CarCostCheck

LEXUS IS300 (2001)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 125 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

73%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2997cc Petrol

Check Carefully

73% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 9 points below average.

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Petrol2997cc25 years old125 tests127k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2997cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2997cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,577
Per month£215/mo
Per week£50/wk

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

73% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LEXUS brand average of 87%.

At 25 years old, 73% of LEXUS IS300s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 125 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 126,707 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars177th of 362(top 49%)
Rank among LEXUS models291th of 301(top 97%)
vs national average-9%(82% avg)
vs 2001 cars average+0%(73% avg)
vs LEXUS average-14%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

126,707

Average miles

vs

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 LEXUS IS300 has 126,707 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

LEXUS IS300 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
2018100%3133,082 mi
201783%4744,028 mi
201698%5483,188 mi
201593%45108,740 mi
201475%57105,616 mi
201372%32165,163 mi
200590%105108,662 mi
200480%265111,202 mi
200380%293114,003 mi
200284%361121,943 mi
200173%125126,707 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2001 LEXUS IS300

The 2001 LEXUS IS300 is a premium performance with a 2997cc petrol engine. 125 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 126,707 miles at 25 years old, LEXUS IS300 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 LEXUS IS300 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 2001 LEXUS IS300?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

LEXUS IS300 Reliability Trend

Newer LEXUS IS300s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 LEXUS IS300

At 25 years old, the LEXUS IS300 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 2001 LEXUS IS300's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 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 127k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 2001 LEXUS IS300 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
LEXUS IS300(2001)73%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2577
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£180
BMW Z3(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£180
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2003)82%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£330
JAGUAR X-TYPE(2003)71%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£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

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Related Guides

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