2009 Lexus IS F 5.0L Petrol · BL58 TYH

The 2009 Lexus IS F presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT on 10 October 2025 at 133,866 miles resulted in a pass, but three advisories were recorded. Both rear shock absorbers were flagged for light oil misting, a condition that typically precedes damper failure if left unaddressed. Front suspension arm pins or bushes were worn on both sides, though not yet causing excessive movement, and a minor oil leak was noted. Comparing this to the clean pass on 4 November 2024 at 129,864 miles, the trend is clearly worsening. A vehicle that went from zero defects to three advisories in under twelve months suggests the suspension components are entering a phase of accelerated wear that demands closer attention. Mileage accumulation tells a consistent story. Between November 2024 and October 2025, the car covered 4,002 miles, bringing the total to 133,866. At roughly 7,874 miles per year over seventeen years, this sits squarely within the typical annual average for a vehicle of this age. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded data that would indicate long periods of disuse or recent high-intensity use. The odometer progression appears genuine and steady, which supports the mechanical narrative of a regularly driven grand tourer rather than a garaged collector piece or a neglected mule. The rear shock absorber advisories warrant particular scrutiny. Light misting indicates the damper seals are beginning to weep, a common failure mode on high-performance vehicles with age. Left unresolved, this can degrade damping performance and unevenly load the rear tyres. Buyers should physically inspect both rear dampers for wetness or dripping oil and check the rear wheel arches for oil residue. The worn front suspension arm bushes, while not yet critical, suggest the front end may exhibit vague steering or minor knocking over rough surfaces. A thorough test drive over broken road surfaces at low speed will reveal whether the wear has progressed beyond the tester's threshold. The minor oil leak flagged in October 2025 should be traced to its source. On the IS F's 5.0-litre V8, common origins include the valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, or the rear main seal. A visual inspection of the engine underside and bell housing area is advisable. Overall, the car remains roadworthy, but the combination of deteriorating suspension components and an unresolved oil leak points to deferred maintenance. A pre-purchase inspection focusing on the front and rear suspension, damper condition, and engine oil leaks will give a buyer a clear picture of the work required in the near term.