2012 Lexus CT 1.8L Hybrid electric · CF12 FSX

The 2012 Lexus CT passed its most recent MOT on 24 March 2026 at 94,388 miles, but the maintenance trend is worsening rather than stable. That test flagged six advisories, including severely deteriorated nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers, a loose undertray, rear brake pads wearing thin, a defective offside wiper blade, and slight free play detected at the steering rack. Two consecutive years of advisories after two clean passes in 2022 and 2023 suggest the car has recently entered a phase of deferred attention rather than consistent preventative upkeep. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,742 miles per year is typical for a 14-year-old vehicle. The annual tests from 2022 through 2026 show a steady progression from 70,123 miles to 94,388 miles, with no unusual gaps or sudden jumps in recorded distance. The record is complete and consistent, indicating the car has been used regularly rather than left standing for long periods. That said, the recent cluster of advisories at the higher end of this mileage range points to components reaching the end of their service life rather than neglect over a short period. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering. Deteriorated ball joint dust covers allow ingress of water and grit, which accelerates wear on the joint itself and can lead to play or failure. Combined with the slight free play already noted in the steering rack, this area warrants a thorough check on a lift. The rear brake pads flagged as wearing thin in March 2026 may already need replacement, and the worn rear brake disc noted in 2025 suggests the rear braking system has had attention but not necessarily a full renewal. Inspect the disc condition and pad thickness directly rather than relying on the pass certificate alone. Beyond the flagged items, pay close attention to the undertray fixings and the general condition of the underside. A loose undertray can trap moisture against the subframe and floor pan, raising the risk of corrosion over time, particularly on a car approaching fifteen years old. The front tyre wear noted in 2024, described as worn on the edge, hints at possible alignment or suspension geometry issues that may have persisted. Check the inner edges of both front tyres for uneven wear and have the tracking inspected before committing to purchase.