2002 Lexus IS · 4,404 MOT tests
2002 Lexus IS reliability
2002 Lexus ISs fail 34.3% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 21 IS years (4,404 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- 34.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 113,763
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,404
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- 2003 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7% of tests fail here (12% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 73% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Lexus IS
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.9%
- Suspension12.8%
- Brakes8.6%
- Tyres7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.4%
- Body, chassis and structure4.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.36%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.63%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.18%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.16%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.13%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Registration plate lamp not working 1.79%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.31%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.63%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.54%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.9%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.83%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (6.38%)
Other years
Every Lexus IS year
The full picture: Lexus IS reliability. Before you pay for any Lexus IS, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2002 Lexus IS reliable?
2002 Lexus ISs fail 34.3% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 21 IS years (4,404 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Lexus IS MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.36% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.63% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Lexus IS have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 Lexus IS shows 113,763 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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