Lexus Is250 (2011)
2011 Lexus Is250
CarHunch analysed 810 real MOT records for the 2011 Lexus Is250. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2011 Lexus IS250 is more reliable than average, with an 87.1% first-time MOT pass rate against the UK average of 80%, but a significant concern emerges in the dangerous defect rate: 35.8% of these vehicles have recorded at least one dangerous fault, well above acceptable levels. This suggests potential serious issues with braking, steering, or lighting systems that buyers should investigate thoroughly during a pre-purchase inspection.
At 56,324 miles median, these cars are relatively low-mileage for their age, which supports their above-average pass rate, yet they still average 1.85 failures per MOT cycle and 11.8 advisories—indicating wear that accumulates despite modest driving. Before purchasing, have a specialist Lexus mechanic inspect the braking system and suspension closely, as these are likely the source of the elevated dangerous defect recordings.
What to check before buying a 2011 Lexus Is250
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.
- ⚠️ 35.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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 Is250
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 803 | 87.1% | 1.85 |
| Other (0%) | 4 | 90.8% | 1.25 |
| Diesel (0%) | 3 | 86.3% | 2.33 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2011 Lexus Is250 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 2011 Lexus Is250 vehicles fall between 41,861 and 71,868 miles.
2011 Lexus Is250 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 714 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the 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
Most Common MOT Issues — 2011 Lexus Is250
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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39%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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39%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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36.3%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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35.9%
Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
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28.9%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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27.2%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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27.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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27%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2011. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Lexus Is250?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.