1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Lexus IS200 MOT pass rate and common faults

236 MOT tests in 2024. 66.1% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time66.1%
Failed or needed repairs33.9%
Typical mileage at test122,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 236 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.1%
  2. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.7%
    9 marked dangerous
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.7%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.7%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics17.8%
  2. Suspension15.7%
  3. Brakes12.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks11.4%
  5. Tyres7.2%
  6. Body & chassis6.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  8. Steering2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn10.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.2%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All IS200 years2000 IS200 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Lexus IS200?

In 2024, 66.1% of 1999 Lexus IS200 cars passed their MOT first time, across 236 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Lexus IS200?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Lexus IS200 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).