# Lotus Emira — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Lotus Emira on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/lotus-emira

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2022
- **Ideal trim**: V6 First Edition
- **Target mileage**: 5,000–15,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 2
- **Target price**: £68,000

## Why this model

The Lotus Emira is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a pure, driver-focused sports car. It's the last petrol-powered Lotus, making it a bit of a collector's item in the making. It blends stunning looks with incredible handling and a surprisingly comfortable interior for a Lotus. It uses a reliable Toyota V6 engine, so you get performance without too much worry about mechanical reliability. It's a proper analogue driving experience in a world going electric, which is why it holds its value well.

## What you should pay

The Emira is still a very new car, having only launched in 2022. This means depreciation hasn't hit it hard yet, especially for the desirable V6 First Edition models. Prices are strong, reflecting its limited production and 'last of a kind' status. Expect to pay close to new prices for low-mileage examples, but there are some savings to be had compared to buying brand new.

## Which trim to buy

The V6 First Edition is the one to go for if your budget allows. It came fully loaded with almost all the optional extras as standard, including the Driver's Pack (switchable exhaust, track mode ESP, sport suspension), Design Pack (tinted windows, black calipers, sports pedals), and Convenience Pack (parking sensors, auto wipers/lights). Plus, the supercharged Toyota V6 engine offers that classic Lotus power and sound that many enthusiasts crave. It's the most complete and desirable package.

## What to check before you buy

- Early production models might have minor software glitches or trim alignment issues.
- Check for excessive wear on clutch and brakes, common with performance driving.
- Listen for any unusual noises from the suspension or engine, especially on test drive.

## Running costs

Running an Emira isn't cheap, but it's part of owning a performance car. Fuel costs will be significant, with the V6 averaging around 27 mpg, meaning about 25.1 pence per mile at current petrol prices (£1.50/litre). Road tax (VED) for a car registered after April 2017 and costing over £40,000 new is £580 per year for the first five years, then £190 annually. Insurance will be high, likely in the range of £1,500-£3,000+ per year, depending on your age, location, and driving history. Servicing costs will also be higher than a regular car.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 400 hp (V6 First Edition)
- **Mpg**: 27 mpg (combined)
- **Reliability Score**: Good for a specialist sports car, but expect occasional minor quirks.
- **Safety Rating**: Not rated by Euro NCAP due to low production volume.

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| V6 First Edition | £75,995 | £68,000 | 3.5L Supercharged V6 Engine; 6-speed Manual or Automatic Gearbox; Driver's Pack (Sport Suspension, Track Mode ESP, Switchable Exhaust) |
| V6 Base | £79,995 | £65,000 | 3.5L Supercharged V6 Engine; 6-speed Manual or Automatic Gearbox; Standard touring suspension |
| I4 Base | £71,995 | £60,000 | 2.0L Turbocharged I4 Engine (Mercedes-AMG derived); 8-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Gearbox; Standard touring suspension |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £68,000 | 100% |
| 2027 | £64,000 | 94.1% |
| 2028 | £59,000 | 86.8% |
| 2029 | £54,000 | 79.4% |
| 2030 | £49,000 | 72.1% |

The Emira, being a new and highly desirable model, doesn't have a traditional 'sweet spot' for depreciation yet. Its status as the last ICE Lotus means it's likely to hold value better than many other sports cars. Buying a 2-3 year old model (like a 2022-2023 car in 2026) allows you to avoid the initial steepest drop, but don't expect massive savings. Its unique position in the market means it might depreciate slower than average for a few more years.

Total value lost since new: 27.9%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Porsche 718 Cayman](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/porsche-718-cayman.md)
- [Alpine A110](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/alpine-a110.md)
- Toyota GR Supra

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.