LEXUS IS (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 731 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2499cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2427/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2499cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 13 years old, 87% of LEXUS ISs from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 731 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,514 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
98,514
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 LEXUS IS has 98,514 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 87%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
LEXUS IS by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2013 LEXUS IS
The 2013 LEXUS IS is a premium with a 2499cc petrol engine. 731 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 98,514 miles at 13 years old, LEXUS IS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2013 LEXUS IS Fuel Costs
The 2499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2013 LEXUS IS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
LEXUS IS Reliability Trend
The LEXUS IS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2013 LEXUS IS
At 13 years old, the LEXUS IS 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2013 LEXUS IS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 13 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
Medium riskWith an average of 99k 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.
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 2013 LEXUS IS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS IS(2013) | 87% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2427 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£30 |
| BMW 1 SERIES(2013) | 84% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£180 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE(2013) | 86% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£560 |
| MERCEDES E(2012) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£180 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
LEXUS NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
LEXUS UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
LEXUS CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA
2011 · 2792cc Petrol
BMW 1 SERIES
2013 · 2979cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
2013 · 2000cc Petrol
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