2003 Lexus IS: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Lexus IS?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Lexus IS than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rust around sub-frame mountings3.3× usual
  Lexus IS

  3.9% All 2003 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Rust in key structural areas2.3× usual
  Lexus IS

  3.5% All 2003 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Anti-roll bar4× usual
  Lexus IS

  2.4% All 2003 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Other suspension component2.3× usual
  Lexus IS

  2.1% All 2003 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

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

Common 2003 Lexus IS MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Lexus IS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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
  31% 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
  30% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Lexus IS

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around sub-frame mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2003 Lexus IS as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 Lexus IS as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2003 Lexus IS as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?