2007 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Hybrid electric (clean) · DU07 YPV

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 January 2026 resulted in a pass, although a prior failure on the same date for an excessively high nearside front headlamp aim, classified as a presentation-related item, was rectified prior to re-test. The advisory recorded alongside this test concerning perishing and minor damage to the offside rear outer tyre is a notable observation, and combined with the recurring advisories relating to underseal coverage on the underside, suggests the vehicle has likely been treated for corrosion prevention in the past but is approaching an age where the condition of the underbody components warrants closer scrutiny. Reviewing the broader trend across the recorded tests, the maintenance profile appears stable rather than deteriorating, with one major defect in late 2024 concerning excessive play in the offside front wheel bearing which was subsequently rectified, alongside earlier advisories relating to worn suspension arm bushes and pitted brake discs. None of the recorded failures indicate a pattern of systemic neglect, and the issues that have emerged are consistent with a high-mileage luxury hybrid approaching the end of its second decade of service. With 152,067 miles recorded over approximately nineteen years, this Lexus RX400h is averaging around 8,000 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and class. There are no large unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage progression, which lends confidence to the accuracy of the odometer reading and suggests the vehicle has been in regular service rather than left standing for extended periods. This consistent usage pattern is mechanically favourable, as hybrid components including the high-voltage battery pack, inverter, and electric drive units benefit from regular thermal cycling and use, while mechanical items such as the brake discs and callipers are less likely to suffer from the binding corrosion that frequently affects low-mileage or garaged vehicles. The annual mileage implies that wear-related consumables such as tyres, brake components, and suspension bushes will have been subjected to progressive rather than catastrophic wear, which generally produces a more predictable maintenance profile. For a prospective buyer, several items merit particular attention in light of the recorded advisory history. The wheel bearing replaced in late 2024 should be confirmed as fully settled with no residual noise or play, and on a test drive any low-speed rotational grumble, humming that varies with cornering, or vibration through the steering column would suggest renewed concern in this area. The advisories regarding worn front suspension arm rear bushes from 2022 are particularly relevant given that this is a known wear point on the RX400h, and during inspection one should look for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, listen for clonking or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and check for any vagueness or wandering from the steering on motorway driving. The pitted front and rear brake discs recorded in 2024 would, by 2026, have progressed further, and any shudder felt through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm application, together with visible lipping or scoring on the disc surfaces, would indicate that replacement is now due. Given that the vehicle is fitted with sill covers and has had underseal treatment applied, it is advisable to inspect the jacking points, suspension mounting areas, and the rear axle casing directly for any underlying corrosion that the underseal may be concealing, as the 2023 advisory regarding corroded underbody components suggests that the protective treatment is reaching the limits of its effectiveness. Additional age-related considerations should form part of any pre-purchase inspection regardless of the recorded MOT outcome. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing and cracking, particularly on the rear axle where the latest advisory was raised, and replacement of all four tyres is advisable if any age-related deterioration is present. The 12-volt auxiliary battery, which is responsible for starting the hybrid system and powering ancillaries, is particularly prone to failure on high-mileage hybrids of this age and should be load-tested to confirm its state of health, while the high-voltage hybrid battery pack itself warrants a diagnostic scan via the dealer-level or specialist tool to confirm there are no stored fault codes relating to cell degradation or cooling system performance. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid for the electrically variable transmission will all be well beyond their standard service intervals at this age and mileage, and evidence of recent fluid changes through service records should be sought. Finally, the exhaust system, which previously exhibited a major leak from the centre section in 2022, should be inspected for renewed corrosion or blowing joints, as heat shields and mounting rubbers are commonly affected by age on this model, and any rattling or ticking on start-up would warrant further investigation.