Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 233 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,003

£250/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3456cc Hybrid

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Hybrid3456cc14 years old233 tests91k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 3456cc)

~30 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£3,003

Per month£250/mo

Per week£58/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

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Lexus brand average of 87%.

91% of MOT tests on Lexus RX 450H Premier CVTs from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 233 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 90,516 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models98th of 650(top 16%)

Rank among Lexus models105th of 298(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+13%(78% avg)

vs Lexus average+4%(87% avg)

Mileage Analysis

90,516

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT had 90,516 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 2013 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 91%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2013	93%	478	86,349 mi
2012	91%	233	90,516 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Lexus RX450H

2010 · 3450cc Hybrid

£3,153/year

86%

-5%

Mercedes S-Class

2014 · 3498cc Hybrid

£3,003/year

92%

+1%

Volkswagen Touareg

2011 · 2995cc Hybrid

£2,808/year

84%

-7%

Porsche Cayenne

2011 · 2967cc Hybrid

£2,658/year

90%

-1%

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About the 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT

The 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3456cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 233 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 90,516 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT Fuel Costs

The 3456cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Our estimate uses around 30 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, 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). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT

At 14 years old, the Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT 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.

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.

Hybrid Battery Health

Watch out

After 14 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.

Inverter and Power Electronics

Medium risk

The inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.

Regenerative Braking

Medium risk

Brake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.

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 91k 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 450H Premier CVT 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 450H Premier CVT(2012)	91%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003
Lexus RX450H(2010)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£150
Mercedes S-Class(2014)	92%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
Volkswagen Touareg(2011)	84%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808-£195
Porsche Cayenne(2011)	90%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,658-£345

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 450H Premier CVT

Is the 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVTs ended in a pass, from 233 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 450H Premier CVT?

91% of 233 MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 98th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 16%).

Which year Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2013 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2012 the lowest at 91%. 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 450H Premier CVT?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Lexus RX 450H Premier CVT is 90,516 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.