Marque
Search a car…
United Kingdom market

Lotus Elise (S3)

2010–2021

Add to Garage
  • Lowest price

    £28,250

    Since 2020

  • Median price

    £28,350

    Since 2020 · n=3

  • Highest price

    £32,200

    Since 2020

  • Sold cars

    3

    All time

  • Sell-through

    100%

    Of 3 lots

Based on 3 verified auction results

HOLDStablelow confidence

£28,350

Market value · recent verified sales

+7.3%

12-month change

Hold or Wait

Appreciating but pace slowing. Patient buyers may find better entry.

Prices have been flat (+7.3%). No strong directional signal.

MSRP

Collectibility

5/10

Collectible

3-Year Forecast

£33,424

+18%

5-Year Forecast

£35,256

+24%

Estimates based on 3 verified United Kingdom sales.

Market scores

34

Desirability

Thin

30

Liquidity

Good

60

Resale Outlook

How many remain

See how many Lotus Elise remain on UK roads · 2025 Q4.

Licensed

6

Cars

SORN

11

Cars

Sourced from DVLA registration data via howmanyleft.co.uk. SORN = Statutory Off-Road Notification (registered but off-road).

Marque analyst note

The Lotus Elise S3 is trading at a median of £28,350 in the UK market, up 7.3% over the past twelve months and holding a neutral HOLD signal with stable pricing momentum. The modest upward movement reflects steady if unspectacular demand for this modern classic, though the small sample size of three transactions warrants caution when extrapolating broader market direction.

Liquidity remains thin, with only three tracked sales over the past year and no active listings currently visible. This scarcity of transaction data limits the reliability of price discovery and suggests that buyers and sellers may face extended holding periods or need to adjust expectations to secure a deal.

The Elise S3 occupies the collectible tier with a score of 5, classified as a stable modern classic that appeals to a niche audience of enthusiasts rather than mainstream collectors. Desirability is rated as low, which aligns with the thin liquidity and suggests that appeal is concentrated among dedicated Lotus followers rather than the broader classic-car market.

Base-case projections point to appreciation of 17.9% over three years and 24.4% over five years, putting the car at approximately £33,424 and £35,256 respectively. This trajectory reflects modest but consistent demand growth, though the low confidence rating and limited transaction history mean these figures carry meaningful uncertainty.

Given the combination of thin trading activity, low desirability, and small sample size, the market remains difficult to call with precision. Holders should approach the five-year outlook as a reasonable expectation rather than a forecast, and prospective buyers should be prepared for patience in sourcing the right example at a fair price.

Depreciation Benchmark

  • Current avg value£28,350
  • Annual appr. rate+7.3%/yr

UK Park (DVLA)

  • Still licensed6
  • SORN'd (off-road)11
  • Total in DVLA records17
  • All Lotus Elises3,740
DVLA quarterly data, last updated 2025 Q4. Licensed = currently taxed and on the road. SORN = registered as off-road (storage, restoration).

Est. Annual Ownership Costs

  • Insurance (agreed value)£450
  • Maintenance£900
  • Storage£2,400
  • Depreciation— (appreciating)
  • Total annual cost£3,750
This car has historically appreciated — carrying cost is offset by value growth, not eroded by depreciation.

Market Liquidity

  • Active Listings0
  • Sales Last 12 Months0
  • Sell-Through0%

Market Snapshot

  • Active Listings0
  • Avg Sale Price£29,600
  • Avg Mileage at Sale
  • Recent Price Range£28,250 – £32,200
  • Total Sales Tracked3

Recent sales

  • £28,250

    Collecting Cars · 29 Jan 2025

  • £32,200

    Collecting Cars · 16 Jan 2025

  • £28,350

    Collecting Cars · 27 Feb 2024

Indicative only — not investment advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future value.