2015 LEXUS RX3.5L HYBRID ELECTRIC

The Lexus RX has maintained a clean MOT record in its two most recent tests, passing without defects in November 2025 at 108,368 miles and September 2024 at 106,718 miles. This suggests the vehicle’s core mechanical systems—brakes, steering, suspension geometry, and emissions—have been in stable condition over the past year, with no major failures or advisories requiring urgent attention. The absence of defects in these tests contrasts with earlier entries, where suspension wear and tyre condition were more prominent, indicating that any prior issues have either been addressed or naturally resolved. That said, the September 2023 test revealed widespread suspension bush wear across all four corners, alongside near-legal tyre tread depths, which implies deferred maintenance rather than inherent design flaws. While the trend has improved, the recurring suspension advisories in 2021 and 2023 suggest the previous owner may have delayed replacements beyond the point of minor inconvenience, risking long-term alignment or handling degradation if not corrected. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation—9,852 miles per year over its 11-year lifespan—aligns closely with average usage for its age, neither excessively high nor suspiciously low. The gap between the 2022 (97,572 miles) and 2021 (87,622 miles) tests shows a slower annual mileage increase (around 9,950 miles), which could reflect lighter use or a period of reduced activity, possibly during the pandemic years. More recently, the mileage has picked up slightly, with 1,335 miles covered between September 2024 and November 2025, a pace consistent with regular but not aggressive driving. There’s no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that might suggest neglect or heavy-duty use, though the suspension advisories in 2023 hint at deferred servicing despite moderate mileage. For a prospective buyer, the suspension components—particularly the front lower arms and rear trailing arms—demand immediate inspection. The 2023 MOT flagged all four bushings as worn but not yet critical, yet the lack of follow-up advisories in later tests could mean they’ve either been replaced or deteriorated further without being rechecked. Binding or hardened bushes can compromise steering responsiveness and tyre wear patterns, so a thorough check for play, cracks, or oil leakage is essential. The brakes also warrant scrutiny: the 2022 test noted fluctuating brake performance on the near-side front, which wasn’t repeated in subsequent tests. This could imply a minor caliper or pad issue resolved by the previous owner, but a brake system inspection—including pad thickness, caliper operation, and disc condition—should still be prioritised. Tyres, while no longer flagged as near-legal, should be examined for uneven wear, which might correlate with the earlier suspension advisories. Finally, the registration plate deterioration in 2023, though cosmetic, underscores a lack of attention to minor upkeep, a pattern reinforced by the deferred suspension work. Structural integrity appears sound, given no corrosion or chassis advisories, but a close look at the undercarriage for hidden rust—especially around wheel arches or exhaust mounts—would be prudent. The windscreen damage noted in 2023, while not safety-critical, suggests the vehicle may have been involved in a minor incident or exposed to debris, another factor to probe during a test drive. Overall, the Lexus RX presents as mechanically stable in its latest tests, but its history reveals a history of intermittent maintenance that a buyer should address proactively.