LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 SC TOURING
The LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 SC TOURING is a distinctive and sporty choice for driving enthusiasts in the UK. Known for its lightweight design and agile handling, this convertible sports car is perfect for those who enjoy a dynamic driving experience. It’s often used for weekend drives or as a spirited alternative to more conventional cars, appealing to enthusiasts and first-time buyers alike who want a stylish, fun-to-drive vehicle. The model benefits from a compact, eye-catching design that stands out on the road, combined with a reputation for excellent responsiveness and an engaging drive—making it a notable choice among compact sports cars.
With an average mileage of around 32,102 miles and a typical value of approximately £15,511 based on private sales data, the LOTUS ELISE offers a compelling package for those seeking a unique and reliable used sports car. Its history of an average of nearly four previous owners suggests it’s a vehicle with a lively ownership history, but one that remains a sought-after classic that balances performance with practicality. Compared to its rivals, the ELISE is widely appreciated for its sharp design, engaging driving experience, and distinctive brand appeal, making it a standout option in the used sports car market for new and seasoned drivers alike.
average use
The recent mileage records for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 SC Touring show a fairly even distribution across various ranges. The most common recorded mileages fall between 10,000 and 30,000 miles, comprising 44% of the data (24% in the 10,000-20,000 range and 20% in the 20,000-30,000 range). Notably, a smaller proportion—around 4%—of vehicles have recorded mileages at both very low (0-10,000 miles) and very high (70,000-80,000, 80,000-90,000, and 60,000-70,000 miles) levels, suggesting these extremes are less typical. Overall, most vehicles tend to cluster around the 10,000 to 30,000 miles range, indicating that many owners keep these cars relatively low-mileage.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale valuations for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 SC Touring fall within the £14,000 to £16,000 range, accounting for 44% of the valuations combined. Notably, a significant portion of vehicles are valued between £13,000 and £18,000, with smaller portions priced below £9,000 or above £24,000, suggesting that most cars are priced in the mid-range. The presence of a small percentage (4%) valued between £24,000 and £25,000 indicates that a minority of models might be in higher condition or equipped with premium features. Overall, the data reflects a concentration of private sale prices in the £13,000 to £18,000 bracket, highlighting the typical valuation band for this vehicle model.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the Lotus Elise (1996-2019) 2-door convertible 1.8 SC Touring vehicles in the sample were manufactured around 2008, accounting for 32%. Additionally, a significant portion, 40%, were made in 2010, suggesting these model years are quite prevalent. Other notable years include 2011 (12%) and 2009 (12%), with a small percentage (4%) manufactured in 2013. Overall, the data suggests a concentration of vehicles from the late 2000s and early 2010s, highlighting these years as key periods for this model.
colour popularity
The data for the main paint colour of the Lotus Elise (1996-2019) 2-door convertible 1.8 SC Touring indicates a diverse range of colours. White is the most common, accounting for 24% of vehicles, making it a popular choice among owners. Grey and Orange are each used on 16% of the vehicles, representing a significant share, followed by Silver and Blue, each at 12%. Red and Black are less prevalent, at 4% and 12% respectively. Notably, the data shows a balanced distribution among several colours, with no single colour overwhelmingly dominant, suggesting a varied palette preferred by owners of this model.
ownership cycle
The data shows the distribution of the number of registered keepers for the Lotus Elise (1996-1999) 1.8 SC Touring model. Notably, the most common number of keepers is 2, accounting for 24% of the vehicles. There is a fairly even spread across vehicles with 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 keepers, each representing between 8% and 16%. Interestingly, vehicles with 2 keepers are twice as common as those with 1 or 5 keepers, suggesting that many owners tend to keep the car for a moderate period before changing ownership, rather than very short or prolonged periods. The distribution indicates a relatively balanced ownership pattern with some vehicles changing hands frequently and others being retained for longer durations.
engine choices
The data for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 SC Touring indicates that the majority of these vehicles, 96%, are equipped with an engine capacity of 1796 cc, while a small proportion, 4%, have an engine capacity of 1598 cc. Notably, all vehicles in this sample use petrol as their primary fuel type. This suggests that the 1.8-liter engine is the standard configuration for this model, with a minimal fraction featuring the slightly smaller 1.6-liter engine, and that petrol remains the exclusive fuel choice for these vehicles.
