LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 62 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,277
£190/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2499cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2499cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 21 years old, 92% of LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTOs from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 62 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,535 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
118,535
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO has 118,535 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO by Year
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About the 2005 LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO
The 2005 LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO is a premium with a 2499cc petrol engine. 62 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 7% of all 2005 cars for reliability.
With an average of 118,535 miles at 21 years old, LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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.
LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO Reliability Trend
Newer LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2005 LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 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 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 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 2005 LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS IS 250 SE AUTO(2005) | 92% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2277 |
| AUDI TT(2007) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£30 |
| SAAB 9-3(2007) | 76% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397+£120 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2006) | 72% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397+£120 |
| MERCEDES E(2005) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397+£120 |
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.
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