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VU03 XJL

2003 Lotus Elise

Silver Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires21 May 2027
Tests19 (17 pass, 2 fail)
Pass rate89.5%

Mileage

59,213 mi
Last recorded59,213 miles
Recorded on22 May 2026
Typical for 2003 Lotus Elise33,657 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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

RegistrationVU03 XJL
MakeLotus
ModelElise
Year2003
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,796cc

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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 2 fail
Pass 22 May 2026 59,213 miles
Pass 23 Apr 2024 54,250 miles

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

Fail 22 Apr 2024 54,236 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Rear fog lamp switch inoperative (4.5.3 (a))

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (1.1.10 (f))

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

Nearside Rear Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Pass 19 Aug 2022 53,252 miles
Pass 23 Feb 2021 52,691 miles
Pass 4 Jun 2019 48,624 miles
Pass 24 Apr 2018 48,446 miles
Pass 28 Nov 2016 46,066 miles
Pass 15 Jun 2015 45,817 miles
Pass 26 Jun 2014 39,245 miles
Pass 26 Apr 2013 35,960 miles

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

off side front headlight aim on upper limit

Fail 26 Apr 2013 35,960 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

off side front headlight aim on upper limit

Pass 4 Apr 2012 32,435 miles
Pass 21 Apr 2011 28,993 miles
Pass 29 Apr 2010 25,093 miles

Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Pass 14 May 2009 20,340 miles

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

Pass 22 Apr 2008 19,853 miles
Pass 12 May 2007 18,252 miles
Pass 4 May 2006 15,035 miles

PARKING PERMIT OVER 10MM ENCROACHING IN TO ZONE A OF THE SWEPT AREA.

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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VU03 XJL is a 2003 Lotus Elise in Silver with a 1,796cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 19 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 89.5%.

Across all 2003 Lotus Elise models, the average MOT pass rate is 83.4% with a typical mileage of 33,657 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 VU03 XJL, 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 23 years old, this Lotus Elise is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of VU03 XJL?

You can check the full history of VU03 XJL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was VU03 XJL registered?

VU03 XJL is a 2003 Lotus Elise, first registered on 23 May 2003.

Is VU03 XJL safe to buy?

The MOT history for VU03 XJL shows 19 tests with a 89.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does VU03 XJL 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 VU03 XJL. 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.