2007 Lexus RX400 H SE-L CVT 3.3L Hybrid electric · T1 VRR

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate, having passed its most recent test on 12 March 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded by the DVSA. This represents a continuation of a notably consistent trend, as the Lexus has passed every annual test since at least March 2022, with five consecutive clean passes and no advisory notes logged over this five-year window. The absence of advisories in the recent history suggests that significant wear items such as brake components, tyres, suspension parts, and exhaust elements have either been proactively maintained or have not yet reached the threshold for advisory comment. Overall, the maintenance profile indicates a vehicle that has been kept in good roadworthy order, although it is worth noting that MOT testing does not cover engine condition, transmission behaviour, or hybrid system health, so its clean administrative record should be regarded as a baseline rather than a comprehensive mechanical guarantee. With 147,624 miles recorded on a 2007 vehicle, the annual average works out to approximately 7,770 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a luxury SUV of this age and very close to the national average for older vehicles. There are no obvious extended gaps in the recorded MOT history to suggest long periods of standing, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that might indicate motorway or fleet-style use. Given that this is a 19-year-old hybrid with relatively moderate mileage, the powertrain components should not be excessively worn, but calendar age will still affect many service items regardless of distance covered. The hybrid system in particular benefits from regular use, so consistent driving habits are advantageous for long-term battery and inverter health. For a prospective buyer, the clean MOT record is reassuring, but a physical inspection should focus on age-related deterioration that an MOT would not necessarily flag before it becomes problematic. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with time even when tread depth remains acceptable; any tyres over six or seven years old should be considered for replacement on safety grounds. The 12V auxiliary battery, which is separate from the high-voltage hybrid traction pack, commonly fails around the five to seven year mark on vehicles of this age, so its condition and date code should be verified. Brake discs and calipers can suffer from corrosion and sticking when a vehicle is used predominantly for short journeys or occasionally left standing, so on a quiet test drive listen for any scraping or grinding and feel for pulling to one side under braking, which would suggest a binding caliper. The fluid service history also warrants checking: brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and typically requires replacement every two years regardless of mileage, while engine oil, coolant, inverter coolant, and transmission fluid for the CVT should all be confirmed as being within their manufacturer-recommended change intervals. Given the hybrid drivetrain, additional checks specific to the RX400h are prudent. The high-voltage battery should be assessed through a diagnostic scan capable of reading individual cell voltages and state of health, as gradual degradation is normal but significant imbalance would suggest an impending repair. Listen at start-up and during low-speed manoeuvring for any unusual whining or humming from the transaxle area, which could indicate wear in the hybrid transmission or a failing hybrid system water pump. Inspect the underside for fluid weeping from the inverter, power split device, or rear electric drive unit, as seals harden with age. Finally, verify that the service book, supporting invoices, or digital records demonstrate regular oil changes at sensible intervals, as the Atkinson-cycle petrol engine in this model is known to be sensitive to infrequent servicing. A pre-purchase inspection by a hybrid-aware specialist would be strongly advisable before committing to purchase, given the vehicle's age and the relative complexity of the powertrain.