2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Lexus IS200 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,072 MOT tests in 2024. 67.3% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time67.3%
Failed or needed repairs32.7%
Typical mileage at test111,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,072 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.0%
  2. Position lamp: not working3.2%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.2%
    33 marked dangerous
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
    34 marked dangerous
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.1%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.9%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.8%
  10. Washers: not working1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics18.0%
  2. Suspension15.6%
  3. Brakes10.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.6%
  5. Tyres8.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  7. Body & chassis5.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.1%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.6%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Lexus IS200?

In 2024, 67.3% of 2003 Lexus IS200 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,072 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Lexus IS200?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; position lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Lexus IS200 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).