2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Lexus SC430 MOT pass rate and common faults

231 MOT tests in 2024. 74.0% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

131Well above average
Passed first time74.0%
Failed or needed repairs26.0%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 231 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.9%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.6%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.2%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3%
  8. Stop lamp: not working1.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics14.3%
  2. Brakes9.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks8.7%
  4. Suspension8.2%
  5. Tyres5.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  7. Body & chassis3.0%
  8. Steering0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.4%
  3. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened6.9%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.5%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.2%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 2004 Lexus SC430?

In 2024, 74.0% of 2004 Lexus SC430 cars passed their MOT first time, across 231 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Lexus SC430?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Lexus SC430 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 131, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).