2003 Lexus SC · 1,082 MOT tests
2003 Lexus SC reliability
2003 Lexus SCs fail 22.7% of first MOT tests, 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 2 SC years (1,082 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Lexus SCs: 21.7%)
- 22.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Lexus SCs: 21.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 46% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 93,888
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,082
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 7.5% of tests fail here (5% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 82% 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 SC
Fail rate by area
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.5%
- Brakes6.7%
- Lights and electrics6.2%
- Suspension5.3%
- Tyres4.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.1%
- Body, chassis and structure1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.96%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Position lamp not working 2.31%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.03%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.66%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Service brake excessively binding 1.48%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 1.39%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.32%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (5.18%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.81%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (3.42%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.42%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (3.42%)
Other years
Every Lexus SC year
The full picture: Lexus SC reliability. Before you pay for any Lexus SC, 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 SC reliable?
2003 Lexus SCs fail 22.7% of first MOT tests, 46% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 2 SC years (1,082 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Lexus SC MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.96% of tests), position lamp not working (2.31% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (2.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Lexus SC have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Lexus SC shows 93,888 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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