Lexus Is 220d SE (2009)
2009 Lexus Is 220d SE
CarHunch analysed 142 real MOT records for the 2009 Lexus Is 220d SE. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2009 Lexus IS 220D is notably unreliable compared to the UK average: only 65.2% pass MOT first time against the national 80%, and 16.2% have suffered dangerous defects at some point—a real concern for a prospective buyer. The diesel engine is the only option in this cohort, and it performs slightly worse than the already-weak overall figure at 64.7% first-time pass.
At nearly 110,000 miles on average, these cars have done serious mileage for their age, yet they still accumulate 1.14 failures per test and 5.1 advisories—suggesting the age and miles are catching up with them hard. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks the diesel engine's fuel system and turbo, as these tend to be where the failures cluster on high-mileage examples.
What to check before buying a 2009 Lexus Is 220d SE
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Lexus Is 220d SE
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 140 | 64.7% | 1.16 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 2 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Lexus Is 220d SE vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2009 Lexus Is 220d SE vehicles fall between 83,485 and 132,029 miles.
2009 Lexus Is 220d SE — Still on the Road
45 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 50% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Lexus Is 220d SE?
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