LEXUS IS250 (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,579 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,277
£190/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2499cc Petrol
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £2277/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2499cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LEXUS brand average of 87%.
At 15 years old, 93% of LEXUS IS250s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,579 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 78,506 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
78,506
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 LEXUS IS250 has 78,506 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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LEXUS IS250 by Year
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About the 2011 LEXUS IS250
The 2011 LEXUS IS250 is a premium with a 2499cc petrol engine. 2,579 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2011 cars for reliability.
With an average of 78,506 miles at 15 years old, LEXUS IS250 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2011 LEXUS IS250 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 2011 LEXUS IS250?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,277 (£190/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
LEXUS IS250 Reliability Trend
Newer LEXUS IS250s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 LEXUS IS250
At 15 years old, the LEXUS IS250 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 LEXUS IS250's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 15 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 2011 LEXUS IS250 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEXUS IS250(2011) | 93% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2277 |
| VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011) | 77% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397+£120 |
| BMW 1 SERIES(2013) | 84% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£30 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE(2013) | 86% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£410 |
| MERCEDES E(2012) | 81% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2247-£30 |
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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VAUXHALL INSIGNIA
2011 · 2792cc Petrol
BMW 1 SERIES
2013 · 2979cc Petrol
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
2013 · 2000cc Petrol
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