Lexus IS250C (2009)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 267 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,808
£234/month
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Good
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2500cc Petrol
Solid Option
87% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. 5 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
87% of MOT tests on Lexus IS250Cs from 2009 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 15 years old. That's based on 267 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 90,435 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
90,435
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2009 Lexus IS250C had 90,435 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2009 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Lexus IS250C by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2009 Lexus IS250C
The 2009 Lexus IS250C is a premium car. Our records list a 2500cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 267 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 18% of all 2009 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 90,435 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus IS250C owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 Lexus IS250C Fuel Costs
The 2500cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2009 Lexus IS250C?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Lexus IS250C Reliability Trend
The Lexus IS250C has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.
Buying a Used 2009 Lexus IS250C
At 17 years old, the Lexus IS250C 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 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.
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 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
Medium riskWith an average of 90k 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.
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 IS250C 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 IS250C(2009) | 87% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808 |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2011) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958+£150 |
| Mercedes E(2011) | 81% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808same |
| Land Rover Freelander(2010) | 79% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,958+£150 |
| Audi TT(2007) | 80% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,808same |
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 2009 Lexus IS250C
Is the 2009 Lexus IS250C reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2009 Lexus IS250Cs ended in a pass, from 267 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2009 Lexus IS250C cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2009 Lexus IS250C?
87% of 267 MOT tests on the 2009 Lexus IS250C ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 95th of 555 models first registered in 2009 (top 18%).
Which year Lexus IS250C has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Lexus IS250C has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2011 the lowest at 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2009 Lexus IS250C?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2009 Lexus IS250C is 90,435 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
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Lexus CT
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Vauxhall Insignia
2011 · 2792cc Petrol
Mercedes E
2011 · 2143cc Petrol
Land Rover Freelander
2010 · 2179cc Petrol
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