2005 Lotus Exige: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Lotus Exige first registered in 2005: we looked at the 225 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 225 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2005 Lotus Exige MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2005 Lotus Exige MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes14% 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.
- Lights and electrics12% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension10% 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.
- Tyres9% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions3% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Lotus Exige
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 Exige?
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 Exige compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | 164 | Tyres 13% |
| 2020 | 208 | Tyres 15% |
| 2019 | 252 | Tyres 12% |
| 2018 | 258 | Tyres 14% |
| 2017 | 252 | Brakes 10% |
| 2016 | 267 | Tyres 10% |
| 2015 | 262 | Tyres 12% |
| 2014 | 257 | Tyres 11% |
| 2013 | 186 | Tyres 18% |
| 2011 | – | Too few tests |
| 2010 | 183 | Brakes 8% |
| 2009 | 108 | Tyres 9% |
| 2008 | 248 | Tyres 15% |
| 2007 | 261 | Suspension 9% |
| 2006 | 285 | Lights and electrics 11% |
| 2004 | 128 | Lights and electrics 12% |
| 2001 | 105 | Brakes 8% |
| 2000 | 157 | Lights and electrics 10% |
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 Exige cars first registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score