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Lexus LS Saloon (2000-2006) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by Simon Harris Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 23 - 24 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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This is a car that competes with equivalent luxury saloons from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar and Audi so while costs are high, they are relative. Depreciation is steeper than on these rivals, but the LS 430 has many items as standard that you’d have to pay extra for in the others. Fuel consumption at about 24mpg is fairly typical for a big V8 saloon, while insurance in group 17 is lower than BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi V8s.

LS is a polluting model. With an average of 276 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are high for an executive saloon. It’s worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is disappointingly thirsty, averaging 24 mpg.

Lexus often scores towards the top of the table in reliability tests, so no major problems are expected.