Lexus

Lexus Is200 (2011)

517 real MOT outcomes analysed • 84.8% first-time pass rate

2011 Lexus Is200

CarHunch analysed 517 real MOT records for the 2011 Lexus Is200. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2011 Lexus IS200 diesel passes its MOT at 84.7%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, which is encouraging—but four in ten of these cars have experienced a dangerous defect at some point, a significant concern for any buyer considering one. This suggests the model is fundamentally sound, yet develops serious issues as it ages.

With a median mileage of 76,084 miles for a 13-year-old car, these are sensibly driven examples. The average of 2.09 failures and 13.8 advisories per test indicates steady wear rather than catastrophic problems, though the high dangerous defect rate warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on braking, suspension, and steering systems before committing.

The 2011 Lexus Is200 has a decent first-time pass rate (84.8%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
84.8%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
40%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.09
Over 12.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
76k
Middle half: 58k–101k
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 13.8 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 517 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.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 517 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 47.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 31.1%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
Brake wear 29.4%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2011.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 517 Lexus Is200 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2011 Lexus Is200

Based on MOT data from 517 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 40% 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 ClickMechanic
  • 📄 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 carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (99%) 512 84.7% 2.11

Colour Breakdown

Based on 34,253 Lexus Is200 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 46.1%
15,781
Blue 19.9%
6,828
Black 15.7%
5,370
Green 6.5%
2,239
Red 4.8%
1,636
Grey 3.7%
1,268
Beige 1.7%
567
White 0.9%
313
Gold 0.4%
125
Yellow 0.2%
59
Bronze 0.1%
38
Orange 0.1%
29

Mileage Distribution

Most 2011 Lexus Is200 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.

76,084
typical
57,877
low mileage
100,955
high mileage

Half of all 2011 Lexus Is200 vehicles fall between 57,877 and 100,955 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 57,877 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.
57,877–100,955 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2011 Lexus Is200s sit.
Over 136,289 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2011 Lexus Is200 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 68% of 2011 Lexus Is200s are still active.

344 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 68% of the peak remain.

506 344 2014 2025

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

12.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.09
Avg failures per vehicle
13.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Lexus Is200: All Is200 years → Which year to buy? →
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2012

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Compare with another model

See how the 2011 Lexus Is200 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing