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SN51 LYY

2001 Lotus Elise

Green Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires4 May 2027
Tests31 (17 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate54.8%

Mileage

65,946 mi
Last recorded65,946 miles
Recorded on23 Apr 2026
Typical for 2001 Lotus Elise38,622 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Lotus
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationSN51 LYY
MakeLotus
ModelElise
Year2001
ColourGreen
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

17 pass 14 fail
Pass 23 Apr 2026 65,946 miles
Pass 5 May 2025 65,271 miles
Fail 24 Apr 2025 65,271 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Pass 26 Apr 2024 64,920 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Fail 25 Apr 2024 64,920 miles

Front Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Pass 15 Jun 2023 64,724 miles

General corrosion suspension components

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Fail 14 Jun 2023 64,724 miles

Emissions unable to be completed Due to exhaust leak (8.2.1.2 (d))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too far to the right (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Headlamp aim too far to the right (4.1.2 (a))

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

General corrosion suspension components

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Pass 20 Apr 2022 63,437 miles
Fail 18 Apr 2022 63,432 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Offside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Position lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.2.1 (a) (i))

Pass 8 Aug 2019 62,884 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Fail 30 Jul 2019 62,884 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Offside Front Inner Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 18 May 2018 62,791 miles

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Fail 16 May 2018 62,787 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 1.7mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Pass 11 May 2017 60,673 miles

Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush both front (2.4.G.2)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both front inner surface (3.5.1i)

Front coil spring corroded both front coils (2.4.C.1b)

Items removed from driver's view prior to test sat nav holder ()

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

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both rear inner surface (3.5.1i)

Rear coil spring corroded Both rear coils (2.4.C.1b)

b/f reservoir covered and complete under tray fitted

exhaust system flexy joint corroded

Fail 9 May 2017 60,673 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a pin/bush both front (2.4.G.2)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both front inner surface (3.5.1i)

Front coil spring corroded both front coils (2.4.C.1b)

Items removed from driver's view prior to test sat nav holder ()

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

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both rear inner surface (3.5.1i)

Rear coil spring corroded Both rear coils (2.4.C.1b)

b/f reservoir covered and complete under tray fitted

exhaust system flexy joint corroded

Pass 19 May 2016 58,301 miles
Fail 27 Apr 2016 58,369 miles

Front Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (3.6.G.2)

Nearside Front Headlamp incorrect colour (1.7.5b)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Front Brake pedal actuating lever has abnormal movement indicating maladjustment or excessive wear pedal box flex (3.3.A.1h)

Offside Front Headlamp incorrect colour (1.7.5b)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear rear parking brake recording little or no effort both (3.7.B.6a)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front steering rack worn

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) has light sources not illuminating, but not more than 50% (1.1.A.3b)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (3.5.1i)

Pass 1 May 2015 55,055 miles
Fail 18 Sep 2014 55,019 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (3.6.G.2)

Nearside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 16 Sep 2013 51,053 miles
Pass 27 Jul 2012 48,399 miles
Fail 27 Jun 2012 48,399 miles

Front registration plate character(s) incorrectly spaced (6.3.4a)

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 15 Apr 2011 47,876 miles

Front and rear discs slightly pitted

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 11 Mar 2010 47,397 miles

Unable to test under bonnet items due to screwed down panels

Fail 11 Mar 2010 47,397 miles

Front registration plate margin less than the minimum requirement (6.3.4g)

Unable to test under bonnet items due to screwed down panels

Pass 23 Mar 2009 42,713 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

o/s/r toe link to o/s/r brake flex hose retaining clip broken

washers running out of water

Fail 13 Mar 2009 42,710 miles

Nearside Front Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the right. (1.8)

Offside Front Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

registration plate incorrect (6.3.1a)

Nearside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Pass 21 Sep 2007 35,001 miles
Fail 11 Sep 2007 35,001 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Pass 16 Aug 2006 29,144 miles
Fail 16 Aug 2006 29,144 miles

Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated (8.2.2)

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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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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

SN51 LYY is a 2001 Lotus Elise in Green with a 1,796cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.8%.

Across all 2001 Lotus Elise models, the average MOT pass rate is 82.1% with a typical mileage of 38,622 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

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 SN51 LYY, 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 25 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 SN51 LYY?

You can check the full history of SN51 LYY by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was SN51 LYY registered?

SN51 LYY is a 2001 Lotus Elise, first registered on 3 October 2001.

Is SN51 LYY safe to buy?

The MOT history for SN51 LYY shows 31 tests with a 54.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does SN51 LYY 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 SN51 LYY. 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.