Sell your 2003 Lexus IS for cash
The 2003 Lexus IS is a compact car that came with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine. At 23 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 2003 IS in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
2003 Lexus IS at a glance
| Body style | Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Manual 5-spd, Automatic (S5) |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 16 city / 22–23 highway / 18 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $4,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 494 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 23 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 23 years old, most of a 2003 IS's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a compact car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the structure, typically around 83,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
2003 Lexus IS recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Lexus IS. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 2003 IS problems
Owners have filed 33 complaints about the 2003 Lexus IS with NHTSA. 10 reports involved a crash and 1 report involved a fire. Owners reported 8 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Structure83,000 mi
- Air Bags39,000 mi
- Unknown or Other52,000 mi
- Engine49,000 mi
- Structure49,000 mi
2003 Lexus IS service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 56 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2003 Lexus IS. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grindi
Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environm
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle o
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Selling a 2003 IS: questions
How much is a 2003 Lexus IS worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 2003 IS that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 2003 ISs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 2003 IS?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 2003 IS today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.