2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Lexus IS250 MOT pass rate and common faults

678 MOT tests in 2024. 69.0% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

122Well above average
Passed first time69.0%
Failed or needed repairs31.0%
Typical mileage at test114,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 678 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.4%
  2. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.5%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    38 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.1%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.9%
    24 marked dangerous
  7. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault2.5%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.2%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics19.0%
  2. Brakes14.2%
  3. Emissions & leaks11.4%
  4. Tyres7.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  6. Body & chassis3.8%
  7. Suspension3.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.6%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.5%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.1%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.5%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.5%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All IS250 years2006 IS250 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Lexus IS250?

In 2024, 69.0% of 2005 Lexus IS250 cars passed their MOT first time, across 678 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Lexus IS250?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; position lamp: not working; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 Lexus IS250 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 122, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).