2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Lexus SC430 MOT pass rate and common faults

365 MOT tests in 2024. 78.1% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

134Well above average
Passed first time78.1%
Failed or needed repairs21.9%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 365 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.7%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
  5. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.5%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  7. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault1.6%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.4%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
    8 marked dangerous
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics9.9%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.8%
  3. Brakes7.9%
  4. Tyres5.8%
  5. Suspension5.2%
  6. Body & chassis3.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.0%
  8. Wheels0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases9.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.6%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened5.8%

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: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Lexus SC430?

In 2024, 78.1% of 2002 Lexus SC430 cars passed their MOT first time, across 365 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Lexus SC430?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Lexus SC430 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 134, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).