1996 Lotus Esprit: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Lotus Esprit first registered in 1996: we looked at the 118 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 118 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1996 Lotus Esprit MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1996 Lotus Esprit MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension27% 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.
- Lights and electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres12% 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.
- Brakes8% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks8% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Lotus Esprit
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | – | Too few tests |
| 2000 | – | Too few tests |
| 1999 | 128 | Tyres 11% |
| 1998 | 192 | Lights and electrics 14% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | 110 | Oil and fluid leaks 9% |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | 107 | Lights and electrics 10% |
| 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 1996. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score