Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2008 Lexus Is220?

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 Is220?

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 Is220?

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.

How many 2008 Lexus Is220 vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

36% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2008 Lexus Is220 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 2,503 vehicles, the 2008 Lexus Is220 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 82.1%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 2008 Lexus Is220?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 2008 Lexus Is220 are: Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components (62.4% of vehicles), Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (62.1% of vehicles), Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (61.5% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2008 Lexus Is220?

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 Is220 (2008)

2,503 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.1% first-time pass rate

2008 Lexus Is220

CarHunch analysed 2,503 real MOT records for the 2008 Lexus Is220. 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 2008 Lexus IS220 diesel passes its MOT on first attempt 82.1% of the time, marginally above the UK average of 80%, but the concerning figure here is that 36.4% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—well above the safety threshold. This suggests while the model shows decent overall durability, buyers need to be especially vigilant about structural, brake, or steering issues on the used market.

At 87,995 miles average, these eight-year-old cars have been used hard but not excessively, and the 15.5 advisories per vehicle point to niggling wear rather than catastrophic failure—typical for a Japanese diesel saloon of this age. Before committing to one, request its full MOT history and have a trusted mechanic specifically inspect for corrosion and suspension wear, since those dangerous defects are likely to have appeared by now.

The 2008 Lexus Is220 has a decent first-time pass rate (82.1%), 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

82.1%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

36.4%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

2.66

Over 13.7 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

86k

Middle half: 70k–104k

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 15.5 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 2,503 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 2,503 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Other issues 62.4%

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · …

Tyre wear 62.1%

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Brake wear 56.3%

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front 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 2008.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,503 Lexus Is220 cars.

Before you buy a 2008 Lexus Is220

Based on MOT data from 2,503 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 36.4% 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 (98%)	2,464	82.1%	2.66

Colour Breakdown

Based on 13,613 Lexus Is220 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 28.5%

3,882

Blue 22.3%

3,031

Black 21.9%

2,980

Grey 19%

2,592

Red 5.5%

745

White 1.4%

193

Green 0.7%

102

Bronze 0.5%

Gold 0.1%

Maroon 0%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Lexus Is220 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.

85,921

typical

69,973

low mileage

104,337

high mileage

Half of all 2008 Lexus Is220 vehicles fall between 69,973 and 104,337 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 69,973 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.

✓ 69,973–104,337 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Lexus Is220s sit.

⚠ Over 140,854 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 Is220 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 29% of 2008 Lexus Is220s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 654 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (29% 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

13.7

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

2.66

Avg failures per vehicle

15.5

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Lexus Is220: All Is220 years → Which year to buy? →

2006 2007 2009 2010 2011

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Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Lexus Is220 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing