved example of an iconic British sports car.
The Lotus Elise maintains a respectable 88.5% average MOT pass rate across the fleet, with common issues limited to lamps, exhausts, and tyres.
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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