2012 Lexus RX450H 3.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · LL12 OPO

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 24 March 2026 resulted in a pass, with only two minor advisories recorded relating to deteriorated dust covers on the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint and the offside front lower suspension ball joint. While the absence of advisories relating to component play is positive, the presence of deteriorated dust covers is significant because these flexible boots protect the ball joints from water and grit ingress; once compromised, accelerated internal wear of the joint typically follows. Reviewing the broader history, the vehicle has passed every test since 2020, but a clear pattern emerges around the suspension and braking components. Suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged on the nearside front in 2022, both sides of the front in 2023, the offside front in 2025, and now both sides again in 2026 as dust cover deterioration. This progressive escalation across the front axle suggests that the rubber bushings are hardening and cracking with age and high mileage, and the joints themselves may soon require replacement. With recorded mileage of 189,839 miles over approximately 14 years, this Lexus has covered around 13,560 miles annually, which is notably above average for its age and indicates sustained high-mileage use. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods of standing, meaning the mechanical components have been worked consistently rather than suffering from corrosion associated with inactivity. The implications of this accumulated wear are considerable, particularly for the hybrid powertrain, the continuously variable transmission, the suspension assembly, the brake system, and the engine ancillaries, all of which will have experienced continuous thermal and load cycling. Prospective buyers should treat the front suspension as a priority inspection area. The repeated advisories on lower arm pins and bushes, now coupled with dust cover failure, point to the likelihood that replacement of both front lower suspension arms, or at minimum the bushings and the affected ball joints, will be required in the near term. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension, particularly over speed humps, uneven surfaces, and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, and pay close attention to vague steering response or any wandering at speed. The steering rack mountings and tie rod ends should also be physically checked for play, as these wear alongside the suspension components on high-mileage vehicles. Given that the rear brake pads were previously found to be dangerously worn at just over one millimetre in May 2020, the braking system warrants careful evaluation; although the vehicle has since passed without brake-related advisories, a test drive should be conducted from approximately 40 mph to confirm there is no brake shudder indicative of disc distortion, and the car should be held gently on a slight incline to ensure the hybrid system holds the vehicle without creep. Given the age and high mileage, additional checks beyond the MOT history are strongly advised. The 12V auxiliary battery, which powers the hybrid system boot-up and ancillary electronics, commonly fails between seven and ten years and should be load-tested prior to purchase. Tyres should be inspected not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking and perishing, as fourteen-year-old rubber can deteriorate even with adequate tread, particularly on a vehicle that has seen consistent motorway use. Brake fluid and inverter coolant should be considered overdue for renewal based purely on calendar age, regardless of any service history. The high-voltage hybrid battery pack in the RX450h, typically located beneath the rear seat, should be assessed via a diagnostic read of its state of health, as degradation becomes more probable beyond 150,000 miles. Finally, the CVT transmission fluid and engine oil should be checked for condition and confirmed against a full service book stamp history, given that consistent high-mileage use makes adherence to shortened service intervals essential for the longevity of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and its associated hybrid drivetrain.