CarVerify

Free Car Check

BUI 49

1991 Lotus Elan

Red Petrol 1588cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires22 Jul 2027
Tests23 (19 pass, 4 fail)
Pass rate82.6%

Mileage

32,245 mi
Last recorded32,245 miles
Recorded on23 Jul 2026
Typical for 1991 Lotus Elan80,091 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Lotus
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationBUI 49
MakeLotus
ModelElan
Year1991
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,588cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 4 fail
Pass 23 Jul 2026 32,245 miles

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 26 Mar 2025 32,144 miles
Pass 9 Jun 2023 31,420 miles
Pass 16 May 2022 30,601 miles
Fail 13 May 2022 30,594 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 25 May 2021 29,539 miles

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 19 May 2021 29,539 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam Head lamp does not pop up (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam Head lamp does not pop up (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 18 Apr 2019 29,528 miles
Pass 9 Apr 2018 29,495 miles
Pass 21 Mar 2017 29,378 miles
Pass 29 Mar 2016 29,312 miles
Pass 7 Apr 2015 29,155 miles
Pass 23 Apr 2014 28,995 miles

Front elecric window switches disconnected.

Pass 25 Apr 2013 28,810 miles
Pass 11 Apr 2012 28,709 miles
Pass 14 Apr 2011 28,495 miles
Pass 16 Apr 2010 28,106 miles
Pass 17 Apr 2009 27,894 miles
Fail 17 Apr 2009 27,894 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Offside front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Pass 14 Apr 2008 27,733 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Fail 11 Apr 2008 27,733 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Pass 17 Apr 2007 27,601 miles
Pass 20 Apr 2006 27,288 miles

How Reliable is the Lotus Elan?

Based on 51,097 MOT tests across 4,280 vehicles.

77.4%
Pass Rate
554
Miles/Year
59
Year Lifespan
4,280
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 2,585
brake recording little or no effort 1,342
parking brake recording little or no effort 1,318
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 927
brake binding 845
Full Lotus Elan reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

BUI 49 is a 1991 Lotus Elan in Red with a 1,588cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 23 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 82.6%.

Across all 1991 Lotus Elan models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.1% with a typical mileage of 80,091 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Lotus Elan fails its MOT is parking brake: efficiency below requirements, accounting for 2,585 recorded failures. If you're considering buying BUI 49, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Lotus Elan typically stays on UK roads for around 59 years. At 35 years old, this Lotus Elan is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of BUI 49?

You can check the full history of BUI 49 by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was BUI 49 registered?

BUI 49 is a 1991 Lotus Elan, first registered on 24 January 1991.

Is BUI 49 safe to buy?

The MOT history for BUI 49 shows 23 tests with a 82.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does BUI 49 have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on BUI 49. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.