Lexus GS300 (2004)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 118 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,808
£234/month
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Good
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2997cc Petrol
Solid Option
82% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Lexus brand average of 87%.
82% of MOT tests on Lexus GS300s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 118 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,462 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
123,462
Average miles
148,000
Expected for age
The average 2004 Lexus GS300 had 123,462 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2004 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 Lexus GS300
The 2004 Lexus GS300 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 118 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2004 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 123,462 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus GS300 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 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 £1,958 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).
What does it cost to own a 2004 Lexus GS300?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% 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 2004 Lexus GS300
At 22 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
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.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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
Watch outWith an average of 123k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2004 Lexus GS300 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus GS300(2004) | 82% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808 |
| Land Rover Freelander(2006) | 70% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£495 |
| Mercedes E(2004) | 78% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£495 |
| Porsche Boxster(2005) | 86% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£345 |
| BMW X3(2006) | 78% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958+£150 |
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 2004 Lexus GS300
Is the 2004 Lexus GS300 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2004 Lexus GS300s ended in a pass, from 118 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2004 Lexus GS300 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2004 Lexus GS300?
82% of 118 MOT tests on the 2004 Lexus GS300 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 93rd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 20%).
Which year Lexus GS300 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 Lexus GS300 has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 1996 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2004 Lexus GS300?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Lexus GS300 is 123,462 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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