Used car guide

1990 Lotus Esprit: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Lotus Esprit first registered in 1990: we looked at the 107 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 107 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

107MOTs of 1990 cars, done in 2023–2025
92%pass first time (all 1990 cars: 72%)
1,400typical miles a year
10%had lights and electrics flagged

Common 1990 Lotus Esprit MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Lotus Esprit MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    9% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    7% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    7% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    4% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Steering
    4% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Lotus Esprit

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Lotus Esprit?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Lotus Esprit compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2003–Too few tests
2002–Too few tests
2001–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1999128Tyres 11%
1998192Lights and electrics 14%
1997–Too few tests
1996118Suspension 27%
1995110Oil and fluid leaks 9%
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1981–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests
1978–Too few tests
1977–Too few tests
1976–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Lotus Esprit cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score