1997 Lexus LS400 4.0L Petrol · R476 BNA

The 1997 Lexus LS400 registered at 154,191 miles on 16 December 2025 fails its MOT on structural and braking grounds. The tester notes near‑side rear integral body structure corroded to the point that rigidity is significantly reduced, rear sub‑frame mounting points excessively corroded, and the off‑side rear parking brake inoperative on one side. These findings indicate a worsening trend rather than a stable or improving condition. The recorded mileage of 154,191 miles corresponds to roughly 5,300 miles per year, a rate consistent with long periods of inactivity rather than regular use. Mileage jumps from 139,848 miles in June 2016 to 142,355 miles in July 2017, then to 145,007 miles in July 2018, showing occasional bursts of use followed by extended standing. The low annual average masks periods when the car was likely idle, a condition that can accelerate corrosion and fatigue in suspension and chassis components. A buyer should therefore focus on the chassis and suspension geometry, inspecting the rear sub‑frame for further rust penetration, checking the condition of rear coil springs and suspension arm bushes for cracks or excessive play, and verifying that the parking brake mechanism operates evenly on both sides. Brake discs and pads show progressive wear across multiple tests; close examination of disc scoring, pad thickness and caliper movement is essential. Finally, the exhaust system, including the rear catalytic converter and associated piping, must be examined for leaks or corrosion that could affect emissions and structural integrity. In addition, the buyer should look for signs of uneven tyre wear on the inner edges, which have appeared repeatedly in earlier tests, and confirm that steering column float has not progressed to a dangerous degree. Any evidence of cracked or broken coil springs, especially on the near‑side front, should be treated as a critical fault requiring immediate replacement.