2005 Lexus IS200 2.0L Petrol · FH05 YWA

This 2005 Lexus IS200 passed its most recent MOT in January 2026 at 133,500 miles. The annual mileage of roughly 6,300 miles is typical for a car of this age, suggesting consistent but not excessive use. However, the MOT history reveals a worrying pattern of maintenance regarding the front suspension and steering. Between 2022 and 2023, testers repeatedly flagged the front suspension arm ball joint dust covers as severely deteriorated on both sides. The steering box also showed signs of seepage and slight free play during this period. By the 2024 and 2026 tests, these specific mechanical advisories stopped, replaced by notes that the vehicle was "heavily under sealed" with "greace." This transition strongly implies the owner has applied heavy coatings of grease or underseal to the undercarriage rather than replacing the worn rubber components or repairing the steering box. The vehicle’s condition trend appears stable on paper due to the recent passes, but the underlying mechanical issues are likely being masked rather than resolved. The heavy sealing makes it difficult to assess the true state of the suspension and steering components. When viewing this car, you should prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension arms and ball joints. Look for excessive play, torn rubber boots hidden by grease, or corrosion.