2001 Lexus GS: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Lexus GS?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Lexus GS than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Headlights2× usual
  Lexus GS

  18.5% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 3.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Ball joint2.4× usual
  Lexus GS

  14% All 2001 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 2.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2001 Lexus GS MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Lexus GS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  31% 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
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Lexus GS

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2001 Lexus GS as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2001 Lexus GS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?