2006 Lexus IS 250 SE-L 2.5L Petrol · RF56 FSX

The most recent DVSA examination dated 30 September 2025 recorded a Pass with no advisories or defects noted, indicating that at the point of test the vehicle satisfied all statutory roadworthiness requirements. However, the same date shows a prior Fail for a nearside front position lamp not working, which is a straightforward electrical rectification rather than a structural or mechanical concern. Looking back across the recorded test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable. The vehicle has passed consistently since 2019, and aside from the lamp defect and tyre-related advisories, no mechanical failures or structural advisories have been flagged. This is a positive indicator for a twenty-year-old saloon, suggesting the owner has maintained the car diligently and addressed wear items as required. With a recorded mileage of 204,521 miles spread over approximately twenty years of use, the vehicle has averaged around 10,226 miles annually, which sits broadly within the typical range for its age. There are no glaring gaps or inconsistencies in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged periods of standing or erratic use, and the relatively even annual mileage implies the car has been in regular service rather than left idle for extended intervals. For a Lexus IS 250 of this age and accumulated mileage, mechanical implications centre on wear-prone components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, engine and gearbox mounts, and the general condition of flexible rubber and plastic items throughout the drivetrain and underbody. Regular use of this nature is generally favourable, as it tends to keep seals, fluids, and mechanical linkages working rather than seizing or drying out. Given the tyre wear advisories recorded on both rear tyres in the 2023 and 2024 examinations, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the suspension geometry and rear axle condition. Edge wear on rear tyres can indicate either alignment issues, worn rear suspension bushes, weakened coil springs, or simply that the vehicle has been tracked hard and requires more frequent tyre rotation and replacement. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, as these may suggest worn anti-roll bar links, trailing arm bushes, or top mount wear. The front brake pad advisory from 2019 also warrants inspection of the current brake disc and pad condition; at 204,000 miles the discs are likely to have been replaced once or refinished, and any signs of lipping, vibration through the steering wheel under braking, or pulling to one side should be investigated. Binding calipers are a known concern on vehicles of this age and mileage, so confirm the wheels rotate freely when cold and that the car does not pull sharply to one side after sustained driving. Beyond the recorded advisories, a twenty-year-old Lexus with this mileage warrants thorough age-appropriate inspection even where MOT results appear clean. Check all four tyres carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber deteriorates with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and inspect the spare if fitted. Examine the underbody, exhaust system, and brake lines for corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear subframe, suspension arms, and around jacking points, all of which are known areas for surface corrosion on older Japanese saloons used on UK roads. Confirm the 12V battery is recent and in good condition, as battery life typically falls within four to six years and a failing unit can cause voltage irregularities affecting electronic systems. Verify that the timing chain or belt has been replaced in line with manufacturer schedule, that coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid have been renewed on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, and that the service book contains consistent stamps. Finally, ensure all warning lamps extinguish promptly on start-up and that the air conditioning and any hybrid or ancillary electrical systems operate correctly, as electrical gremlins are common on vehicles entering their third decade.