Sell your 2004 Lexus IS for cash

The 2004 Lexus IS is a compact car that came with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine. At 22 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.

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  • Paid at pickup

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2004 Lexus IS at a glance

Body styleCompact Cars
Engines3.0L 6-cyl
TransmissionsManual 5-spd, Automatic (S5)
DriveRear-Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Gasoline
Fuel economy16 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 CO₂494 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA2 configurations
Age22 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 22 years old, most of a 2004 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 unknown or other, typically around 74,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2004 Lexus IS recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Lexus IS. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Common 2004 IS problems

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2004 Lexus IS with NHTSA. 4 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 5 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

  • Unknown or Other8
  • Structure6
  • Air Bags5
  • Vehicle Speed Control3
  • Engine2
  • Tires2

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Unknown or Other74,000 mi
  • Structure67,000 mi
  • Air Bags110,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control58,000 mi
  • Engine130,000 mi
  • Tires91,000 mi

2004 Lexus IS service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 56 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2004 Lexus IS. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Structure10
  • Equipment8
  • Equipment6
  • Electrical System5
  • Visibility5
  • Electrical System3

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0020-24

    Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grindi

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0021-24

    Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environm

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0022-24

    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

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2024 · L-SB-0024-24

    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

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 2022 · Safety Recall 22

    Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 2022 · Lexus PRO19-02 -

    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 2004 IS: questions

How much is a 2004 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 2004 IS that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2004 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 2004 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.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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