2006 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Hybrid electric · FD06 UNR

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 May 2025 resulted in a PASS with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating the vehicle was considered roadworthy at that time. However, a review of the preceding test history reveals a notable cluster of three failed attempts on 8, 10, and 11 May 2024, all culminating in a pass on the same date as the final failure. The absence of recorded defect details on the failed entries is unusual and prevents identification of the specific reasons for refusal. While the current pass status is reassuring, a prospective buyer should treat the 2024 failures as a potential indicator of underlying rectification work having been carried out just prior to passing. Requesting the previous advisory or failure sheets from the testing garage, along with corresponding invoices, would provide clarity on what components were addressed and whether those repairs were carried out to a satisfactory standard. With recorded mileage of 216,703 miles accumulated over approximately twenty years, this Lexus RX400h has covered an annual average of around 10,835 miles, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of its age. The mileage progression appears to be steady rather than excessive, suggesting the hybrid powertrain and associated drivetrain components have been worked within reasonable parameters. Given the high overall odometer reading, attention should nonetheless be directed towards wear-prone items such as the engine and electric drive units, hybrid battery pack condition, and transmission behaviour, as even moderate annual mileage over two decades places cumulative stress on internal combustion components and the continuously variable transmission. A continuous, well-documented service history with regular hybrid system checks would significantly strengthen buyer confidence. Given the lack of advisory data on record, the test outcomes alone offer limited diagnostic insight into developing concerns. A prospective buyer should commission an independent hybrid system health check, including diagnostic readout of the high-voltage battery state of health, inverter function, and any stored trouble codes, as MOT testing does not cover hybrid-specific components in depth. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the tyres, as rubber compounds deteriorate with age regardless of tread depth; check the sidewalls and shoulders for perishing, cracking, or ozone damage typical of tyres older than six years, and verify that all four tyres are of matching make, type, and tread pattern to prevent drivetrain irregularities. The braking system should be examined for disc corrosion and pad seizure, as calipers that have seized through infrequent use or exposure can cause uneven braking, pulling to one side, or warning lights upon start-up. Additional age-related considerations include verifying the condition and state of charge of the 12-volt auxiliary battery, which is essential for hybrid system boot-up and can cause cascade failures if degraded. All time-sensitive fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid for the continuously variable unit, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, should be confirmed as recently serviced in accordance with calendar-based intervals rather than purely by mileage, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades in absorbency over a two-year cycle regardless of use. During the test drive, listen for any unusual clonks or knocks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, drop links, or top mounts, and pay attention to any shuddering through the steering wheel under braking, suggesting warped front discs. Inspect the underside and suspension arms for corrosion, paying particular heed to the rear suspension subframe and trailing arm mounting points, and verify that the hybrid system transitions smoothly between electric and petrol propulsion without warning lights or excessive engine running at standstill.