We've only got 121 MOT tests for Lotus Exiges built around 2006 (19 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.
We've only seen a handful of Lotus Exiges built around 2006 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Before you view it
The Lotus Exige's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.
Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
By build year
Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.
Find your Exige's generation
Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.
8.3% fail rate, built around 2015 (10 years old)
Likely between 4.4% and 15.1%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 22.8%)
16.5% fail rate, built around 2006 (19 years old)
Likely between 11.0% and 24.2%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.4%)
Not sure which one you're looking at?
Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Lotus Exige.
See every build year for the Lotus ExigeSide-by-side
Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.
| Generation | Rating | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Series 3 (2012-2021) | Excellent | 8.3%likely between 4.4% and 15.1%built around 2015 (10 years old)from 108 MOT tests at this age |
| Series 2 (2004-2011) | Excellent | 16.5%likely between 11.0% and 24.2%built around 2006 (19 years old)from 121 MOT tests at this age |
Each row is one generation of the Exige, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.
By age
This chart combines every Lotus Exige ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 19 years old.
All generations of this model
These issues come from 19-year-old Lotus Exiges, every generation combined.
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
Brake pads wearing thin
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
One of the number plate lights not working
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Based on 121 MOT tests on 19-year-old Lotus Exiges, every generation combined.
Still registered
How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.
Not enough registration data to show this for the Lotus Exige.
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
All 5 Lotus Exige recalls cover cars built in these years.
Top concerns
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Like-for-like
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 12.5%, against 16.5% for the Lotus Exige, both built around 2006.
3,002 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Lotus Exige on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,093 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Lotus Exige on these figures.
4,191 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Lotus Exige on these figures.
1,228 MOT tests on cars built around 2006
Common questions
Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Lotus Exige across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 121 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.
