2006 Lexus RX350 3.5L Petrol · EO56 ADV

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 June 2026 resulted in a Pass, but it was accompanied by five advisories that warrant close attention from any prospective purchaser. While a pass at this mileage is not unexpected, the clustering of advisories relating to front suspension bushes and front braking components suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where multiple wear items are approaching the end of their service life simultaneously. The trend across the recent MOT history can be described as broadly stable but with emerging concerns: clean passes in 2023 and 2024, a failure in June 2025 relating to a rear headlamp levelling device and a nearside rear tyre cut, followed by a clean re-test, and then this advisory-laden pass in 2026. The combination of a prior failure and a subsequent accumulation of advisories indicates that the vehicle is not deteriorating rapidly but is on a gradual downward trajectory in terms of component condition. With 161,032 miles recorded over approximately twenty years, this Lexus RX350 has averaged around 8,052 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no anomalous gaps in mileage or sudden surges evident from the MOT records alone, suggesting consistent use rather than long periods of standing or excessive motorway commuting. That said, at this cumulative mileage, the drivetrain, suspension, and braking systems will all have endured considerable real-world wear regardless of annual averages. Consumables such as timing chains, automatic transmission fluid, engine mounts, and internal engine wear items become increasingly relevant beyond the 150,000 mile threshold, and a buyer should anticipate that age-related rubber and polymer degradation is likely progressing even where components still function within MOT tolerances. The advisories relating to the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm rear bushes indicate that the rubber pivot bushings are worn though not yet failing. On a test drive, this would typically manifest as a slight vagueness or knocking from the front end when traversing speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres. If left unaddressed, the wear will progress to excessive movement, eventually leading to MOT failure and potentially affecting wheel alignment and tyre wear patterns, often producing uneven feathering on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres. Replacement of suspension bushes is generally straightforward but involves labour costs, and on a vehicle of this age it is worth inspecting the rest of the front suspension including coil springs, anti-roll bar links, and drop links for similar deterioration. The front brake disc and pad advisories suggest that the nearside front brake disc is showing surface pitting and scoring, with both front pads wearing thin. During a test drive, a buyer should listen for any brake squeal or grinding noise under light pedal pressure, feel for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, and check that the vehicle pulls evenly to a stop. Replacement of discs and pads in axle pairs is recommended, and given the age and mileage, consideration should also be given to inspecting the brake calipers for binding or seized slide pins, as well as the rear braking components which may follow suit shortly. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective purchaser should conduct a thorough physical inspection appropriate to a twenty-year-old vehicle. Tyres should be examined not only for tread depth but for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on vehicles of this age even where usage has been moderate, and any tyres older than six years should be regarded as due for replacement regardless of remaining tread. The 12V battery is likely nearing the end of its service life and should be load-tested, as a weak battery can cause erratic electronic behaviour in a vehicle with this level of equipment. Brake fluid, engine coolant, and automatic transmission fluid all degrade over time rather than purely with use, and verifying their service history is important, as the automatic gearbox in particular benefits from periodic fluid renewal to maintain smooth shifting and protect internal clutches. Given the failure in 2025 for a rear headlamp levelling device, all exterior lighting and self-levelling functions should be checked for correct operation, and the underside of the vehicle should be inspected for any fluid leaks, corrosion to structural or suspension components, or exhaust deterioration, as twenty years of British road conditions will have taken their toll on metal surfaces even on a well-maintained Lexus.