2006 Lexus RX350 3.5L Petrol · AU06 VMC

The 2006 Lexus RX350 passed its most recent MOT on 23 January 2026 at 142,842 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance pattern that is broadly stable rather than improving. The vehicle has passed every test since the January 2025 failure, yet several advisories persist across consecutive years. The nearside front upper shock absorber bush has appeared as slightly worn in every test from 2023 through 2026, indicating a component that has been monitored but never replaced. Exhaust noise has been flagged consistently since at least January 2023, suggesting a deteriorating exhaust system that has been tolerated rather than repaired. A rear oil leak noted in January 2026 at the axle, while described as not excessive, adds to a picture of gradual deterioration in ageing seals and gaskets. The January 2025 failure for worn front brake pads and an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint shows that critical safety items have been allowed to degrade to the point of failure before intervention, which is a concern on a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression tells a coherent story. Between 111,864 miles in January 2023 and 142,842 miles in January 2026, the vehicle covered roughly 31,000 miles in three years, averaging around 10,300 miles annually during that period. This is higher than the lifetime average of approximately 7,142 miles per year and suggests the vehicle has seen increased recent use. The jump from 125,067 miles in January 2024 to 134,495 miles by the January 2025 failure represents nearly 9,400 miles in under a year, and the subsequent climb to 142,842 by January 2026 adds another 8,227 miles. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden drops in recorded mileage, and the annual test dates are consistent, so the odometer history appears reliable. The higher recent annual mileage means consumable components such as brake pads, tyres, and suspension bushes have been working harder, which aligns with the pattern of repeated advisories. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the front suspension and steering components. The repeated flagging of worn suspension arm bushes on both sides, combined with the 2025 failure for an excessively worn nearside front lower ball joint, points to a front end that has seen sustained wear. Check for play in the lower ball joints and inspect the condition of all front suspension bushes, particularly the offside front arm bush noted in January 2026. The nearside front upper shock absorber bush has been flagged for four consecutive years and warrants close physical inspection for deterioration or movement. The exhaust system should be examined for corrosion, splits, or loose mountings given the persistent noise advisory. The rear axle area should be inspected for the oil leak noted in the most recent test, as even minor leaks can worsen and contaminate brake components or seals over time. Brake condition also demands attention. The January 2025 failure for front brake pads below 1.5 millimetres indicates that braking components have been run to the legal minimum before replacement. Inspect the front brake pads and discs for uneven wear or scoring, and check the offside rear pads that were flagged as wearing thin in 2023. Tyre wear has been a recurring theme, with multiple tyres reaching the legal limit in both 2023 and 2024, suggesting either aggressive driving, alignment issues, or simply deferred replacement. A thorough check of tyre condition, tread depth across all four wheels, and wheel alignment would be prudent before purchase.