LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 RACE TECH
The LOTUS ELISE (1996-19) 2DR CONVERTIBLE 1.8 RACE TECH is a distinctive sports car that stands out in the UK's compact and lightweight sports vehicle market. Known for its sleek design and exceptional driving experience, this model is perfect for driving enthusiasts seeking a fun, agile convertibles to enjoy open-air motoring. It's often used for weekend cruising, track days, or simply adding a touch of excitement to everyday driving. With its focus on sharp handling and a lively 1.8-litre engine, the Lotus Elise Race Tech offers a unique blend of performance and style that appeals to seasoned drivers and sports car enthusiasts alike.
Compared to its rivals, the Lotus Elise is celebrated for its precise steering, responsive handling, and minimalistic yet sporty design. Its reputation is built on delivering a pure, raw driving experience, making it a popular choice for those who crave more than just a commute—it's a true driver’s car. The average value for a used Lotus Elise from this era is around £5,970, with typical annual mileage about 1,182 miles, highlighting its appeal as a seasonal or hobbyist vehicle. With a history of approximately four previous owners on average, the Elise Race Tech combines rarity with a storied past, making it a notable and exciting option for anyone interested in owning a standout sports convertible in the UK market.
average use
The recent mileage data for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 Race Tech indicates that the most common recorded mileages fall within the 60,000 to 70,000 range, representing 17.8% of cases. Notably, a significant portion of vehicles (around 41.8%) have recorded mileages between 50,000 and 70,000, suggesting this is a typical mileage range for these cars. Conversely, lower mileage figures—under 20,000 miles—are relatively rare, comprising only about 12.3%, indicating that most vehicles tend to be driven moderately rather than quite low mileage. Higher mileages over 100,000 miles are uncommon, with less than 5% recorded at each of those levels, pointing to the general longevity and perhaps limited use of these models over time.
vehicle values
The private sale valuations for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 Race Tech indicate that nearly 95% of the vehicles are expected to sell for between £5,000 and £7,000. Specifically, approximately 47.9% of listings fall within the £5,000 to £6,000 range, with an additional 46.6% priced between £6,000 and £7,000. Smaller proportions of vehicles are valued below £4,000, with only around 4.1% (combining the 2.7% in £4,000 to £5,000 and 1.4% in £3,000 to £4,000 and below) expected to sell for less. This distribution suggests that these cars tend to be valued quite consistently within the £5,000 to £7,000 range in private sales, with limited representation at lower price points.
production years
Based on the available data for the Lotus Elise (1996-2019) 2DR Convertible 1.8 Race Tech, the majority of vehicles manufactured are from 2003, accounting for 61.6% of the sample. Vehicles from 2002 make up a smaller yet significant portion at 31.5%, while only 6.8% are from 2004. This distribution suggests that most of these vehicles in the sample are from the early 2000s, with a notable concentration around 2003, possibly indicating peak production years or higher remaining mileage for these years.
colour popularity
The data on the main paint colours of the Lotus Elise (1996-2019) 2-door Convertible 1.8 Race Tech reveals a diverse palette, with the most common colour being blue, accounting for approximately 28.8% of vehicles. Red and silver are also popular, representing 11% each, while black, grey, and green cover significant portions as well. Notably, very vibrant or uncommon shades like purple, yellow/green, and maroon are relatively rare, comprising just a small fraction of the total. Overall, the vehicle tends to feature a mix of bold and neutral colours, with blue being the dominant choice among owners.
ownership cycle
The data on registered keepers for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 Race Tech reveals that the majority of vehicles have had between 1 and 7 registered keepers. Notably, 17.8% of the vehicles have had 7 keepers, making it the most common number of keepers among the sample. Additionally, significant proportions of vehicles have had 5 and 4 keepers, each accounting for 16.4%. The distribution is relatively varied, with some vehicles having as many as 11 registered keepers (1.4%), indicating a range of ownership histories. Overall, the data suggests that most vehicles in the sample tend to change hands a few times, but a small subset has seen multiple owners over time.
engine choices
The data for the Lotus Elise (1996-19) 2DR Convertible 1.8 Race Tech indicates that the vast majority of these vehicles, approximately 94.5%, are equipped with an engine capacity of 1796cc. A small proportion (4.1%) feature a 1998cc engine, while a very minimal percentage (1.4%) have a 1795cc engine. Notably, 100% of these vehicles use petrol as their primary fuel type. Overall, the data suggests a strong consistency in engine capacity, with petrol being the sole fuel type across this model.
