2004 Lexus RX300 3.0L Petrol · MA04 NPJ

The most recent MOT on 13 June 2026 was a pass, but it was accompanied by several advisories and follows a series of failures in the previous twelve months. Over the last year the vehicle has recorded major failures for excessive corrosion on the off‑side rear chassis and sub‑frame mounting, incorrect headlamp aim on both sides, and a damaged front track‑rod dust cover, while earlier in the year an advisory highlighted play in the steering rack inner joint. This pattern shows a clear deterioration rather than a stabilising maintenance trend, with structural and alignment issues recurring and only superficial items being addressed at the latest test. With a recorded 121,579 mi on a 2004 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 5,500 mi, which is well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi per year for a vehicle of this age. The low utilisation suggests the car has spent considerable periods standing idle, a condition that accelerates rubber ageing, battery depletion and the onset of surface rust, especially on concealed chassis areas. While the mileage itself is modest, the calendar age means that many wear items will have approached the end of their service life regardless of distance travelled. A prospective buyer should give the rear sub‑frame and adjoining chassis sections a thorough visual and tactile inspection for rust penetration, especially around the mounting points identified in the MOT failures. Any sign of flaking, deep pitting or loss of metal thickness may require professional repair or replacement, as structural integrity is critical. The steering rack should be checked for excessive free play by moving the wheel at lock and observing any clunk or loose feel, and the front track‑rod ends and ball‑joint dust covers must be examined for cracked or missing seals that could admit dirt and accelerate wear. The front brake discs are already noted as pitted; a measurement of disc thickness and a surface check for scoring is essential, with resurfacing or replacement likely needed within the next few thousand miles. The rear inner tyres are close to the legal tread limit and show edge wear, so both rear tyres should be replaced promptly, and the front tyres inspected for age‑related cracking even if tread depth appears acceptable. Given the vehicle’s age, independent of the mileage, the buyer should verify the condition of the 12 V battery (load test or voltage check), ensure all coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids have been changed within the recommended intervals (typically every two to three years), and look for signs of fluid leaks around the engine bay and under the vehicle. The rear underseal advisory indicates that the protective coating may be deteriorating; a visual check for exposed metal and rust on the rear bulkhead is advisable. Finally, confirm that the headlamp aim can be corrected at a workshop and that the steering rack and suspension bushes are free of excessive play or binding, as these will affect both safety and the cost of bringing the car to a reliable road‑worthy state.