2006 Lexus IS250 2.5L Petrol · RO56 XSW

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 4 December 2025, though this was accompanied by five separate advisories that warrant careful attention. Looking at the broader DVSA history, the maintenance trend appears to be gradually worsening rather than stable. Between 2018 and 2021, the car was returning clean passes with no defects recorded, but from 2022 onwards a pattern of advisories has emerged, including recurring brake-related issues and a growing number of wear items. The most recent test alone produced advisories for deteriorating registration plate condition, nearside front tyre sidewall cracking, uneven brake pad wear on both nearside corners, and a binding offside front service brake. This escalating advisory count suggests that the braking system in particular is approaching a point where advisory items may soon become failure items if left unaddressed. With 131,530 miles recorded over a 20-year life, the vehicle averages approximately 6,576 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates consistent if moderate use rather than long periods of standing or excessively high motorway accumulation. There are no obvious gaps or sudden mileage jumps in the recorded history, suggesting regular driving patterns. From a mechanical standpoint, this mileage profile implies that while major drivetrain components have been worked, they have not been excessively stressed, but age-related degradation of rubber, polymer, and electrical components should still be considered alongside any wear-based concerns. Given the recurring advisories around the braking system, particular attention should be paid to the offside front caliper, which has now been flagged as binding across at least three of the last four MOT tests in 2022, 2023, and 2025. A binding caliper typically produces symptoms such as the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, uneven disc wear with the affected disc often showing a polished or lipped edge, and excessive heat or a burning smell from that wheel after driving. The 2023 advisory regarding service brake reserve travel and lock-up further reinforces the need for a thorough inspection of the brake hydraulics, caliper sliders, and handbrake mechanism. Uneven brake pad wear on the nearside front and rear should prompt a physical inspection to determine whether the cause is a sticking piston, worn guide pins, or simply worn consumables nearing replacement, and all brake discs should be measured for remaining thickness and checked for lipping or corrosion. Beyond the braking items, prospective buyers should also note the recurring nearside front tyre sidewall cracking advisory, now appearing in consecutive tests, which indicates age-related perishing of the rubber compound rather than mere cosmetic wear. Tyres of this age should be inspected closely for cracking across the sidewalls and tread face regardless of remaining tread depth, and replacement should be considered if deterioration is widespread. The 2023 advisories regarding corrosion around the rear subframe mounting prescribed areas, while not considered excessive, should be re-examined to ensure they have not progressed, particularly given the vehicle's age and exposure to winter road conditions. On a test drive, listen for suspension knocks or clonks that could indicate wear in the anti-roll bar D bushes flagged in 2024, and pay attention to any clunks over bumps, vague steering, or uneven tyre wear across the axle. Finally, given the car's 20-year age, even though annual mileage is modest, verify the age and condition of the 12V battery, check brake fluid and coolant for time-based degradation, inspect all rubber hoses and drive belts for perishing, and confirm the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at joints and mounting points where age rather than mileage is the dominant failure factor.