LEXUS IS300 (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 105 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
105
Avg Mileage
108,662 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2005 LEXUS IS300 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 19 years old, 90% of LEXUS IS300s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 105 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,662 miles.
How does the 2005 LEXUS IS300 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 LEXUS IS300 has 108,662 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a LEXUS IS300?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2005 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2005 LEXUS IS300 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
LEXUS IS300 by Year
Checking a specific LEXUS IS300?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2005 LEXUS IS300
The 2005 LEXUS IS300 is a premium performance with a 2997cc petrol engine. 105 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2005 cars for reliability.
With an average of 108,662 miles at 19 years old, LEXUS IS300 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 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 2005 LEXUS IS300?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2005 LEXUS IS300
At 19 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%.
Alternatives to the 2005 LEXUS IS300
The LEXUS IS300 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premium performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER FREELANDER (2007) 75% pass rate (-15%) from 28,740 tests
- SAAB 9-3 (2007) 76% pass rate (-14%) from 13,261 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (-12%) from 8,333 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2007) 76% pass rate (-14%) from 8,003 tests