2016 Lexus IS 2.5L Hybrid electric · YJ16 VUT

The Lexus IS 300h is known for strong fuel economy thanks to its hybrid drivetrain, with real-world figures typically in the mid-40s to low-50s mpg for mixed driving. As a hybrid registered after April 2017 cost thresholds, this 2016 car will sit in a reasonable VED band, though exact rates depend on the listed CO2 figure — owners should expect a moderate annual tax outlay. Insurance for the IS 300h tends to be in groups 30-35, placing it competitively against comparable executive saloons.

Maintenance costs are generally reasonable for the premium hybrid segment, with routine servicing intervals that are typically every 12 months or 10,000 miles. Annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance for a vehicle of this profile are likely to fall in the region of £1,500-£1,900 per year, though this varies considerably with mileage and driving style. Hybrid-specific components such as the traction battery are rarely replaced on these vehicles and usually outlast the rest of the car, but the 12V battery should be budgeted for every 4-5 years.

The single MOT failure on this vehicle was for an insufficient washer fluid level, which is a trivial defect and not a cause for concern in itself. However, given that this is a minor item, the rest of the MOT pass record is genuinely clean with no advisories or defects recorded across the four passing tests. The aggregate dataset shows that the top MOT failure reasons for the Lexus IS model are tyre, headlamp, and windscreen wiper issues — these are the areas worth a careful look on any IS, regardless of MOT history. Check all four tyres for legal tread (minimum 1.6mm, but 3mm+ is preferable on a premium saloon) and even wear patterns, as hybrid vehicles can wear rear tyres unevenly due to weight distribution.

Inspect the headlamps for condensation, lens clouding, and proper alignment, as these are a common failure point across the IS range. Windscreen wipers should be checked for streaking and the washer system should be topped up and verified to work on both front and rear. A general inspection should also cover the condition of the alloy wheels, brake disc wear (often visible at the wheel edge), and the underside for any signs of corrosion or fluid leaks. Given the low recorded mileage, verify that the mileage is consistent with the vehicle's general condition, as odometer discrepancies can occur on any used car.