Is the 2005 LEXUS IS300 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of LEXUS IS300s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 105 tests. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2005 LEXUS IS300 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 LEXUS IS300?

The 2005 LEXUS IS300 has a 90% MOT pass rate based on 105 tests in 2026. This ranks 48 out of 526 cars from 2005.

Which year LEXUS IS300 is most reliable?

The 2016 LEXUS IS300 has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%. The least reliable year is 2001 at 73%.

LEXUS IS300 (2005)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2005 LEXUS IS300?

The average mileage for a 2005 LEXUS IS300 is 108,662 miles, 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.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 105 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,277

£190/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2997cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol2997cc21 years old105 tests109k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2997cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2997cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,277

Per month£190/mo

Per week£44/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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

At 21 years old, 90% of LEXUS IS300s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 105 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,662 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 cars48th of 526(top 9%)

Rank among LEXUS models120th of 301(top 40%)

vs national average+8%(82% avg)

vs 2005 cars average+18%(72% avg)

vs LEXUS average+3%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

108,662

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2005 LEXUS IS300 has 108,662 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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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 2005 sits between the two at 90%.

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

2007 · 3192cc Petrol

£2,397/year

75%

-15%

SAAB 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

-14%

MERCEDES E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

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MERCEDES CLK

2007 · 2997cc Petrol

£2,397/year

76%

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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 2026, 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 21 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 £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 21 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 2005 LEXUS IS300's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 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 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 109k 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 2005 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(2005)	90%	£1592	£430	Grp 30-42	£2277
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2007)	75%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397+£120
SAAB 9-3(2007)	76%	£1592	£250	Grp 30-42	£2397+£120
MERCEDES E(2004)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397+£120
MERCEDES CLK(2007)	76%	£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.