2015 Lexus IS 2.5L Hybrid electric · SAY 602

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-12-09, with no critical or dangerous defects recorded. However, the maintenance trend shows a slight deterioration in suspension component integrity, particularly around the anti-roll bar and track rod end dust covers, which were flagged as deteriorated but not yet failing to prevent dirt ingress. These are not immediate safety risks but indicate a pattern of neglect in routine inspection of suspension seals, which may lead to accelerated wear if unaddressed. The trend is not worsening catastrophically, but it is not improving either — the 2024 and 2023 passes without defects suggest the owner was attentive in those years, but the 2025 test reveals a regression in component condition. The recorded mileage of 48,365 miles over 11 years equates to approximately 4,400 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests the car has been lightly used or possibly stored for extended periods, which can lead to dry rot in rubber components, corrosion in suspension joints, and brake caliper binding. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests shows a jump of 4,100 miles in one year, which is consistent with normal usage, but the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 intervals show minimal mileage gain — 3,216 and 2,589 miles respectively — which may indicate infrequent use or a period of inactivity. The lack of MOT entries between 2023 and 2024 is not present in the record, so the data remains clean and consistent. A buyer should inspect the front suspension bushes and anti-roll bar linkages closely, especially the dust covers on the offside front and nearside front, as these are prone to deterioration and may lead to alignment issues or noise if ignored. The 2023 failure for rear tyre tread depth suggests the previous owner may have overlooked tyre maintenance, so a full tyre inspection — including sidewall condition, age, and tread depth across all four wheels — is essential. Brake calipers should be checked for binding, particularly on the offside rear, as the 2023 failure indicates a potential underlying issue with brake wear or pad alignment. Structural integrity, including rust on suspension mounts and exhaust components, should also be assessed, as low mileage does not guarantee corrosion-free metalwork. The vehicle’s mechanical condition is generally sound, but the recurring suspension component issues and the single tyre failure point to a need for proactive maintenance rather than reactive repair. The low annual mileage is a positive indicator for overall wear, but it does not eliminate the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on rubber and metal fatigue points. A buyer should not be deterred by the passing MOTs, but should treat this as a car that requires attentive ownership to maintain its current condition.