Lexus LS400 (1993)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 86 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,888
£241/month
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3969cc Petrol
Check Carefully
79% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Lexus brand average of 87%.
79% of MOT tests on Lexus LS400s from 1993 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 31 years old. That's based on 86 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 106,151 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
106,151
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1993 Lexus LS400 had 106,151 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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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 1993 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Lexus LS400 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1993 Lexus LS400
The 1993 Lexus LS400 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3969cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 86 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1993, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 106,151 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus LS400 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1993 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 1993 Lexus LS400?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% 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 1993 Lexus LS400
At 33 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 86 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 outAt 33 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 106k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 1993 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(1993) | 79% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888 |
| Mercedes E(1995) | 79% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888same |
| Porsche 911(1995) | 89% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£150 |
| Land Rover Range Rover(1994) | 80% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£150 |
| Jaguar XJS(1995) | 89% | £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 1993 Lexus LS400
Is the 1993 Lexus LS400 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 1993 Lexus LS400s ended in a pass, from 86 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1993 Lexus LS400 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 Lexus LS400?
79% of 86 MOT tests on the 1993 Lexus LS400 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 80th of 188 models first registered in 1993 (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 1993 Lexus LS400?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1993 Lexus LS400 is 106,151 miles, which is significantly below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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