2008 Lexus IS220 2.2L Diesel · LM57 BJM

The vehicle holds a valid MOT certificate until May 2027, but the maintenance trend shows a clear worsening of structural and mechanical condition. While the car passed its most recent test on 18 May 2026 at 107,109 miles, the preceding failure highlights persistent issues with the braking system and ongoing corrosion to the subframe arms. These recurring faults indicate that the vehicle is struggling to maintain its roadworthiness standards, moving from a period of clean passes between 2024 and 2025 to a more problematic state in the latest cycle. Total recorded mileage of 107,109 over eighteen years averages out to approximately 5,950 miles per annum, which is low for a vehicle of this age. The history shows consistent annual testing, though the jump from 89,179 miles in early 2020 to 99,993 miles by April 2021 suggests a brief period of higher usage. The relatively low total mileage likely contributes to the corrosion issues noted in the records, as vehicles that sit idle for extended periods are more susceptible to surface oxidation and seized mechanical components, particularly within the braking and suspension systems. Prospective buyers must prioritise a thorough inspection of the underbody, specifically focusing on the front and rear subframe arms. The tester explicitly noted corrosion in these areas during the 2026 test, and the 2023 history confirms that this is a long-standing issue affecting the suspension arms and rear subframe. You should also verify the current state of the exhaust system, as the minor gas leak flagged in May 2026 may deteriorate further. Given the history of parking brake inefficiency and imbalanced front brakes, a physical check of the discs and calipers is essential to ensure the braking performance remains within acceptable limits.