Lexus RX450H (2005)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 132 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,303
£275/month
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Average
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3456cc Hybrid
Check Carefully
77% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. 5 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Estimated CO2 band
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%.
77% of MOT tests on Lexus RX450Hs from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 132 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 130,945 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
130,945
Average miles
140,600
Expected for age
The average 2005 Lexus RX450H had 130,945 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 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 77%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Lexus RX450H by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 Lexus RX450H
The 2005 Lexus RX450H is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3456cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 132 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model 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 130,945 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus RX450H owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2005 Lexus RX450H Fuel Costs
The 3456cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Our estimate uses around 30 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, 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). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2005 Lexus RX450H?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Lexus RX450H Reliability Trend
Newer Lexus RX450Hs 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 RX450H
At 21 years old, the Lexus RX450H 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.
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.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 21 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
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 131k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn 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 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 2005 Lexus RX450H 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 RX450H(2005) | 77% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303 |
| Lexus RX400H(2007) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153-£150 |
| Toyota Alphard(2007) | 86% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808-£495 |
| Lexus GS450H(2007) | 84% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153-£150 |
| Lexus RX400 H SE CVT(2007) | 77% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303same |
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 RX450H
Is the 2005 Lexus RX450H reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2005 Lexus RX450Hs ended in a pass, from 132 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2005 Lexus RX450H cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2005 Lexus RX450H?
77% of 132 MOT tests on the 2005 Lexus RX450H ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 190th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top half).
Which year Lexus RX450H has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Lexus RX450H has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2005 the lowest at 77%. 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 RX450H?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Lexus RX450H is 130,945 miles, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
Lexus NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
Lexus UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
Lexus CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
Lexus RX400H
2007 · 3311cc Hybrid
Toyota Alphard
2007 · 2995cc Hybrid
Lexus GS450H
2007 · 3456cc Hybrid
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