2004 Lexus RX300 3.0L Petrol · LR04 DWM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 January 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that date. Over the preceding six years the MOT record shows a mixed picture: a serious failure in early 2020 due to rear brake pads below the minimum thickness, followed by a series of advisories concerning tyre perishing, suspension arm wear and mirror deterioration, but no further failures. Since the 2020 incident the vehicle has consistently passed without any recorded defects, suggesting that either remedial work has been undertaken or the condition has stabilised, and the overall maintenance trend can be considered improving. With 82 324 mi recorded on a 2004 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 3 700 mi per year, which is well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi annually. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or extended storage, which can be benign for wear‑related components but raises the likelihood of age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone parts. The modest mileage means that consumables such as brake discs, clutch plates and engine bearings are unlikely to be near the end of their service lives, yet the vehicle’s 22‑year age means that calendar‑based wear must be carefully examined. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the front lower suspension arm on the nearside; the 2024 advisory noted wear of the bush or pin, which can manifest as a clunk when traversing bumps or a slight wobble in the steering feel. Examine the off‑side front tyre for any surface cracking, feather‑edge tread or bulges, as the repeated advisories over the past years indicate perishing rubber that can lead to sudden loss of grip, especially in wet conditions. Verify the condition of the rear brake pads and discs – the 2020 dangerous failure suggests that the pads were critically thin at that time; look for uneven pad wear, scoring on the disc surface and any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes. The nearside side‑mirror was flagged as deteriorated, so inspect the glass and mounting for cracks or corrosion, and ensure the wiper blade on the off‑side windscreen, previously defective, is now firm and makes full contact without streaking. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile inspection of all rubber components is advisable: check the condition of the drive belts, hoses, and the tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot or cracking, and assess the 12 V battery for sulphation or reduced cranking power, which is common after long periods of inactivity. Examine the under‑carriage for any signs of rust, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and exhaust system, as standing can accelerate corrosion even when mileage is low. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been refreshed within the recommended intervals, since fluid degradation is time‑driven and can affect cooling, braking performance and gearbox reliability.