2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Lexus IS MOT pass rate and common faults

236 MOT tests in 2024. 75.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

133Well above average
Passed first time75.4%
Failed or needed repairs24.6%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 236 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    12 marked dangerous
  2. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.1%
    5 marked dangerous
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.7%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    3 marked dangerous
  8. Headlamp aim: too low1.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.3%
    4 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics13.1%
  2. Brakes7.6%
  3. Tyres6.4%
  4. Suspension3.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.0%
  7. Body & chassis1.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.9%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.2%
  5. Headlamp: has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced5.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Lexus IS?

In 2024, 75.4% of 2008 Lexus IS cars passed their MOT first time, across 236 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Lexus IS?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; position lamp: not working; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Lexus IS reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 133, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).