2018 Lexus RX 3.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · AK18 HWC

Recurring suspension and braking wear identified in the August 2026 test marks a departure from a previously stable history of clean MOT passes between 2022 and 2025. While the vehicle successfully passed its most recent inspection on 13 August 2026, the emergence of advisories concerning the front lower suspension arm bushes and front brake discs indicates that the vehicle has entered a phase where component degradation is beginning to manifest. This shift from a fault-free record to multiple concurrent advisories suggests that the mechanical state of the vehicle is currently in a state of transition, requiring immediate attention to prevent these minor wear items from developing into more significant repair costs. Accumulating 72,624 miles over an eight-year period results in an average of approximately 9,078 miles per annum, a figure that aligns with standard usage expectations for a vehicle of this class. The consistent, annual testing schedule without significant gaps indicates that the car has remained in regular operation rather than experiencing prolonged periods of storage. Mechanically, this usage profile points toward the expected fatigue of high-wear consumables such as suspension bushings and braking surfaces, which are now reaching the end of their design life rather than suffering from premature failure due to inactivity or excessive high-intensity cycles. Prospective buyers should prioritise a detailed inspection of the front suspension geometry during a test drive. The recorded cracking and perishing of the rear bushes on both the nearside and offside lower arms may present as vague steering feedback, uneven tyre wear, or audible knocking noises when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. Because these components are essential for maintaining wheel alignment, any sensation of the steering pulling to one side or a lack of precision during cornering should be treated as a direct consequence of these flagged bush defects. The advisory regarding the front brake discs, combined with the noted condition of the offside rear tyre, necessitates a physical check of the braking performance. During the test drive, observe the brake pedal for any pulsing or judder under light to moderate braking pressure, which can indicate disc surface irregularities or heat-related warping. Furthermore, the tyre wall damage and inner tread cracking noted on the offside rear should be addressed by a full inspection of all four tyre sidewalls and tread depths, as these rubber components are critical for safety and are currently showing signs of age-related degradation that will require imminent replacement.