2010 Lexus RX450H 3.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · LT10 HCX

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 March 2025 resulted in a pass, although the same date also shows a fail issued earlier in the day that was subsequently cleared. The current advisory on file is for an oil leak assessed as not excessive, which is a common finding on high-mileage Lexus hybrids and typically relates to seepage from the cam cover gasket, rear main seal, or power steering assembly. The earlier failure on the same date recorded a nearside front anti-roll bar linkage with an excessively worn pin or bush, a component that should have been replaced before the retest. Looking back through the recent history, the trend is broadly stable but with a clear pattern of front suspension wear: a nearside front lower suspension arm bush was flagged as excessively worn in February 2023, the offside front lower arm bush was noted as worn the same day, and the anti-roll bar linkage has now followed. This is consistent with the vehicle’s age and mileage and suggests a buyer should anticipate further renewal of front suspension components within the next service interval. The recorded mileage of 140,244 miles over sixteen years equates to approximately 8,765 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a luxury SUV of this vintage and indicates consistent rather than sporadic use. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record and no anomalous jumps that would suggest clocking or extended standing periods. That said, the annual rate is at the higher end of average and the cumulative figure places this vehicle firmly in the high-mileage bracket, meaning wear-sensitive items such as the hybrid transaxle, inverter coolant system, suspension bushes, brake discs, and electric power steering components will have accumulated considerable working cycles. Hybrid-specific systems, including the high-voltage battery pack, traction motor, and 12V auxiliary battery, warrant particular scrutiny given the mileage, with diagnostic reads of the hybrid system state of health being highly advisable. Given the recurring advisories on the nearside front wheel bearing, the front suspension arms, and the anti-roll bar linkage, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused inspection of the front end on a test drive. Listen for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate perished or worn bushes, and pay attention to any vagueness or knocking through the steering that could point to deteriorated anti-roll bar drop links or top mounts. Uneven or feathering tyre wear, particularly on the inner edges, may suggest geometry issues stemming from worn suspension components, so check all four tyres for both tread depth and irregular wear patterns. The oil leak advisory should not be ignored either; inspect the underside for fresh weeping around the engine and gearbox, and check the coolant reservoir for any oily residue that could indicate a failing cam cover gasket or a more serious internal leak. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage profile demand attention to several time-based service items regardless of the MOT outcome. Brake discs on a high-mileage Lexus of this age are prone to corrosion and lipping, so inspect both the front and rear discs for surface rust, scoring, and any evidence of binding calipers that may cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking or perishing from age, particularly if the vehicle has stood for any length of time, and the production date code on the sidewall should be checked to ensure none are over five years old. The 12V auxiliary battery in hybrids is critical for boot-up and should be load-tested, as a failing unit can trigger false hybrid system warnings. Finally, verify the service book history to confirm regular renewal of engine oil, transmission fluid for the hybrid transaxle, brake fluid (which degrades on a calendar basis regardless of mileage), inverter coolant, and the spark plugs on the 3.5-litre V6, as neglect of any of these can lead to disproportionately costly repairs on a vehicle of this age.