Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT reliable?

Based on MOT data from 227 vehicles, the 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT has a first-time MOT pass rate of 88.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Lexus Is 300h SE CVT (2013)

227 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.7% first-time pass rate

2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT

CarHunch analysed 227 real MOT records for the 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2013 Lexus IS 300H passes its MOT slightly more often than the UK average—82.5% versus 80%—suggesting this hybrid is solidly reliable. That said, 17.6% have recorded dangerous defects at some point, which is worth factoring into your inspection checklist before purchase.

At an average of 77,000 miles and a median of 70,600 miles, these cars show typical wear for their age. The 7.6 advisories per vehicle point to accumulated minor issues rather than catastrophic failures, but budget for routine maintenance and get a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the hybrid battery and CVT transmission health.

We have limited data for the 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

88.7%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

17.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.13

Over 9.4 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

71k

Middle half: 55k–96k

For context

These stats describe 227 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 227 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT cars.

Before you buy a 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT

Based on MOT data from 227 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 17.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Hybrid Electric (Clean) (96%)	219	88.4%	1.16

Colour Breakdown

Based on 351 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 29.6%

104

Black 24.5%

White 23.6%

Grey 16.8%

Blue 5.4%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

70,629

typical

54,933

low mileage

96,309

high mileage

Half of all 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT vehicles fall between 54,933 and 96,309 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 54,933 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 54,933–96,309 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVTs sit.

⚠ Over 130,017 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT — Still on the Road

Most 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVTs are still being driven.

Strong survival — 167 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 82% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

9.4

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.13

Avg failures per vehicle

7.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Lexus Is 300h SE CVT: All Is 300h SE CVT years → Which year to buy? →

2014

Or browse all models: Lexus →

Compare with another model

See how the 2013 Lexus Is 300h SE CVT stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?