Lexus RX300 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 967 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,958

£247/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2995cc Other fuel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,958/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Other fuel2995cc23 years old967 tests124k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Other fuel, 2995cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,958

Per month£247/mo

Per week£57/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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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%.

78% of MOT tests on Lexus RX300s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 967 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 124,379 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models117th of 429(top half)

Rank among Lexus models269th of 298(bottom 11%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+6%(72% avg)

vs Lexus average-9%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

124,379

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Lexus RX300 had 124,379 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 81%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2003 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lexus RX300 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2006	81%	510	116,229 mi
2005	80%	1,934	117,423 mi
2004	79%	2,255	124,237 mi
2003	78%	967	124,379 mi
2002	67%	359	121,558 mi
2001	74%	217	119,150 mi
2000	66%	47	118,488 mi

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About the 2003 Lexus RX300

The 2003 Lexus RX300 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2995cc other fuel engine, though engines vary between versions. 967 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 124,379 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus RX300 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Lexus RX300 Fuel Costs

The 2995cc other fuel 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). This is a petrol-price estimate; running on other fuel will change the cost.

What does it cost to own a 2003 Lexus RX300?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,958 (£247/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Lexus RX300 Reliability Trend

Newer Lexus RX300s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 Lexus RX300

At 23 years old, the Lexus RX300 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 81%.

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.

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 124k 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.

Questions about the 2003 Lexus RX300

Is the 2003 Lexus RX300 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2003 Lexus RX300s ended in a pass, from 967 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Lexus RX300 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,958 a year (£247 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2003 Lexus RX300?

78% of 967 MOT tests on the 2003 Lexus RX300 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 117th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year Lexus RX300 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2006 Lexus RX300 has the highest MOT pass rate at 81% and the 2002 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 Lexus RX300?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Lexus RX300 is 124,379 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.