Lexus Is 220d (2008)
2008 Lexus Is 220d
CarHunch analysed 300 real MOT records for the 2008 Lexus Is 220d. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2008 Lexus IS 220D has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 54.6%, significantly below the UK average of 80%, meaning buyers should expect roughly one in two of these cars to arrive at their first test with at least one defect requiring repair. With a dangerous defect rate of 13.7%, there's a material safety concern that affects around one in seven vehicles—notably higher than typical—so a pre-purchase inspection by an independent specialist is essential.
These cars are averaging 105,682 miles, which is fairly typical for their age, yet they're accumulating an average of 1.27 failures and 5.3 advisories per test, pointing to widespread wear in suspension, emissions, and ancillary systems rather than catastrophic problems. If you're considering one, have the cooling system, diesel particulate filter, and suspension geometry checked thoroughly before committing, as these are the likely weak points.
What to check before buying a 2008 Lexus Is 220d
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
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 (100%) | 299 | 54.4% | 1.27 |
| Petrol (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2008 Lexus Is 220d 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 2008 Lexus Is 220d vehicles fall between 81,179 and 125,875 miles.
2008 Lexus Is 220d — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 46 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (28% of peak).
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?
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