Used car guide

2005 Lexus SC430: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Lexus SC430s, from 222 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 222 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

222MOT tests in 2025
77%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
4,200typical miles a year
24%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2005 Lexus SC430 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    24% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    20% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Tyres
    20% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Lights and electrics
    10% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    9% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Lexus SC430?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007169Suspension 24%
2006187Suspension 25%
2004232Suspension 30%
2003287Suspension 33%
2002348Suspension 27%
2001203Suspension 30%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Lexus SC430s registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score