LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 40 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,777
£231/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2499cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2777/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2499cc
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.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 17 years old, 65% of LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTOs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,440 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
108,440
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO has 108,440 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2006 model with a 83% MOT pass rate, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2009 sits between the two at 65%.
LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO
The 2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO is a premium with a 2499cc petrol engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 98% of 2009 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 108,440 miles at 17 years old, LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO Fuel Costs
The 2499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,777 (£231/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO
At 17 years old, the LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO 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 2006 model has the highest pass rate at 83%. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 17 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 108k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2009 LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS IS 250 SE-L AUTO(2009) | 65% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2777 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£380 |
| MERCEDES E(2011) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£530 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2010) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£380 |
| AUDI TT(2007) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£530 |
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
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