Lexus LS (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 155 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4969cc Hybrid

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Hybrid4969cc18 years old155 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 4969cc)

~30 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/wk

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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Lexus brand average of 87%.

82% of MOT tests on Lexus LSs from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 155 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,444 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models164th of 566(top half)

Rank among Lexus models216th of 298(bottom half)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+9%(73% avg)

vs Lexus average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,444

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 Lexus LS had 113,444 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 99%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 82%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lexus LS by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	92%	48	45,443 mi
2020	100%	64	32,921 mi
2019	99%	146	32,128 mi
2018	94%	154	30,327 mi
2017	83%	35	45,495 mi
2015	81%	53	86,105 mi
2014	96%	48	79,746 mi
2013	88%	138	89,200 mi
2008	82%	155	113,444 mi
2007	86%	416	114,736 mi
2006	85%	132	110,641 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Lexus LS600H

2008 · 4969cc Hybrid

£3,003/year

92%

+10%

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About the 2008 Lexus LS

The 2008 Lexus LS is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4969cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 155 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 113,444 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus LS owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2008 Lexus LS Fuel Costs

The 4969cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Our estimate uses around 30 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, 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). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2008 Lexus LS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Lexus LS Reliability Trend

Newer Lexus LSs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2008 Lexus LS

At 18 years old, the Lexus LS 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

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.

Hybrid Battery Health

Watch out

After 18 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.

Inverter and Power Electronics

Medium risk

The inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.

Regenerative Braking

Medium risk

Brake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 113k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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 LS 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 LS(2008)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
Lexus LS600H(2008)	92%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003-£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 2008 Lexus LS

Is the 2008 Lexus LS reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2008 Lexus LSs ended in a pass, from 155 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 Lexus LS cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2008 Lexus LS?

82% of 155 MOT tests on the 2008 Lexus LS ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 164th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (top half).

Which year Lexus LS has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Lexus LS has the highest MOT pass rate at 99% and the 2008 the lowest at 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2008 Lexus LS?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 Lexus LS is 113,444 miles, which is in line with the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.