CarCostCheck

LEXUS LS (2008)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 155 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

4969cc Hybrid

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Hybrid4969cc18 years old155 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 4969cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 4969cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/wk

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

82% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the LEXUS brand average of 87%.

At 18 years old, 82% of LEXUS LSs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 155 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 113,444 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 cars173th of 589(top 29%)
Rank among LEXUS models218th of 301(top 72%)
vs national average+0%(82% avg)
vs 2008 cars average+9%(73% avg)
vs LEXUS average-5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,444

Average miles

vs

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2008 LEXUS LS has 113,444 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 2015 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2008 sits between the two at 82%.

LEXUS LS by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202192%4845,443 mi
2020100%6432,921 mi
201999%14632,128 mi
201894%15430,327 mi
201783%3545,495 mi
201581%5386,105 mi
201496%4879,746 mi
201388%13889,200 mi
200882%155113,444 mi
200786%416114,736 mi
200685%132110,641 mi

Check a Specific Lexus Ls

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About the 2008 LEXUS LS

The 2008 LEXUS LS is a premium performance with a 4969cc hybrid engine. 155 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 113,444 miles at 18 years old, 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. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2008 LEXUS LS?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.

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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2008 LEXUS LS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

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