2007 Lexus IS220 2.2L Diesel · LR07 UXM

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 15 September 2023 recorded a Pass, accompanied by a single advisory noting that the offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge. Looking back over the recorded history, the overall trend is broadly stable, with the vehicle consistently passing its annual test and no failures whatsoever on the record. That said, the pattern of advisories warrants attention, as there has been recurring commentary on front suspension components and front tyre wear over several years, suggesting underlying mechanical or geometric issues rather than one-off findings. The front suspension arm bush advisories from 2022, combined with the persistent front edge tyre wear advisories seen in both 2023 and 2016, point toward a chassis that may benefit from a closer inspection of the front suspension geometry and associated wear items. The recorded mileage of 124,850 miles over approximately 19 years equates to an average annual usage of around 6,571 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, though it does place the car in the lower-to-moderate usage bracket. There is a notable gap in the MOT history between the April 2019 test and the September 2022 test, spanning roughly three years during which no recorded mileage accumulation or test outcomes are documented. Such gaps are not unusual in themselves, particularly for vehicles used sparingly, but they do mean that the interim condition of wear-sensitive items such as brake discs, calipers, tyres, and underbody corrosion protection is unknown. Given the age of the vehicle, even modest annual mileage accumulates into meaningful wear over two decades, particularly on consumables and suspension components. For a prospective buyer, the most important areas to investigate further are those highlighted by the recurring advisories. The 2022 advisories on both nearside and offside front lower suspension arm pins or bushes indicate components that were showing wear but had not yet resulted in excessive movement; such items typically progress over time and can lead to imprecise steering, vague tracking, and uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and pay close attention to whether the steering feels vague or wanders, as these are classic symptoms of worn lower arm bushes. The recurring front tyre edge wear advisories, separated as they are by several years, strongly suggest that a geometry check or replacement of the worn bushes would be advisable to prevent premature tyre wear continuing. The nearside rear brake disc advisory from 2016 should also be considered in context; while not repeated in subsequent tests, an older disc wear record combined with light annual usage can result in corrosion and pitting of the discs from standing, leading to brake shudder or vibration under firm application. Given the vehicle's age of nineteen years, even with a broadly clean MOT history, a thorough physical inspection is essential. Carefully examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing caused by age-related rubber degradation, as this can affect grip and safety even where tread depth remains adequate. Inspect the braking system for seized or binding calipers, which are common on low-mileage or infrequently driven cars, and check for any uneven brake disc wear or corrosion around the disc edges. Verify the condition and age of the 12V battery, as units of this age are typically well beyond their service life and prone to cold-weather failure. Under the bonnet, check that all fluid reservoirs are at correct levels and that there is no evidence of leaks, particularly around the engine and transmission seals, given the mileage. Calendar-based servicing of brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid should be confirmed regardless of recorded mileage, as these degrade with time rather than use. Finally, inspect the underbody and inner sills for corrosion, as Lexus vehicles of this era can suffer from age-related rust in vulnerable areas, and confirm that the service book or equivalent records demonstrate regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals.