2016 Lexus NX 2.5L Hybrid electric · LP66 AAO

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 29 May 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating that at the point of inspection the car was considered roadworthy across all tested items. However, the broader test record shows a pattern that warrants careful attention. While the 2024 and 2026 tests were passed cleanly, a failure recorded on 23 April 2025 cited an excessively worn offside rear suspension arm pin or bush as a major defect, alongside advisories for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on their edges. Notably, the same offside rear suspension component had been recorded as worn, but within acceptable limits, at the 2024 test, suggesting progressive deterioration that was not addressed before reaching failure point the following year. The earlier 2023 test also flagged all four brake discs as worn, pitted, or scored, which are typical advisories on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The overall trend reflects a vehicle that has had intermittent but recurring wear issues in key mechanical areas, with the most recent pass suggesting these have been remedied but that buyers should verify the quality and longevity of any recent repairs. With approximately 96,725 miles recorded over a ten-year period, this Lexus NX averages around 9,672 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a privately owned car in the UK. There are no significant gaps in the recorded test history to suggest extended periods of standing, and the mileage progression implies consistent use rather than a low-mileage garage queen or a heavily worked high-mileage example. This level of usage is generally favourable, as regular driving helps maintain component health, prevents fluid degradation from disuse, and reduces the likelihood of corrosion from standing. That said, even at typical annual mileages, a ten-year-old vehicle approaching 100,000 miles will be approaching the latter stages of original component life for several wear-related items, and the recorded defects align with this expectation. Given the failure and advisory history relating to suspension bushes and tyres, a prospective buyer should carry out a focused test drive and physical inspection. With respect to the suspension, listen for any clonks, knocks, or rattles from the rear, particularly over uneven road surfaces, speed humps, or when load is applied during cornering, as worn bushes can permit excessive movement and imprecise handling. The rear suspension geometry should also be checked for uneven or premature tyre wear on the inside or outside edges, which would indicate compromised bush integrity. Because the offside rear arm pin or bush was the specific failure point, it is important to confirm whether a quality OEM or equivalent replacement has been fitted and to inspect the nearside for any developing wear, as these components often deteriorate in tandem. The front tyres should be inspected for remaining tread depth, even wear patterns, and any signs of feathering or shoulder wear that may suggest alignment issues stemming from the suspension fault. Beyond the documented advisories, age-appropriate checks remain essential. All four brake discs were flagged for surface pitting in 2023, so the buyer should verify whether these have been re-cut or replaced since, and listen for brake shudder or vibration under firm pedal application, which would indicate disc run-out or uneven surface wear. With the tyres now potentially several years old, sidewall perishing should be examined closely, as rubber hardens with age regardless of tread remaining. The 12-volt battery, likely original or near-original in a 2016 vehicle, should be load-tested, and the air conditioning system, a common Lexus service item, should be checked for adequate cooling performance. Timing chain, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid should all be confirmed as recently serviced in line with manufacturer schedules, as calendar-based fluid degradation is a frequent oversight on vehicles that have covered modest annual mileages. A comprehensive main dealer or specialist service history, along with a pre-purchase inspection on a ramp, would provide strong reassurance given the recorded suspension and braking wear patterns.