LEXUS IS 220D (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 66 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,195
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2200cc Diesel
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 8 points below average.
Check a specific LEXUS IS 220D
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2200cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this LEXUS IS 220D
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 18 years old, 74% of LEXUS IS 220Ds from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 66 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,403 miles.
Got a LEXUS IS 220D you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
123,403
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 LEXUS IS 220D has 123,403 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific LEXUS IS 220D?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2007 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2008 sits between the two at 74%.
LEXUS IS 220D by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Lexus Is 220d
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2008 LEXUS IS 220D
The 2008 LEXUS IS 220D is a premium with a 2200cc diesel engine. 66 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 123,403 miles at 18 years old, LEXUS IS 220D owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2008 LEXUS IS 220D Fuel Costs
The 2200cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2008 LEXUS IS 220D?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 (£183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
LEXUS IS 220D Reliability Trend
The LEXUS IS 220D has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 LEXUS IS 220D
At 18 years old, the LEXUS IS 220D is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 76%. Note: with only 66 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2008 LEXUS IS 220D's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 123k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2008 LEXUS IS 220D stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS IS 220D(2008) | 74% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 25-38 | £2195 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2010) | 74% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2010) | 77% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£468 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2007) | 72% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2050-£145 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2010) | 69% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2250+£55 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
LEXUS NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
LEXUS UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
LEXUS CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
VAUXHALL ASTRA
2010 · 1910cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2010 · 1896cc Diesel
HONDA CIVIC
2007 · 2204cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Lexus Is 220d.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
ReliabilityMost Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Real Data from 19.8 Million MOT Tests
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific LEXUS IS 220D
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a LEXUS IS 220D? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data