2008 LEXUS RX400H3.3L Other

The most recent MOT, conducted on 19 June 2025 at 99,750 miles, shows a clear worsening trend in front suspension bush degradation and emerging drivetrain deterioration. The June 2025 test flagged both nearside and offside front suspension arm pins or bushes as split and perished, a direct escalation from the June 2022 advisory where only the offside front bush was noted as worn. The nearside front inner CV boot was also recorded as severely deteriorated and leaking at the same test, indicating a new failure point on a critical drivetrain component. The nearside rear brake disc was additionally flagged as badly corroded. While the vehicle passed each test, the pattern suggests deferred maintenance on suspension and braking components, with no evidence of rectification between annual tests. The mileage progression reveals a notable gap between June 2021 and June 2024, during which the vehicle covered approximately 7,896 miles across three years, averaging just 2,632 miles annually. This contrasts sharply with the 7,556 miles covered in the single twelve months between June 2024 and June 2025. Such a sharp increase after a prolonged period of minimal use raises questions about the vehicle's recent service history and whether the sudden uplift in mileage was accompanied by corresponding fluid changes, brake inspections, or tyre replacements. The overall average of 5,542 miles per year remains low for an eighteen-year-old vehicle, but the irregular usage pattern means age-related deterioration, particularly rubber perishing and corrosion, is likely a greater concern than mechanical wear from mileage alone. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension, focusing on the condition of the lower arm bushes and ball joint dust covers, which have shown progressive deterioration across multiple tests. The leaking nearside front CV boot requires immediate attention, as continued use will lead to joint contamination and premature failure. The badly corroded nearside rear brake disc, flagged in June 2025, warrants inspection of the entire rear braking system, including caliper slide mechanisms and handbrake components, to assess whether corrosion has affected braking efficiency or caused binding. The June 2022 advisory regarding rear sub-frame corrosion, though noted as not seriously weakened at that time, should be re-evaluated given the vehicle's age and the potential for accelerated corrosion in structural areas. Tyre condition and age should also be verified, given the repeated advisories on tyre wear and the likelihood that the current set may be older than recommended.