2006 Lexus RX350 3.5L Petrol · GU56 YNW

The 2006 Lexus RX350 presents a broadly stable but ageing maintenance profile, with the most recent MOT pass recorded on 10 November 2022 at 132,048 miles. That test flagged two advisories: an oil leak deemed not excessive and front sub-frame corrosion assessed as not seriously weakened. No further MOT entries exist after that date, meaning the vehicle has now sat without a valid certificate for over three and a half years as of June 2026. The gap itself raises questions about whether the car has been stored, lightly used, or simply left untested, and a buyer should treat the 2022 pass as a historical snapshot rather than a current condition report. Mileage accumulation is steady and typical for a vehicle of this age. Between the 2019 test at 115,603 miles and the 2022 test at 132,048 miles, the car covered roughly 16,445 miles in three years, averaging around 5,480 miles annually. The 2021 test at 124,197 miles fits neatly within that progression, confirming consistent use rather than long dormant periods or sudden spikes. The record is clean in terms of mileage anomalies, with no implausible jumps or reversals. The recurring oil leak advisory appears in both the October 2021 and November 2022 tests, indicating a persistent but minor seepage issue rather than a catastrophic failure. Combined with the front sub-frame corrosion noted in 2022, this points to age-related deterioration typical of a two-decade-old vehicle. A prospective buyer should inspect the sub-frame closely for any progression of corrosion, particularly around mounting points and welded joints, and check whether the oil leak has worsened or been addressed since the last test. The 2019 test revealed wear items consistent with a vehicle of this mileage: deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both front steering links, a rear parking brake grabbing on both sides, and an under-inflated rear tyre. The October 2021 failure for an inoperative engine MIL is notable, as it suggests the emissions warning lamp circuit was bypassed or faulty at that time, though the subsequent pass implies it was rectified. Buyers should verify the MIL functions correctly on ignition, test the handbrake for drag or uneven operation, and examine front suspension bushes and track rod ends for play, given the earlier dust cover deterioration. A thorough underbody inspection for corrosion progression and fluid leaks remains essential before purchase.