2014 Lexus CT 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · KW14 NXU

The most recent DVSA examination was conducted on 6 November 2025, at which the vehicle achieved a Pass outcome. The only item noted by the testing inspector was an advisory relating to the nearside rear tyre, specifically classified as slightly damaged or showing cracking and perishing under section 5.2.3 (d) (ii) of the MOT inspection manual. Prior to this, the vehicle recorded three consecutive clean passes with no advisories or defects of any kind, demonstrating a stable and well-maintained pattern over the preceding test cycles. There is no evidence of recurring or escalating mechanical issues from the official record, and the absence of any advisories related to suspension, braking, exhaust, or structural integrity is a particularly positive indicator for a twelve-year-old vehicle. With 85,796 miles recorded over approximately twelve years of service, the vehicle has accumulated an average of around 7,150 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical usage patterns for a premium hybrid hatchback of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods of standing or off-road storage, and likewise there are no instances of unusually rapid mileage accumulation between tests that might indicate high-intensity commercial or long-distance use. This moderate annual mileage suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly enough to keep mechanical components lubricated and exercised, yet not so heavily that one would expect advanced wear on major drivetrain items such as the hybrid system battery, inverter, or continuously variable transmission components. The regular annual testing pattern further supports the conclusion that the vehicle has remained in active service throughout its life. Given the relatively clean MOT history but the vehicle's age, there are several age-related considerations that warrant close physical inspection prior to purchase. The advisory concerning nearside rear tyre perishing should be taken seriously, as rubber compounds degrade with time irrespective of tread depth, and all four tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking, weather checking, and DOT date codes, with replacement strongly advised if any tyres are approaching or exceeding six years of age. The braking system should be inspected for corrosion on the brake discs, particularly the rear drums or discs which may have developed lipping or surface rust from infrequent heavy braking, and the handbrake mechanism should be tested for proper ratchet and holding function. Given the hybrid powertrain, particular attention should be paid to the condition and state of charge of the hybrid traction battery, and any dashboard warning lights relating to the hybrid system should be noted on the test drive. Further inspection points appropriate to this vehicle's profile include verification of recent servicing history, with particular focus on whether the engine coolant, inverter coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid have been changed in line with manufacturer time-based intervals rather than purely mileage-based schedules. The 12V auxiliary battery, which is critical for hybrid system boot-up, should be tested for its state of health as it is approaching the typical end of its service life. During the test drive, listen carefully for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which may indicate wear in the anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or rear trailing arm bushes commonly affected on vehicles of this age. The CVT transmission should be checked for smooth progression without shuddering or excessive rubber-band effect, and the exhaust system should be examined for heat-shield security and any signs of corrosion at mounting points, given the vehicle's age and twelve years of exposure to road salt and winter conditions.