Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 36 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,658
£222/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2499cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lexus brand average of 87%.
94% of MOT tests on Lexus IS 250C Advance Autos from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 36 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 50,260 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
50,260
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto had 50,260 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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About the 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto
The 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto is a premium car. Our records list a 2499cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 36 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 50,260 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto
At 14 years old, the Lexus IS 250C Advance 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. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 14 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.
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 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto(2012) | 94% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,658 |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2011) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958+£300 |
| BMW 1 Series(2013) | 84% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808+£150 |
| Land Rover Range Rover Evoque(2013) | 86% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361-£297 |
| Mercedes E(2012) | 81% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto
Is the 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Autos ended in a pass, from 36 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto?
94% of 36 MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 59th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 10%).
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus IS 250C Advance Auto is 50,260 miles, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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