LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 189 R TOURING 6SPD
The LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 189 R TOURING 6SPD is a distinctive modern classic that stands out in the UK sports car market. Designed as a lightweight, agile convertible, this vehicle is perfect for driving enthusiasts who crave a thrilling experience behind the wheel. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for urban driving and weekend adventures, and it’s particularly popular among first-time sports car buyers or those seeking a stylish, fun-to-drive vehicle. With an average mileage of around 46,560 miles and a typical private sale value of approximately £12,192, this Lotus offers a compelling blend of performance and affordability.
What sets the Lotus Elise apart is its sleek design, exceptional handling, and a reputation for delivering an engaging driving experience. Its 1.8-litre engine and six-speed manual transmission ensure responsive performance, while the open-top layout provides an exhilarating sense of freedom. Compared to other sports cars in its class, the Elise is celebrated for its light weight, precision engineering, and unique appeal—making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a stylish weekend car or a reliable option for fun weekend drives, the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE is a standout choice for those who value performance, design, and driving enjoyment.
average use
Based on the latest recorded mileages for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 189 R Touring 6SPD, most vehicles have mileage readings between 10,000 and 50,000 miles, with the highest proportions in the 10,000–20,000 and 20,000–30,000 ranges, each accounting for approximately 31.6%. A smaller percentage, about 5.3%, of vehicles have extremely low mileage (0–10,000) or very high mileage (130,000–140,000 and 90,000–100,000). Notably, this suggests that many of these cars are relatively low-mileage, but there are also some with significantly high mileage, which could impact valuation or condition assessments.
vehicle values
Based on the private sale valuation data for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 189 R Touring 6SPD, the most common price range appears to be between £12,000 and £13,000, accounting for about 21.1% of observed sales. There is also a significant proportion, 26.3%, priced between £13,000 and £14,000, indicating these levels are quite typical for this model. Notably, prices below £10,000 (specifically between £8,000 and £10,000) are relatively less common, representing only around 15.9% combined, which may suggest that sub-£10,000 sales are less typical for private transactions of this vehicle. Overall, the data shows that the majority of private sale prices cluster in the £11,000 to £14,000 range, with a notable peak in the £13,000 to £14,000 bracket.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the Lotus Elise vehicles in this sample were manufactured between 2008 and 2009, with 47.4% from 2008 and 26.3% from 2009. Together, these two years account for approximately 73.7% of the vehicles. Smaller proportions were produced in 2010 (21.1%) and 2011 (5.3%), suggesting that the 2008-2009 models dominate this sample. This distribution may reflect the production years of the model or its popularity during that period.
colour popularity
The data indicates that the most common main paint colours for the Lotus Elise (1996-2019) 2DR Convertible 1.8 189 R Touring 6SPD are White, Red, Blue, and Green, each accounting for approximately 15.8% of the vehicles. White leads slightly at 21.1%, making it the most prevalent colour overall. Conversely, Silver is the least common, comprising just 5.3% of the sample. Notably, a diverse range of colours is present, with a relatively balanced distribution among the main hues, suggesting that owners prefer a variety of vibrant and classic shades for this model.
ownership cycle
The data shows that the majority of 'LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 189 R TOURING 6SPD' vehicles have been registered with a low number of keepers. Specifically, 15.8% of vehicles have had only one registered keeper, and similar percentages are observed for those with two and four keepers. Notably, a significant portion—31.6%—have had three registered keepers. Only a small percentage (5.3%) have had as many as seven or eight keepers. This pattern suggests that most vehicles tend to stay with a limited number of owners over their lifespan, which may indicate good ownership stability or possibly less frequent ownership changes for this model.
engine choices
The data for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 189 R Touring 6SPD indicates that the majority of these vehicles (89.5%) are equipped with an 1796 cc engine. Additionally, most vehicles primarily use petrol as their fuel source, accounting for 94.7%, with a small percentage (5.3%) utilizing hybrid electric technology. This suggests that the typical model is a petrol-powered 1.8-liter vehicle, with hybrid options being relatively rare within this model range.
