2005 Lexus GS: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Lexus GS?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Lexus GS than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Shock absorbers2.3× usual
  Lexus GS

  15.6% All 2005 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Electronic stability control15× usual
  Lexus GS

  4.5% All 2005 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

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

• Engine warning light2.1× usual
  Lexus GS

  6% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2005 Lexus GS MOT failures and advisories

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

• 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.

• Suspension
  30% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  24% 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
  13% 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
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2005 Lexus GS as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the electronic stability control? (Flagged at MOT 15× as often on the 2005 Lexus GS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 Lexus GS as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?