Lexus RX300 (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,934 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2994cc Petrol

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2994cc21 years old1,934 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2994cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/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

80% 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%.

80% of MOT tests on Lexus RX300s from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 1,934 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,423 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models132nd of 504(top half)

Rank among Lexus models240th of 298(bottom 20%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+8%(72% avg)

vs Lexus average-7%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,423

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Lexus RX300 had 117,423 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2005 scores 80%. 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

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Freelander

2007 · 3192cc Petrol

£3,303/year

75%

-5%

Saab 9-3

2007 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-4%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-2%

Mercedes CLK

2007 · 2997cc Petrol

£2,958/year

76%

-4%

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About the 2005 Lexus RX300

The 2005 Lexus RX300 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2994cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,934 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 117,423 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus RX300 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2005 Lexus RX300 Fuel Costs

The 2994cc 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 2005 Lexus RX300?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2005 Lexus RX300

At 21 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.

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 117k 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 RX300 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 RX300(2005)	80%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
Land Rover Freelander(2007)	75%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
Saab 9-3(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£495
Mercedes CLK(2007)	76%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£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 2005 Lexus RX300

Is the 2005 Lexus RX300 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2005 Lexus RX300s ended in a pass, from 1,934 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Lexus RX300 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2005 Lexus RX300?

80% of 1,934 MOT tests on the 2005 Lexus RX300 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 132nd of 504 models first registered in 2005 (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 2005 Lexus RX300?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Lexus RX300 is 117,423 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.