2007 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Electric · LU07 COP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 21 January 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be worsening. While the vehicle had clean records in 2021 and 2022, the last few years have seen a pattern of neglect, including two dangerous failures relating to brake pad thickness and parking brake efficiency. The persistence of brake disc advisories over the last two years suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to maintenance, with critical components being allowed to deteriorate to the limit of legality before being addressed. With a recorded mileage of 154,296 miles over nineteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 8,121 miles per year. This usage rate is typical for its age and indicates a consistent history of use rather than long periods of standing. However, at this mileage, a buyer should expect significant wear on high-stress consumables and chassis components. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the suspension bushes, coil springs, and the overall health of the hybrid drivetrain, as these components will have undergone substantial cycling. A primary area of concern is the braking system, which has a documented history of failure and ongoing deterioration. The current advisories for worn, pitted, and scored front brake discs indicate that the discs are reaching the end of their service life and may be suffering from surface corrosion. During a test drive, listen for grinding noises or feel for a shudder through the brake pedal, which would confirm the need for immediate replacement of both discs and pads. The previous failure of the parking brake also suggests that the rear calipers or cable mechanisms may require a thorough inspection to ensure they are not binding or slipping. Most critically, the latest MOT identifies corrosion on the inner sills at the rear. This is a significant structural concern that requires a physical inspection with a torch and probe to determine if the rust is superficial or if it has compromised the vehicle's structural integrity. You should also check for any remaining evidence of the central exhaust leak noted in 2023, listening for an unusual drone or observing for soot marks around the exhaust joints. Given the age and mileage, verify the service history for oil changes and coolant flushes to ensure the internal engine components have been properly preserved.