LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 SC SPORT
The LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 SC SPORT is a standout vehicle in the UK's sports car market, renowned for its lightweight design, thrilling driving experience, and iconic style. As a two-door convertible, it’s perfect for driving enthusiasts who crave sharp handling and a connection to the road. Typically used for weekend adventures or spirited drives, the Elise appeals to those who value performance and unique design over practicality. Its low mileage—averaging just over 41,000 miles—alongside a relatively small number of previous owners, suggests it has been well cared for by enthusiasts rather than daily family use.
What makes the LOTUS ELISE 1.8 SC SPORT truly special is its reputation for agility and a dynamic driving experience that rivals many modern rivals in the sports car class. Its distinctive lightweight frame and sporty features set it apart from other convertibles, making it a favorite for drivers who want a pure, unfiltered driving sensation. Although it’s not as practical as larger cars, the Elise offers a compelling blend of style, performance, and exclusivity, making it an ideal choice for first-time sports car buyers or seasoned enthusiasts looking for a distinctive and engaging vehicle. If you’re considering a used sports car with a storied reputation, the LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 SC SPORT remains an iconic option worth exploring.
average use
The recent mileage data for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 SC Sport indicates that the most common recorded mileage ranges are between 20,000 and 50,000 miles, collectively accounting for approximately 81.9% of the dataset (27.3% between 20,000-30,000 miles and 36.4% between 40,000-50,000 miles). Notably, a smaller proportion of vehicles have recorded mileages below 20,000 miles (9.1%) or above 60,000 miles (9.1% for 60,000-70,000 miles), with the largest segment, 40,000-50,000 miles, being the most prevalent. This distribution suggests that most vehicles in this sample tend to accumulate moderate mileage, which could be useful for assessing typical usage patterns for this model.
vehicle values
The private sale valuations for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 SC Sport show a concentration of prices within the £13,000 to £16,000 range, accounting for over 54% of listings. Notably, the most common price bracket is £13,000 to £14,000, representing 27.3% of the data. There are also smaller but significant clusters at both lower (£12,000 to £13,000) and higher (£14,000 to £15,000) levels. Interestingly, higher-value brackets between £23,000 and £25,000 are less common, each constituting around 9% of sales, indicating that the typical private sale appears to centre around the mid-teens, with fewer vehicles reaching above £23,000. This suggests that, in the current market, most buyers likely experience a focus on pricing in the £13,000-£16,000 range.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 SC Sport vehicles in the sample were manufactured in 2009, accounting for 45.5%. The remaining vehicles are primarily from 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2014, with significantly smaller proportions—each around 9-18%. Notably, nearly half of the vehicles are from 2009, suggesting this may have been a relatively popular or production-heavy year for this model during that period.
colour popularity
The data indicates that among the sampled Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2-door convertible 1.8 SC Sport vehicles, green is the most common paint colour, accounting for 45.5% of vehicles. Orange, black, grey, and blue are less prevalent, with the proportions being 9.1%, 18.2%, 18.2%, and 9.1% respectively. Notably, nearly half of these vehicles are painted in green, suggesting it is a popular and distinctive colour choice for this model.
ownership cycle
The data for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2-door convertible 1.8 SC Sport indicates that most vehicles have been registered with a small number of keepers. Specifically, 36.4% of these vehicles have had four registered keepers, making it the most common. Interestingly, no vehicles in the sample have had more than five registered keepers, and there is a relatively even distribution among vehicles with one, two, three, and five keepers, each comprising around 18-20%. This suggests that while many vehicles remain with their original owners or first few owners, a significant portion changes hands multiple times, but normally not exceeding five owners.
engine choices
The data indicates that all instances of the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 SC Sport in the sample are powered exclusively by petrol. Regarding engine capacity, the majority (81.8%) have a 1796cc engine, while a smaller proportion (18.2%) are equipped with a 1798cc engine. This suggests that the 1796cc engine is the predominant specification for this model, with a minor variation in engine size.
