Lotus - ELISE (1996)

Il Lotus Elise, the iconic lightweight sports car born in 1996, has captivated driving enthusiasts for decades. Even after more than a quarter‑century, the 1996‑model continues to hold a distinctive allure in today’s market. While the original Evans‑like car can spark conversations about its abilities, many potential buyers are left wondering: what is a 1996 Lotus Elise worth and how does that compare to current market conditions? Below you’ll find a clear, data‑driven overview that addresses the key question of the Lotus Elise price without overselling or shying away from realistic expectations.

• Model year: 1996
• Engine: 1.8‑liter inline‑4 (I4)
• Power: 122 hp @ 6,500 rpm
• Torque: 105 lb‑ft @ 5,500 rpm
• Transmission: 5‑speed manual (optional 6‑speed)
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Weight: 2,095 lb (dry weight)
• Length: 131 in (3.33 m)
• Width: 67 in (1.70 m)
• Height: 49 in (1.24 m)
• Wheelbase: 83 in (2.11 m)
• 0‑60 mph: 5.9 s (279 km/h)
• Top speed: 130 mph (209 km/h)
• Brakes: Front disc, Rear disc (floating)
• Drivetrain: Front‑wheel drive

Those specs are what make the Elise a masterclass in light‑weight engineering, but when you consider the used Lotus Elise price, depreciation plays a pivotal role. A full understanding of Lotus Elise depreciation allows buyers to make informed decisions and suppliers to set realistic price tags.

Depreciation Insight

• Typical loss of 15–20 % in the first year (following initial acquisition)
• Between 30–35 % total after 5 years, with most of the value reclaimed within the first 2–3 years
• Maintenance and parts costs can increase the total cost of ownership over time even if depreciation slows after 5–7 years
• In high‑quality examples with low mileage (<10 k miles), the vehicle’s resale value can plateau around 60–65 % of its original price by year 8

Because the Elise is built around high quality, low‑stress chassis materials and steel, cars in good condition retain a larger share of their value. However, SOC (state of condition) still dominates: a car that has undergone a major overhaul or has an abnormal wear level may see depreciation accelerate up to 50 % within the first year.

What is a 1996 Lotus Elise Worth?

When asked “what is a 1996 Lotus Elise worth,” most references note the vehicle’s value in the context of market conditions, mileage, and the presence of a spare part database. Broadly, the verified Lotus Elise 1996 price ranges between a few thousand dollars to around $18k for pristine models, but exact values vary considerably between regions and condition categories. Even within those ranges, a 1996 Lotus with <10k miles and a well‑documented service record can fetch a premium relative to older examples.

Comparison Context

When discussing the market price for the 1996 Lotus Elise, it helps to contextualize it alongside the general segment of affordable “hot‑hatch” sports cars. For instance:

• Compared to the Mazda MX‑5 RF, an early 1995 model might hold a similar price point but has a larger market base which can push its resale upward.
• When measured against the Mini Cooper S, the Elise’s lower weight and distinctive ride usually results in better driving dynamics, but its performance will be demoted by a more aggressive power curve.
• In relation to the Porsche Boxster (986), the Elise is cheaper and lighter, but the Boxster's brand

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  Last 20 car trackeds

  Last tracked date	Status	Price	Price rank	Link
  2 weeks ago	used	£28,000.00		Unlock all links
  1 month ago	used	£28,000.00		Unlock all links

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