Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2005–2012 Lexus IS. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.
Pink coolant traces at the front of the engine, ticking or wobble from the pump area, low coolant level or a temperature warning.
Look for these signs: Pink coolant traces at the front of the engine, ticking or wobble from the pump area, low coolant level or a temperature warning.
£650
Coolant smell, pink residue around the radiator, dampness near the tank seams or unexplained coolant loss.
Look for these signs: Coolant smell, pink residue around the radiator, dampness near the tank seams or unexplained coolant loss.
£390
Roof button does nothing, windows fail to drop properly, or the roof stops mid-operation with warning messages.
Check battery health first. Diagnose roof switch, window drop function, latch sensors and roof alignment.
£900
It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2005–2012 Lexus IS, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.
The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.
Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.
The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.
Or enter the vehicle manually