1977 Lotus Elite MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Elite models manufactured in 1977, based on 73 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1977 Lotus Elite MOT Analysis
The 1977 Lotus Elite has an MOT pass rate of 80.8% based on 73 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 54,162 miles on the odometer. With a 19.2% failure rate, the 1977 Elite is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1977 Lotus Elite is Steering, responsible for 2.7% 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. Suspension is the second most common issue at 2.7%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 1.4%.
Top failures specific to 1977 models only. The overall Elite 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 | 2.7% | 2 |
| 2 | Suspension | 2.7% | 2 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 1.4% | 1 |
| 4 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 1.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 54,162 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 0.51 | 2.7% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.51 | 2.7% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.25 | 1.4% | 1 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.25 | 1.4% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1977 Lotus Elite has an MOT pass rate of 80.8% based on 73 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 54,162 miles on the odometer. With a 19.2% failure rate, the 1977 Elite is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1977 Lotus Elite, 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 54,162 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Steering — 2.7% of failures
Steering issues account for 2.7% of MOT failures on 1977 Lotus Elite 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.
Suspension — 2.7% of failures
Suspension issues account for 2.7% of MOT failures on 1977 Lotus Elite models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Body, chassis, structure — 1.4% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 1.4% of MOT failures on 1977 Lotus Elite models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.