2006 Lexus IS220 2.2L Diesel · MB06 LEX

The most recent MOT test on 2026-01-21 resulted in a clean pass with no defects recorded, maintaining a consistent and stable maintenance record over the past three years. This continuity suggests that the vehicle has been subject to routine servicing and that any prior advisories have either been addressed or are not progressing to critical failure. The absence of repeated failures or severe advisories in the last two tests indicates a generally reliable condition, though the historical advisories—particularly those related to tyre wear and brake disc condition—demand closer scrutiny during inspection. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 136,289 miles at the time of this assessment aligns with a typical annual usage rate of approximately 6,814 miles, which is reasonable for a 20-year-old car. Such mileage suggests moderate to light daily use over the vehicle’s lifespan, with no evidence of excessive wear from high-mileage accumulation. However, the gaps between MOT tests—particularly the three-year interval between 2023 and 2026—could imply periods of prolonged inactivity, which may have contributed to minor issues like tyre wear patterns or standing corrosion. For a Lexus IS220, this age and mileage combination places particular emphasis on checking for wear in high-stress components like the steering system, suspension, and braking elements, as well as potential fluid degradation from extended storage. Given the advisories recorded in prior MOTs, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres, brakes, and steering components. The tyre advisories from 2021—all showing wear close to the legal limit and worn on edges—indicate that the vehicle has experienced uneven loading or misalignment, which could stem from suspension or alignment issues. On a test drive, listen for uneven tyre noise, check for lateral or directional pull, and verify that the tyres do not exhibit excessive cupping or cupping patterns, which could signal alignment or camber problems. Inspect the tyre tread depth and sidewall condition for signs of dry rot or cracking, as Lexus vehicles of this age are prone to sidewall perishing if left unused for extended periods. Additionally, the brake disc advisories from 2019 suggest that the discs may be pitted or scored but not yet severely weakened. Test for brake shudder during deceleration, which could indicate warping or uneven wear, and listen for grinding noises when applying the brakes, as this may signal impending disc failure or binding calipers. For the steering system, the 2018 advisory regarding slight play in the offside front steering linkage ball joint and track rod end highlights a potential area of concern. On a test drive, gently apply lateral force to the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary to detect excessive play or binding, which could indicate worn or seized components. The presence of belly pans fitted in 2018 also suggests that the vehicle has undergone some underbody protection work, which is a positive sign of maintenance. Beyond these advisories, the buyer should verify the condition of the suspension components, including coil springs, shock absorbers, and suspension bushes, for signs of wear or failure, such as excessive clunking noises when driving over bumps or uneven tyre wear patterns. Check for fluid leaks around the steering rack, differential, and transmission, and ensure all fluid levels—brake fluid, coolant, and oil—are topped up to manufacturer specifications. Given the vehicle’s age, a full service history check is essential, particularly for fluid servicing intervals, as Lexus recommends periodic fluid changes to prevent degradation from standing. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion or leaks, as emissions testing may be required if the vehicle is to be registered in the UK, and ensure the catalytic converter and mufflers are in good condition to avoid potential failure during an MOT.