1989 Lotus Eclat MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Eclat models manufactured in 1989, based on 365 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Eclat cars tested in 1989. Want to see how cars built in 1989 hold up over time?
View 1989 Lotus Eclat vintage page → (81.3% current pass rate)1989 Lotus Eclat MOT Analysis
The 1989 Lotus Eclat has an MOT pass rate of 75.9% based on 365 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,538 miles on the odometer. With a 24.1% failure rate, the 1989 Eclat is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Lotus Eclat is Steering, responsible for 3.3% of failures. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs range from £150–600. Brakes is the second most common issue at 2.7%. Tyres follows at 2.2%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall Eclat page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steering | 3.3% | 12 |
| 2 | Brakes | 2.7% | 10 |
| 3 | Tyres | 2.2% | 8 |
| 4 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 1.6% | 6 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.6% | 6 |
| 6 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.1% | 4 |
| 7 | Visibility | 0.5% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 51,538 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 0.64 | 3.3% | 12 |
| Brakes | 0.53 | 2.7% | 10 |
| Tyres | 0.43 | 2.2% | 8 |
| Body & Structure | 0.32 | 1.6% | 6 |
| Suspension | 0.32 | 1.6% | 6 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.21 | 1.1% | 4 |
| Visibility | 0.11 | 0.5% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Lotus Eclat has an MOT pass rate of 75.9% based on 365 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,538 miles on the odometer. With a 24.1% failure rate, the 1989 Eclat is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Lotus Eclat, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to steering: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels. At 51,538 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Steering — 3.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 3.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Lotus Eclat models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Brakes — 2.7% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.7% of MOT failures on 1989 Lotus Eclat models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Tyres — 2.2% of failures
Tyres issues account for 2.2% of MOT failures on 1989 Lotus Eclat models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.