Used car guide

2014 Lotus Exige: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Lotus Exige first registered in 2014: we looked at the 257 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 257 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

257MOTs of 2014 cars, done in 2023–2025
93%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 70%)
2,200typical miles a year
11%had tyres flagged

Common 2014 Lotus Exige MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Lotus Exige MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    11% 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.

  • Brakes
    7% 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 electrics
    6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    6% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% 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 2014 Lotus Exige

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 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022–Too few tests
2021164Tyres 13%
2020208Tyres 15%
2019252Tyres 12%
2018258Tyres 14%
2017252Brakes 10%
2016267Tyres 10%
2015262Tyres 12%
2013186Tyres 18%
2011–Too few tests
2010183Brakes 8%
2009108Tyres 9%
2008248Tyres 15%
2007261Suspension 9%
2006285Lights and electrics 11%
2005225Brakes 14%
2004128Lights and electrics 12%
2001105Brakes 8%
2000157Lights 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 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score