Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2008 Lexus Is 220d?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2008 Lexus Is 220d?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2008 Lexus Is 220d?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2008 Lexus Is 220d reliable?

Based on MOT data from 300 vehicles, the 2008 Lexus Is 220d has a first-time MOT pass rate of 82.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2008 Lexus Is 220d?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Lexus Is 220d (2008)

300 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.7% first-time pass rate

2008 Lexus Is 220d

CarHunch analysed 300 real MOT records for the 2008 Lexus Is 220d. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 300 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

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.

The 2008 Lexus Is 220d passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (82.7%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

82.7%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

13.7%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.27

Over 6.8 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

104k

Middle half: 81k–126k

For context

🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 300 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 300 Lexus Is 220d cars.

Before you buy a 2008 Lexus Is 220d

Based on MOT data from 300 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 13.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (100%)	299	82.6%	1.27

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,260 Lexus Is 220d vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 31.6%

398

Black 30.2%

380

Grey 16%

202

Blue 15.2%

191

Red 5.5%

Bronze 0.7%

Green 0.5%

White 0.4%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Lexus Is 220d vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

103,967

typical

81,179

low mileage

125,875

high mileage

Half of all 2008 Lexus Is 220d vehicles fall between 81,179 and 125,875 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 81,179 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 81,179–125,875 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Lexus Is 220ds sit.

⚠ Over 169,931 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Lexus Is 220d — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 28% of 2008 Lexus Is 220ds are still active.

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.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

6.8

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.27

Avg failures per vehicle

5.3

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Lexus Is 220d: All Is 220d years → Which year to buy? →

2006 2007

Or browse all models: Lexus →

Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Lexus Is 220d stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?