2003 Lexus IS · 4,957 MOT tests
2003 Lexus IS reliability
2003 Lexus ISs fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 21 IS years (4,957 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- 33.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus ISs: 22.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 110,217
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,957
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7% of tests fail here (7% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Lexus IS
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.3%
- Suspension12%
- Brakes8.3%
- Tyres7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.1%
- Body, chassis and structure4.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 4.68%
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 3.31%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.21%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.34%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.2%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.08%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.8%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.56%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.83%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.16%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.72%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.23%)
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 2003 Lexus IS reliable?
2003 Lexus ISs fail 33.1% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 21 IS years (4,957 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Lexus IS MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (4.68% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.31% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.21% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Lexus IS have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Lexus IS shows 110,217 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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