2009 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Hybrid electric (clean) · LS58 ONV

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 August 2025 resulted in a Pass, with a single advisory notice recorded for light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. Looking at the broader trajectory, the vehicle has demonstrated a stable maintenance profile over the past five years, having passed four consecutive tests since 2022 and only recording advisory notices for wear-related suspension and brake components. The one failure, dated 11 October 2021, related to a serious fluid leak from the offside front shock absorber and a rear brake imbalance, both of which were addressed to allow a subsequent pass just two days later. The fact that advisory items have remained relatively minor and consistent year-on-year, rather than escalating into major defects, suggests the vehicle has been reasonably well maintained. However, the recurring nature of the rear anti-roll bar bush wear across multiple tests indicates an area of ongoing deterioration that should be monitored closely. With 182,925 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, this Lexus RX400h has covered an average of around 10,760 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular motorway and mixed-condition use. There are no anomalous gaps or unusually low-mileage periods evident in the MOT record, suggesting the vehicle has been in continuous service rather than left standing for extended intervals. From a mechanical standpoint, this mileage accumulation pattern is generally favourable, as components such as the hybrid system, drivetrain, and braking system have been exercised regularly rather than suffering the corrosion and fluid degradation associated with low-use or garaged vehicles. The mileage itself is high for a hybrid of this generation, meaning wear items such as suspension bushes, brake components, and engine mounts will have experienced significant cumulative stress. The recurring advisory for worn rear anti-roll bar pins or bushes, recorded in 2020, 2021, and 2023, warrants particular attention during pre-purchase inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, and observe whether the vehicle exhibits any vague or wandering behaviour during directional changes, which would indicate the bushes have deteriorated beyond the advisory threshold. The nearside rear shock absorber oil misting noted in 2025 suggests the damper seal is beginning to fail; left unchecked, this will progress to a serious fluid leak and compromised damping, so a physical inspection of the shock body for wet residue and a road test for reduced ride control over undulations should be undertaken. Additionally, given the 2021 advisory regarding pitted and scored rear brake discs, the buyer should verify current brake disc condition, as pitted discs can cause brake shudder under heavy application and may eventually require machining or replacement. Beyond the recorded advisories, several age and mileage-related checks are advisable for a vehicle of this profile. The tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall cracking or perishing caused by age-related rubber degradation, even if the tread remains legal, as seventeen-year-old tyres can suffer structural deterioration invisible from the tread surface. The high-voltage hybrid battery system, a critical and costly component, should be assessed for state of health if possible, and the 12V auxiliary battery verified, as these often fail without warning on older hybrids. Given the vehicle's age and accumulated miles, it is prudent to confirm that brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid have been replaced in line with manufacturer service schedules rather than purely on a mileage basis, as fluid degradation occurs over time regardless of use. Finally, given the minor bodywork damage noted at the nearside front corner in 2019, a thorough walk-around for any subsequent damage, corrosion around wheel arches, and structural integrity beneath the cosmetic trim would complete a sensible pre-purchase evaluation.