Used Lexus RX400h review and buying guide (2005 to 2009): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Lexus RX400h should you buy?

The RX400h to buy is one from any year between 2005 and 2009 that comes with proof its hybrid inverter recall was carried out. Toyota recalled the RX400h over a fault in its hybrid inverter, and a separate report describes 2006 and 2007 cars needing both the inverter and its control unit replaced. A seller who can't show a record of the recall job is handing that risk to you.

Water is the other thing that separates a good one from a bad one. Toyota put out two or more technical bulletins in 2009 about water reaching the RX400h's hybrid battery compartment, and one owner paid £1,630 to put a leak right. Pick a car with a dry battery compartment and paperwork for any leak repair, and don't buy one where the seller can't say whether that work's been done.

Is the Lexus RX400h's hybrid drivetrain a safe bet?

The RX400h's hybrid drivetrain is only a sound buy once its inverter recall is done, since Toyota recalled it over a fault in the hybrid inverter. One report on 2006 and 2007 cars describes inverter trouble that meant replacing the inverter and its control unit together. That's why the recall paperwork matters, and why a vague answer about it from the seller should end the viewing.

Water getting into the hybrid battery compartment is the drivetrain's other known weakness, and Toyota put out two or more bulletins about it in 2009. One owner's leak cost £1,630 to cure. Ask the seller directly whether the bulletin work has been carried out, and ask for the receipt if it has, because a damp battery compartment isn't something to take on trust.

Don't let anyone jump start an RX400h by clamping leads straight onto either hybrid battery. One report explains that a sudden surge that way can harm the hybrid system's circuits without showing at the time, and Toyota's own bulletin says to trickle charge instead. The auxiliary battery has also been reported going flat after two to three weeks parked, so trickle charge a car that's stood that long rather than jump starting it.

What should you check when viewing a used Lexus RX400h?

Brakes come first, because one report has RX400h discs and pads wearing out in as little as 15,000 miles, the rears especially. Regenerative braking leaves the rear brakes with little to do, so the rust that forms overnight doesn't get scrubbed off. Look closely at the rear discs for corrosion, and ask for receipts showing when the discs and pads were last changed.

On cars over 8 years old the front lower control arm bushes have been reported needing replacement, and fitting complete new arms is the simpler fix. One 2005 car at 65,000 miles also got through two sets of rear wheel bearings. On the test drive, listen for noise from the front suspension and the rear wheels, and ask for receipts for any arm or bearing work.

That same 2005 car's owner reported paint problems under the grille at the front of the bonnet, blistering paint on the tailgate, alloys corroding after each winter and swivelling headlights that had stopped turning. Check each of those, and make sure the rear quarterlight trim is firmly fixed, since it's been reported falling off and the trim can't be bought without the glass.

One 2007 car needed a new hybrid battery pack when it was 7 years old, with 76,000 miles covered, and its owner paid £3,000 for the replacement, so ask for any hybrid battery records. Catalytic converters have also been stolen from 2006, 2007 and 2008 RX400h models for the platinum inside them, so ask whether the converter's ever been replaced and where the car's been kept.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.