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P266 TVF

1997 Lotus Elise

Red Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires11 Aug 2026
Tests24 (20 pass, 4 fail)
Pass rate83.3%

Mileage

109,418 mi
Last recorded109,418 miles
Recorded on12 Aug 2025
Typical for 1997 Lotus Elise47,496 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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

RegistrationP266 TVF
MakeLotus
ModelElise
Year1997
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,796cc

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

20 pass 4 fail
Pass 12 Aug 2025 109,418 miles
Pass 10 Jun 2024 107,928 miles
Pass 12 Jun 2023 105,495 miles
Pass 9 Jun 2022 103,711 miles
Pass 15 Jun 2021 102,104 miles
Pass 15 Jun 2020 100,486 miles
Pass 7 Jun 2019 99,196 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 5 Jun 2018 96,875 miles

Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 6 Jun 2017 94,610 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Pass 18 May 2016 92,428 miles
Pass 5 Jun 2015 90,507 miles

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 27 May 2014 86,177 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 27 May 2014 86,177 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 7 Jun 2013 81,235 miles

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 12 Jun 2012 78,588 miles

Windscreen cracked but not obscuring drivers view of the road.

Pass 16 Jun 2011 75,351 miles

Nearside Side repeater slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Fail 16 Jun 2010 68,600 miles

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

Pass 16 Jun 2010 68,600 miles
Pass 10 Jun 2009 62,856 miles
Fail 10 Jun 2009 62,856 miles

Front position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)

Pass 17 Jun 2008 54,405 miles
Fail 17 Jun 2008 54,405 miles

Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

Front registration plate with character(s) which are not the correct height (6.3.4a)

Front registration plate with character(s) which are not the correct stroke width (6.3.4a)

Front registration plate with character(s) which are not the correct width (6.3.4a)

Pass 16 May 2007 44,054 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 15 May 2006 31,038 miles

front number plate cracked.

How Reliable is the Lotus Elise?

Based on 150,954 MOT tests across 12,302 vehicles.

81.8%
Pass Rate
1,309
Miles/Year
30
Year Lifespan
12,302
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive 3,173
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 3,131
Headlamp aim too high 3,014
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits 2,630
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive 1,898
Full Lotus Elise reliability report

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P266 TVF is a 1997 Lotus Elise in Red with a 1,796cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 24 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 83.3%.

Across all 1997 Lotus Elise models, the average MOT pass rate is 78.3% with a typical mileage of 47,496 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a Lotus Elise fails its MOT is exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive, accounting for 3,173 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P266 TVF, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Lotus Elise typically stays on UK roads for around 30 years. At 29 years old, this Lotus Elise is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P266 TVF?

You can check the full history of P266 TVF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P266 TVF registered?

P266 TVF is a 1997 Lotus Elise, first registered on 27 June 1997.

Is P266 TVF safe to buy?

The MOT history for P266 TVF shows 24 tests with a 83.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P266 TVF 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 P266 TVF. 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.