2007 Lexus RX350 SE Auto 3.5L Petrol · LC07 AAF

Recurring suspension component wear and tyre degradation define the recent mechanical profile of this vehicle, with the latest MOT passed on 03 December 2024 showing a trend of increasing advisories compared to the clean results seen in 2021 and 2023. While the vehicle has avoided major failures, the transition from no defects in late 2023 to multiple advisories regarding suspension bushings, ball joint dust covers, and tyre condition in late 2024 indicates that wear-related maintenance is becoming a more frequent requirement. The presence of both worn suspension bushes and a deteriorated ball joint dust cover suggests that the front-end linkage components are approaching the end of their service life. The recorded mileage of 113,078 miles over a nineteen-year period represents an average annual accumulation of approximately 5,951 miles, which is significantly lower than the UK national average. This low-mileage usage pattern can often mean less mechanical wear on high-friction drivetrain components, but it can also correlate with the age-related degradation of rubber elements. The recent advisories for tyre cracking and perishing, alongside the deterioration of the suspension ball joint dust cover, are consistent with a vehicle that may spend considerable periods stationary, allowing rubber components to lose elasticity and develop structural cracks regardless of the distance driven. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension during a test drive, specifically listening for any knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when navigating uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds, which would indicate the worn bushes and ball joints are progressing toward failure. The advisory regarding the offside front brake pads wearing thin necessitates an immediate inspection of the remaining pad thickness and disc condition; any pulsation through the brake pedal or uneven braking pull could indicate uneven pad wear or sticking calipers. The reported tyre issues, specifically the nearside front tyre being worn on the edge and the rear tyres showing signs of perishing, require a physical inspection of the tread depth and sidewall integrity. Check for any visible cracking in the sidewalls of the rear tyres and ensure the steering is straight; if the nearside front tyre is heavily worn on one edge, it may indicate a pending need for a wheel alignment or a worn component in the steering geometry. Given the recent history of suspension advisories, a thorough check of the vehicle's stability and steering response is essential to ensure these components do not require imminent replacement.