2007 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Hybrid electric · SL07 SYW

The vehicle holds a valid MOT pass certificate dated 14 November 2023 at 129,310 miles, which expired over two and a half years ago as of today. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening. In the September 2023 test, the vehicle failed on multiple safety-critical items including insecure headlamps, an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, a structurally failed rear tyre with sidewall separation, front brake pads worn thin, a missing catalytic converter, a damaged rear bumper presenting an injury risk, and a parking brake failing to meet efficiency requirements. Although the retest in November 2023 passed, the tester still flagged worn front and rear brake discs, a severely deteriorated nearside front constant velocity boot, and slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. These unresolved advisories, combined with the long lapse since the last test, indicate the vehicle has likely deteriorated further without recent professional assessment. The recorded mileage of 129,310 across roughly 19 years of age equates to approximately 6,806 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and type. The mileage progression shows a notable gap between the December 2020 test at 118,891 miles and the July 2022 test at 127,845 miles, representing roughly 8,954 miles over approximately 19 months. This is consistent with steady use. However, the mileage has remained static at 129,310 since the November 2023 pass, meaning the vehicle has recorded zero miles in over two and a half years. This could indicate long-term storage, a period of non-use, or a failure to present for testing. Extended standing can cause its own problems, including flat-spotted tyres, seized brake calipers, deteriorated rubber bushes, and fuel system issues. A buyer should conduct a thorough in-person inspection focusing on the components repeatedly flagged across the MOT history. The front brake discs and pads have shown progressive wear across multiple tests, and the rear discs have been noted as pitted or scored since at least December 2020. Brake condition should be assessed for disc thickness, pad material remaining, and any binding or uneven wear patterns. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint has shown slight play in both the September 2023 failure and the November 2023 pass, and the constant velocity boot was severely deteriorated in the most recent test. These suspension and drivetrain items will only have aged further and should be checked for play, perishing, and grease contamination. The missing catalytic converter identified in September 2023 was apparently rectified for the retest, but the exhaust system should be inspected for aftermarket fitment quality and correct emissions compliance. Beyond the recurring MOT items, the long test gap raises broader concerns. Tyre condition across all four corners, including sidewall integrity and age-related cracking, warrants close attention given the structural failure flagged in September 2023. The parking brake efficiency failure suggests the handbrake mechanism, cables, or rear brake adjusters may require attention. Rubber components throughout the suspension, including anti-roll bar links and bushes noted as deteriorated, will have continued to perish during the standing period. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician, including a road test and electronic diagnostic scan for the previously inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp, is strongly recommended before any commitment.