CarCostCheck

Lexus GS (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 836 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3456cc Hybrid

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. 7 points above average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft
£4.99

Check a specific Lexus GS

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Hybrid3456cc14 years old836 tests92k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 3456cc)

~30 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£3,153
Per month£263/mo
Per week£61/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on Lexus GSs from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 836 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 91,847 miles.

Got a Lexus GS you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models140th of 650(top 22%)
Rank among Lexus models122nd of 298(top half)
vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)
vs 2012 models average+11%(78% avg)
vs Lexus average+2%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

91,847

Average miles

vs

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Lexus GS had 91,847 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific Lexus GS?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 82%. The 2012 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lexus GS by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201894%39952,828 mi
201796%62958,563 mi
201694%1,02274,753 mi
201594%58575,300 mi
201493%82882,670 mi
201393%1,00182,423 mi
201289%83691,847 mi
201188%10893,860 mi
201084%206102,294 mi
200895%3789,134 mi
200782%144120,718 mi
200683%78119,533 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Check a Specific Lexus GS

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 2012 Lexus GS

The 2012 Lexus GS is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3456cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 836 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 91,847 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus GS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Lexus GS Fuel Costs

The 3456cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Our estimate uses around 30 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Lexus GS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Lexus GS Reliability Trend

Newer Lexus GSs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Lexus GS

At 14 years old, the Lexus GS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Hybrid Battery Health

Watch out

After 14 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.

Inverter and Power Electronics

Medium risk

The inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.

Regenerative Braking

Medium risk

Brake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 92k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 Lexus GS stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Lexus GS(2012)89%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153
Lexus RX450H(2010)86%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153same
Mercedes S-Class(2014)92%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003-£150
Volkswagen Touareg(2011)84%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808-£345
Porsche Cayenne(2011)90%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,658-£495

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Lexus GS

Is the 2012 Lexus GS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2012 Lexus GSs ended in a pass, from 836 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Lexus GS cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Lexus GS?

89% of 836 MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus GS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 140th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 22%).

Which year Lexus GS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Lexus GS has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 2007 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Lexus GS?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus GS is 91,847 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Related Lexus Models

Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Lexus GS.

Check a specific Lexus GS

Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Premium History Check

Buying a Lexus GS? Our premium check covers:

  • Stolen check (PNC)
  • Outstanding finance
  • Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
  • Previous owners count
Just £4.99 per check

With outstanding finance included

Share this page

X