What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Lexus Is300.
The Lexus Is300 occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Lexus Is300 range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Lexus Is300? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
XE10 (1999–2005) — Engine options included the 3.0 Straight-Six. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Subframe mounting point corrosion (£800–£1,500 to address).
The rear subframe mounting points on XE10 IS300 models are vulnerable to corrosion where the subframe bolts attach to the body shell. This affects the prescribed areas within 30cm of suspension mounting points that carry structural loads. UK examples show significantly elevated failure rates at MOT due to weakened load-bearing structure around these critical mounting points. The corrosion typically starts from inside the body cavity and progresses outward, making early detection difficult without lifting the vehicle.
If the subframe mounting points fail completely, the rear suspension geometry becomes unstable and the car is unsafe to drive. Repair typically requires cutting out corroded sections and welding in new metal, often costing £800-£2,000 depending on the extent of the corrosion. This is an MOT failure and the vehicle cannot be used until repaired.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
XE10 IS300 models show elevated MOT failure rates for suspension component corrosion, particularly affecting the rear suspension arms and subframe components. The combination of UK weather conditions and road salt causes accelerated corrosion of steel suspension components. This model shows failure rates nearly 7 times higher than the fleet average, indicating a particular vulnerability in the suspension design or material specification.
Corroded suspension components can fail suddenly, affecting handling and safety. Depending on which components are affected, repair costs range from £200-£800 for individual arms to over £1,500 if multiple components need replacement. Failed suspension components are an MOT failure.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
XE10 IS300 models show significantly higher rates of structural body corrosion that reduces the rigidity of the vehicle assembly. This typically affects sill areas, floor pan sections, and other load-bearing body structure, particularly where water can collect or road salt accumulates.
Structural corrosion affects the safety and rigidity of the vehicle. Minor repairs may be possible with welded patches, but extensive corrosion can make the car uneconomical to repair. Costs range from £500 for localised welding to £3,000+ for extensive structural work. This is an MOT failure category.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
XE10 IS300 models show elevated MOT failure rates for binding brakes, with failure rates 2.3 times higher than the fleet average. This typically affects the brake calipers, particularly the rear sliding calipers which are prone to seizing on their guide pins due to corrosion and brake fluid contamination. The issue is exacerbated by infrequent brake fluid changes and UK road conditions.
Binding brakes cause uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel economy, and can lead to brake disc and pad damage. If severe, a binding brake can cause loss of braking efficiency and dangerous handling characteristics. Repair typically involves caliper rebuild or replacement, costing £150-£400 per corner.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
XE10 IS300 models show MOT failure rates for shock absorber damage and leakage at twice the fleet average. This typically manifests as oil leakage from the shock absorber seals or physical damage to the shock absorber body. The sporty suspension setup and relatively firm damping on this model may contribute to accelerated wear of the internal seals and components.
Failed shock absorbers reduce handling performance, increase stopping distances, and cause premature tyre wear. While not immediately dangerous, they significantly affect vehicle stability and are an MOT failure. Replacement typically costs £200-£500 per pair depending on specification.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Lexus Is300 common problems page.
Based on 5k real DVSA MOT tests, the Lexus Is300 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is suspension pin, bush or joint worn at 13x the fleet average, followed by subframe bushes or mounts worn (8x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Lexus Is300 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
See the full Lexus Is300 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Lexus Is300 has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Lexus Is300, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Lexus Is300 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.