CarCostCheck

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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Petrol2672cc14 years old48 tests84k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2672cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£2,658
Per month£222/mo
Per week£51/wk

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

92% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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?

Rank among 2012 models89th of 650(top 14%)
Rank among Lexus models97th of 298(top half)
vs average of all models+10%(82% avg)
vs 2012 models average+14%(78% avg)
vs Lexus average+5%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,536

Average miles

vs

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202297%19425,630 mi
202197%3,35724,932 mi
202097%3,23731,201 mi
201996%4,04738,599 mi
201897%3,23546,447 mi
201795%3,40554,976 mi
201695%4,02163,543 mi
201592%2,11871,813 mi
201491%2,74382,979 mi
201389%37889,448 mi
201292%4883,536 mi

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 out

At 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 risk

Larger 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 out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

With 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 risk

High-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 risk

Always 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.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Lexus RX(2012)92%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,658
BMW 3 Series(2014)87%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808+£150
Vauxhall Insignia(2011)77%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,958+£300
BMW 1 Series(2013)84%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,808+£150
Land Rover Freelander(2010)79%£1,958£445Grp 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.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Lexus RX.

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