Used car guide

1997 Lexus GS: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Lexus GS first registered in 1997: we looked at the 200 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 200 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

200MOTs of 1997 cars, done in 2023–2025
78%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 65%)
4,800typical miles a year
43%had suspension flagged

Common 1997 Lexus GS MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Lexus GS MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    43% 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.

  • Brakes
    34% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    26% 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.

  • Tyres
    24% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Lexus GS

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Lexus GS?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Lexus GS compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018728Tyres 21%
20171,102Tyres 24%
20161,806Tyres 22%
20151,135Tyres 25%
20141,485Tyres 27%
20131,714Tyres 26%
20121,240Tyres 28%
2011130Brakes 28%
2010307Tyres 25%
2009293Tyres 30%
2008506Suspension 28%
2007173Tyres 30%
2006134Suspension 34%
20052,090Brakes 31%
2004214Suspension 44%
2003391Suspension 39%
2002396Suspension 41%
2001357Suspension 43%
2000266Suspension 41%
1999311Suspension 39%
1998393Suspension 36%
1996140Suspension 31%
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Lexus GS cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score