CarCostCheck

Lexus LS400 (1992)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 56 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3969cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft
£4.99

Check a specific Lexus LS400

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Petrol3969cc34 years old56 tests141k 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
£350
Total per year£2,738
Per month£228/mo
Per week£53/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

82% 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%.

82% of MOT tests on Lexus LS400s from 1992 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 32 years old. That's based on 56 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 140,993 miles.

Got a Lexus LS400 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1992 models60th of 172(top half)
Rank among Lexus models222nd of 298(bottom half)
vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)
vs 1992 models average+5%(77% avg)
vs Lexus average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

140,993

Average miles

vs

236,800

Expected for age

The average 1992 Lexus LS400 had 140,993 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific Lexus LS400?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

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 1992 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lexus LS400 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200079%190152,939 mi
199979%322153,860 mi
199883%812153,118 mi
199781%510142,115 mi
199685%291146,108 mi
199585%344141,009 mi
199486%74127,428 mi
199379%86106,151 mi
199282%56140,993 mi
199191%55145,765 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Check a Specific Lexus LS400

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

About the 1992 Lexus LS400

The 1992 Lexus LS400 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3969cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 56 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1992, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 140,993 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus LS400 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1992 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 1992 Lexus LS400?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 1992 Lexus LS400

At 34 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 56 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 34 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 141k 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 1992 Lexus LS400 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Lexus LS400(1992)82%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738
Porsche 911(1990)91%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,588-£150
Land Rover Range Rover(1994)80%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738same
Jaguar XJS(1993)84%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738same
Jaguar XJ(1994)86%£1,958£375Grp 35-50£2,738same

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 1992 Lexus LS400

Is the 1992 Lexus LS400 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1992 Lexus LS400s ended in a pass, from 56 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1992 Lexus LS400 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1992 Lexus LS400?

82% of 56 MOT tests on the 1992 Lexus LS400 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 60th of 172 models first registered in 1992 (top half).

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 1992 Lexus LS400?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1992 Lexus LS400 is 140,993 miles, which is below the expected 236,800 miles for a 32-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Related Lexus Models

Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Lexus LS400.

Check a specific Lexus LS400

Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

Premium History Check

Buying a Lexus LS400? Our premium check covers:

  • Stolen check (PNC)
  • Outstanding finance
  • Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
  • Previous owners count
Just £4.99 per check

With outstanding finance included

Share this page

X