Lexus IS 250 SE Auto (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 62 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,658

£222/month

MOT Pass Rate

92%

Excellent

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2499cc Petrol

Great Choice

92% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 10 points above average.

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Petrol2499cc21 years old62 tests119k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2499cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,658

Per month£222/mo

Per week£51/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

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lexus brand average of 87%.

92% of MOT tests on Lexus IS 250 SE Autos from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 62 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,535 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models37th of 504(top 8%)

Rank among Lexus models95th of 298(top half)

vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+20%(72% avg)

vs Lexus average+5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,535

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto had 118,535 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Lexus IS 250 SE Auto by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2008	88%	52	116,114 mi
2007	83%	107	113,879 mi
2006	67%	98	126,114 mi
2005	92%	62	118,535 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Audi TT

2007 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,808/year

80%

-12%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-16%

Mercedes A-Class

2006 · 2035cc Petrol

£2,958/year

72%

-20%

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-14%

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About the 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto

The 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto is a premium car. Our records list a 2499cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 62 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 8% of all 2005 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 118,535 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus IS 250 SE Auto owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto 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 £1,958 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 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto

At 21 years old, the Lexus IS 250 SE Auto 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. Note: with only 62 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 out

At 21 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 risk

Larger 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 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

Watch out

With an average of 119k 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 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto 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 IS 250 SE Auto(2005)	92%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,658
Audi TT(2007)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808+£150
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£300
Mercedes A-Class(2006)	72%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958+£300
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£300

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 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto

Is the 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Autos ended in a pass, from 62 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto?

92% of 62 MOT tests on the 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 37th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top 8%).

What is the average mileage for a 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Lexus IS 250 SE Auto is 118,535 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.