Should I buy a 2010 Lexus IS 2.5 Petrol Automatic?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2010 Lexus IS 2.5 Petrol Automatic. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Low Likelihood

Water pump leakage and sudden overheating risk

Pink coolant traces at the front of the engine, ticking or wobble from the pump area, low coolant level or a temperature warning.

How to check

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.

Estimated Repair Cost

£650

2Low Likelihood

Radiator end-tank cracking and coolant loss

Coolant smell, pink residue around the radiator, dampness near the tank seams or unexplained coolant loss.

How to check

Look for these signs: Coolant smell, pink residue around the radiator, dampness near the tank seams or unexplained coolant loss.

Estimated Repair Cost

£390

3Moderate Likelihood

Convertible roof switch and window interlock faults

Roof button does nothing, windows fail to drop properly, or the roof stops mid-operation with warning messages.

How to check

Check battery health first. Diagnose roof switch, window drop function, latch sensors and roof alignment.

Estimated Repair Cost

£900

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%40%0–20,000 miles: 7.3% (22 failed / 300 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 10.9% (92 failed / 846 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 12.4% (92 failed / 742 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 15.0% (78 failed / 521 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 15.9% (44 failed / 276 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 15.6% (19 failed / 122 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 18.8% (9 failed / 48 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 28.6% (6 failed / 21 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 33.3% (2 failed / 6 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 33.3% (1 failed / 3 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2010 Lexus IS 2.5 Petrol Automatic

Lexus IS buying questions

Is a 2010 Lexus IS worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2010 Lexus IS 2.5 Petrol Automatic, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Lexus IS (2010)?

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.

What should I check before buying a Lexus IS?

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.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

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