Lexus IS300 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 265 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2997cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2997cc22 years old265 tests111k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2997cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Lexus brand average of 87%.

80% of MOT tests on Lexus IS300s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 265 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 111,202 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models112th of 470(top 24%)

Rank among Lexus models244th of 298(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+8%(72% avg)

vs Lexus average-7%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

111,202

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Lexus IS300 had 111,202 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2004 scores 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lexus IS300 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	100%	31	33,082 mi
2017	83%	47	44,028 mi
2016	98%	54	83,188 mi
2015	93%	45	108,740 mi
2014	75%	57	105,616 mi
2013	72%	32	165,163 mi
2005	90%	105	108,662 mi
2004	80%	265	111,202 mi
2003	80%	293	114,003 mi
2002	84%	361	121,943 mi
2001	73%	125	126,707 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2006 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

70%

-10%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-2%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+6%

BMW X3

2006 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-2%

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About the 2004 Lexus IS300

The 2004 Lexus IS300 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 265 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 111,202 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus IS300 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 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 £1,958 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 2004 Lexus IS300?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Lexus IS300 Reliability Trend

Newer Lexus IS300s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Lexus IS300

At 22 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 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.

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 22 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 111k 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 2004 Lexus IS300 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 IS300(2004)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
Land Rover Freelander(2006)	70%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£345
BMW X3(2006)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150

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 2004 Lexus IS300

Is the 2004 Lexus IS300 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2004 Lexus IS300s ended in a pass, from 265 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Lexus IS300 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Lexus IS300?

80% of 265 MOT tests on the 2004 Lexus IS300 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 112th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top 24%).

Which year Lexus IS300 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 Lexus IS300 has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2001 the lowest at 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 Lexus IS300?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Lexus IS300 is 111,202 miles, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.