2006 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Hybrid electric · LB56 RWO

The 2006 Lexus RX400h presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 1 November 2025 at 153,186 miles, passed but flagged four advisories, indicating a gradual decline in the condition of consumable and protective components rather than a sudden mechanical failure. The trend is one of slow, age-related deterioration. Suspension bushes and ball joint dust covers are perishing, and both front and rear tyres were noted as worn or perishing. These are not critical failures, but they suggest the vehicle has not received a thorough pre-test inspection or recent suspension refresh. The car has remained roadworthy, yet the accumulating advisories point to a owner who addressed only the minimum to pass rather than a proactive maintenance regime. The mileage pattern is consistent and unremarkable. Between the October 2022 test at 136,230 miles and the November 2025 test at 153,186 miles, the vehicle covered 16,956 miles in just over three years, averaging roughly 5,600 miles annually. This is slightly below the vehicle's lifetime average of 7,659 miles per year, suggesting lighter recent use or shorter journeys. The record shows no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in accumulation. The annual tests are well-spaced, with no long periods of inactivity visible in the data. A buyer should not be concerned about mileage tampering or extreme neglect based on this pattern alone. The recurring theme across the MOT history is front-end suspension wear. Since at least October 2023, when slight play was found in the nearside front track rod end, the front suspension has consistently generated advisories. The October 2024 failure highlighted worn suspension arm bushes on both sides and a worn top mount on the nearside Macpherson strut, alongside a parking brake efficiency failure. Although the November 2024 test passed, the same front suspension arm bushes were still flagged as perished and split. This indicates the underlying wear was managed rather than fully rectified. A prospective buyer should have the front suspension, subframe mounts, and steering linkages inspected for play and deterioration, paying close attention to the condition of the anti-roll bar links and track rod end boots noted in the latest test. Beyond the suspension, the latest advisories on tyre condition and perishing rear tyre sidewalls raise a flag about basic upkeep. Failing on tyre condition twice within a year, once on the rear and once on the front, suggests the previous owner did not rotate or replace tyres in a timely manner. The parking brake inefficiency failure in October 2024, though resolved for the November retest, warrants a physical check of the rear brake calipers and handbrake mechanism for binding or corrosion. Given the vehicle's age and the perishing rubber components, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, is advisable before purchase.