Lexus LS400 (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 55 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3969cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol3969cc35 years old55 tests146k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3969cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lexus brand average of 87%.

91% of MOT tests on Lexus LS400s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 55 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 145,765 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models27th of 172(top 16%)

Rank among Lexus models107th of 298(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+12%(79% avg)

vs Lexus average+4%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

145,765

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 Lexus LS400 had 145,765 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-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 1995 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 79%. The 1991 scores 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lexus LS400 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2000	79%	190	152,939 mi
1999	79%	322	153,860 mi
1998	83%	812	153,118 mi
1997	81%	510	142,115 mi
1996	85%	291	146,108 mi
1995	85%	344	141,009 mi
1994	86%	74	127,428 mi
1993	79%	86	106,151 mi
1992	82%	56	140,993 mi
1991	91%	55	145,765 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche 911

1990 · 3600cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

same

Land Rover Range Rover

1993 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-10%

Jaguar XJS

1993 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,738/year

84%

-7%

TVR Griffith

1992 · 3948cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

-3%

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About the 1991 Lexus LS400

The 1991 Lexus LS400 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3969cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 55 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 1991 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 145,765 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus LS400 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1991 Lexus LS400 Fuel Costs

The 3969cc 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 1991 Lexus LS400?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Lexus LS400 Reliability Trend

Older Lexus LS400s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 3 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1991 Lexus LS400

At 35 years old, the Lexus LS400 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 1995 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 55 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 35 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 146k 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 1991 Lexus LS400 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 LS400(1991)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Porsche 911(1990)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588same
Land Rover Range Rover(1993)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
Jaguar XJS(1993)	84%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£150
TVR Griffith(1992)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738+£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 1991 Lexus LS400

Is the 1991 Lexus LS400 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 1991 Lexus LS400s ended in a pass, from 55 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 Lexus LS400 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Lexus LS400?

91% of 55 MOT tests on the 1991 Lexus LS400 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 27th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top 16%).

Which year Lexus LS400 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1995 Lexus LS400 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2000 the lowest at 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 Lexus LS400?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 Lexus LS400 is 145,765 miles, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.