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MVL 490

1987 Lotus Esprit

Red Petrol 2174cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires27 Aug 2026
Tests15 (13 pass, 2 fail)
Pass rate86.7%

Mileage

15,284 mi
Last recorded15,284 miles
Recorded on28 Aug 2025
Typical for 1987 Lotus Esprit48,573 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Lotus
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationMVL 490
MakeLotus
ModelEsprit
Year1987
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,174cc

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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

13 pass 2 fail
Pass 28 Aug 2025 15,284 miles
Pass 13 May 2024 15,270 miles
Pass 4 May 2022 15,219 miles
Pass 5 May 2021 15,158 miles
Pass 17 Jul 2019 15,147 miles
Fail 3 Jul 2019 15,140 miles

Emissions not tested due to car not starting (8.2.1.2 (d))

Pass 4 Jun 2018 15,021 miles
Pass 26 Jun 2017 14,879 miles
Pass 21 Jun 2016 14,753 miles
Pass 6 Dec 2013 14,698 miles
Pass 11 Oct 2012 14,566 miles
Pass 13 Apr 2010 13,210 miles

Offside Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

rear suspension siezed not operating correctly

Fail 9 Apr 2010 13,210 miles

Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Steering rack gaiter deteriorated (2.2.D.2d)

rear suspension siezed not operating correctly

Pass 19 Dec 2008 12,515 miles
Pass 11 Jun 2007 12,006 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

How Reliable is the Lotus Esprit?

Based on 25,410 MOT tests across 2,324 vehicles.

80.6%
Pass Rate
515
Miles/Year
50
Year Lifespan
2,324
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 624
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 464
brake binding 455
parking brake recording little or no effort 332
Headlamp aim too low 326
Full Lotus Esprit reliability report

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MVL 490 is a 1987 Lotus Esprit in Red with a 2,174cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 15 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 86.7%.

Across all 1987 Lotus Esprit models, the average MOT pass rate is 81.3% with a typical mileage of 48,573 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Lotus Esprit fails its MOT is parking brake: efficiency below requirements, accounting for 624 recorded failures. If you're considering buying MVL 490, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Lotus Esprit typically stays on UK roads for around 50 years. At 39 years old, this Lotus Esprit is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of MVL 490?

You can check the full history of MVL 490 by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was MVL 490 registered?

MVL 490 is a 1987 Lotus Esprit, first registered on 31 December 1987.

Is MVL 490 safe to buy?

The MOT history for MVL 490 shows 15 tests with a 86.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does MVL 490 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 MVL 490. 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.