Lexus Is250c (2009)
2009 Lexus Is250c
CarHunch analysed 147 real MOT records for the 2009 Lexus Is250c. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2009 IS250C passes its MOT first time at 86.4%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, which suggests decent reliability for a 15-year-old convertible—but the concerning figure is that 42.2% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above the typical threshold, so mechanical issues can escalate quickly on this model. At 55,600 miles average, these examples show relatively gentle usage, yet they're still racking up 2.24 failures and 14.1 advisories per test, indicating that while major faults are catching them, minor wear items (suspension, trim, lights) need constant attention.
The high advisory count is typical of an aging Lexus convertible—hydraulic roof systems, trim clips, and sensor issues pile up—but the dangerous defect rate is your real red flag. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus specifically on the convertible roof mechanism, hydraulic systems, and any previous structural or brake work before committing.
What to check before buying a 2009 Lexus Is250c
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.
- ⚠️ 42.2% 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 Is250c
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 145 | 86.5% | 2.25 |
| Diesel (1%) | 1 | 85.7% | 2 |
| Electric (1%) | 1 | 66.7% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Lexus Is250c 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 2009 Lexus Is250c vehicles fall between 39,316 and 68,443 miles.
2009 Lexus Is250c — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 125 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 86% 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 — 2009 Lexus Is250c
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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56.8%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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52.1%
Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
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42.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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40.4%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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37.7%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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34.2%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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33.6%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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28.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Lexus Is250c?
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