Lexus RX (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 48 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,658
£222/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2672cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lexus brand average of 87%.
92% of MOT tests on Lexus RXs from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 48 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,536 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,536
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Lexus RX had 83,536 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 2013 model has the lowest at 89%. The 2012 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Lexus RX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 Lexus RX
The 2012 Lexus RX is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2672cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 48 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 83,536 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus RX owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 Lexus RX Fuel Costs
The 2672cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2012 Lexus RX?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Lexus RX Reliability Trend
Newer Lexus RXs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2012 Lexus RX
At 14 years old, the Lexus RX is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 84k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2012 Lexus RX stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX(2012) | 92% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,658 |
| BMW 3 Series(2014) | 87% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808+£150 |
| Vauxhall Insignia(2011) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958+£300 |
| BMW 1 Series(2013) | 84% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,808+£150 |
| Land Rover Freelander(2010) | 79% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,958+£300 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2012 Lexus RX
Is the 2012 Lexus RX reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2012 Lexus RXs ended in a pass, from 48 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Lexus RX cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Lexus RX?
92% of 48 MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus RX ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 89th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 14%).
Which year Lexus RX has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Lexus RX has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 2013 the lowest at 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Lexus RX?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus RX is 83,536 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Lexus Models
Explore other Lexus cars or similar models in the same category.
Lexus NX
2021 · 2494cc Hybrid
Lexus UX
2021 · 1987cc Hybrid
Lexus CT
2012 · 1798cc Electric
BMW 3 Series
2014 · 3000cc Petrol
Vauxhall Insignia
2011 · 2792cc Petrol
BMW 1 Series
2013 · 2979cc Petrol
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