LEXUS IS300 (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 361 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,427
£202/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
3000cc Petrol
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3000cc
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 24 years old, 84% of LEXUS IS300s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 361 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,943 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
121,943
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 LEXUS IS300 has 121,943 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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%. The 2002 sits between the two at 84%.
LEXUS IS300 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 LEXUS IS300
The 2002 LEXUS IS300 is a premium performance with a 3000cc petrol engine. 361 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2002 cars for reliability.
With an average of 121,943 miles at 24 years old, LEXUS IS300 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 LEXUS IS300 Fuel Costs
The 3000cc 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 2002 LEXUS IS300?
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 84% 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 2002 LEXUS IS300
At 24 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 LEXUS IS300's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 24 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 122k 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 2002 LEXUS IS300 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS IS300(2002) | 84% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2427 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2001) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£30 |
| MERCEDES E(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£30 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2003) | 82% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£180 |
| JAGUAR X-TYPE(2003) | 71% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£30 |
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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BMW 3 SERIES
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2004 · 3199cc Petrol
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