LEXUS GS300 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 142 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
142
Avg Mileage
119,245 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1996 LEXUS GS300 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 28 years old, 72% of LEXUS GS300s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 142 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,245 miles.
How does the 1996 LEXUS GS300 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 LEXUS GS300 has 119,245 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a LEXUS GS300?
The most reliable year is the 2009 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 72%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1996 LEXUS GS300 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
LEXUS GS300 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 88% | 307 | 82,593 mi |
| 2008 | 84% | 290 | 101,726 mi |
| 2007 | 86% | 537 | 113,924 mi |
| 2006 | 82% | 850 | 112,615 mi |
| 2005 | 82% | 1,380 | 113,983 mi |
| 2004 | 82% | 118 | 123,462 mi |
| 2003 | 80% | 235 | 120,543 mi |
| 2002 | 78% | 234 | 126,236 mi |
| 2001 | 86% | 205 | 116,012 mi |
| 2000 | 82% | 158 | 127,322 mi |
| 1999 | 82% | 343 | 120,738 mi |
| 1998 | 86% | 426 | 126,321 mi |
| 1997 | 87% | 175 | 130,327 mi |
| 1996 | 72% | 142 | 119,245 mi |
| 1995 | 96% | 45 | 134,888 mi |
| 1994 | 86% | 42 | 103,430 mi |
Checking a specific LEXUS GS300?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 LEXUS GS300
The 1996 LEXUS GS300 is a premium performance with a 2997cc petrol engine. 142 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 119,245 miles at 28 years old, LEXUS GS300 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 LEXUS GS300 Fuel Costs
The 2997cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1996 LEXUS GS300?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
LEXUS GS300 Reliability Trend
The LEXUS GS300 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 LEXUS GS300
At 28 years old, the LEXUS GS300 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 LEXUS GS300
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW Z3 (1998) 77% pass rate (+5%) from 8,057 tests
- VOLVO 900 SERIES (1997) 74% pass rate (+2%) from 2,355 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1995) 80% pass rate (+8%) from 2,059 tests
- MERCEDES SL (1996) 88% pass rate (+16%) from 1,778 tests