2016 Lexus CT 1.8L Hybrid electric (clean) · BV16 NPC

An unusually low annual mileage profile defines this vehicle, though the historical record shows a specific period of mechanical instability regarding the braking system. While the most recent test on 03 July 2026 resulted in a pass with no defects, the vehicle's history includes a dangerous failure in June 2021 due to insufficient parking brake efficiency and inoperative rear brakes on one side. Since that failure, the testing trend has stabilised, with the two most recent inspections in 2025 and 2026 returning no advisories or defects, following a period in 2022 and 2023 where tyre perishing was noted as an advisory. The recorded mileage of 37,808 miles over a ten-year period equates to an average of approximately 3,781 miles per year, which is significantly lower than the UK national average. This usage pattern suggests the vehicle has spent considerable time stationary or has been used only for very short, infrequent journeys. Mechanically, while this results in less wear on drivetrain components and engine internals, it increases the likelihood of age-related degradation in rubber components and seals that are not regularly exercised. The MOT history confirms this through the advisories for cracking and perishing tyres recorded in 2022 and 2023, which are common symptoms of low-use vehicles where rubber compounds harden over time due to lack of movement and environmental exposure. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the braking system during a test drive to ensure the 2021 failure remains fully resolved. Beyond testing the handbrake for immediate engagement and strength, you should check for any unevenness in braking force or a pulling sensation when applying the foot brake. Given the previous issues with parking brake efficiency, listen for any clicking or grinding noises from the rear wheels when the handbrake is engaged or released, and feel for any hesitation in the mechanism's response. The history of tyre advisories necessitates a thorough visual inspection of all four tyres for sidewall cracking or flat spots, which can occur when a vehicle sits for extended periods. During the test drive, listen for rhythmic thumping or vibration at low speeds, which may indicate uneven wear or structural degradation in the tyre carcasses. Additionally, because low-mileage vehicles can experience fluid stagnation, check the area around the brake calipers and lines for any signs of weeping or corrosion that might have been masked by the infrequent usage.