2007 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Hybrid electric · LB07 TYG

The vehicle was presented for its most recent DVSA roadworthiness examination on 3 June 2025 and was awarded a PASS certification with no defects or advisories recorded by the inspector. The three prior annual tests, conducted in June 2022, May 2023, and April 2024, were each completed with similarly clean outcomes, producing a four-year run of pass results devoid of any advisory entries. This consistent pattern, with no recurring advisory items or category failures building up over successive tests, suggests a stable and well-maintained mechanical condition from a regulatory standpoint. However, it is worth noting that the MOT test is a minimum safety and emissions standard rather than a comprehensive mechanical inspection, so the absence of advisories should be read as the vehicle meeting baseline legal requirements rather than as confirmation of concours condition. With recorded mileage of 69,729 miles spread across roughly nineteen years, this Lexus RX400h has covered an average of approximately 3,670 miles per annum, which is markedly low for a vehicle of this vintage. Such modest annual usage is typical of a second car, a retirement vehicle, or one that has experienced extended periods of standing either in a garage or on a driveway. While low mileage reduces wear on high-stress components such as the clutch, engine internals, and transmission, it brings its own set of mechanical concerns, particularly around components that degrade with calendar age rather than use. Corrosion of brake discs, binding of brake calipers due to seized pistons, perishing of rubber elements, and degradation of fluids all progress regardless of how few miles have been covered. Given the age of this vehicle and its low annual mileage, a prospective buyer should undertake a careful physical inspection that looks beyond what an MOT covers. The tyres warrant particular scrutiny, as rubber compounds harden and crack with age even when tread depth remains adequate; any visible sidewall perishing, crazing, or deformation of the sidewalls should prompt immediate replacement regardless of tread. Brake discs on a low-use vehicle commonly develop surface corrosion and lipping, and the calipers can seize partially, leading to uneven pad wear or a dragging brake feel. The 12V auxiliary battery, which is critical for starting the hybrid system boot-up sequence, has a finite service life of roughly five to seven years, so its age and state of charge should be verified. Hybrid system coolant, inverter coolant, brake fluid, engine oil, and the automatic transmission fluid all deteriorate on a time basis and will require scheduled replacement regardless of odometer reading; service book stamps or documented servicing should be obtained to confirm these intervals have been observed. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to any warning lights on the hybrid system display, as the RX400h is well known for issues with its hybrid battery pack and inverter as the vehicle reaches high age. Listen for any unusual whine from under the bonnet, which could indicate hybrid system component degradation, and observe whether the vehicle transitions smoothly between electric and petrol propulsion. The suspension, particularly the rear lower arm bushes and rear coil springs, is known to require attention on earlier RX models, so listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and inspect for uneven rear tyre wear which would point to geometry issues. The air suspension on adaptive variants, if fitted, should be checked for prompt raising at start-up and level holding when stationary, with attention to any compressor noise. Given that this is a near twenty-year-old hybrid, a pre-purchase inspection by a hybrid specialist would be strongly advisable to assess battery state of health and confirm the long-term viability of the high-voltage system.