2006 Lexus RX300 3.0L Petrol · MAK 147X

The 2006 Lexus RX300 holds a valid MOT following the March 2026 test at 128,640 miles, yet the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. A mere nine days before this pass, the tester flagged seriously weakened nearside front inner brake discs, brake pads below 1.5mm, and parking brake efficiency below requirements during the February 2026 failure at 128,631 miles. The rapid accumulation of these critical defects indicates a distinct lack of preventative upkeep. The tester repeatedly flagged oil leaks, insecure batteries, and perished tyres across both the 2026 and 2025 tests, pointing to an owner who neglected basic servicing in favour of minimal compliance. While the vehicle passed in March, the underlying mechanical degradation remains unresolved. Covering roughly 6,432 miles annually over two decades, the mileage is typical for its age and suggests light use or prolonged periods standing. The MOT records reveal a notable gap between February 2024 at 119,544 miles and January 2025 at 123,161 miles, representing 3,617 miles over nearly a year. However, the vehicle then covered just nine miles between the February 2026 failure and the March 2026 pass, suggesting the owner only addressed the immediate failure items rather than conducting comprehensive maintenance. This sporadic distance accumulation often masks the deterioration of seals and rubber components, which aligns with the recurring oil leaks and perishing tyres observed in the records. A prospective buyer must thoroughly inspect the structural integrity of the rear end, as the tester consistently flagged corrosion. The February 2026 and March 2026 tests both noted rear sub-frame corrosion, rear suspension component mounting prescribed area corrosion on both sides, and corroded brake and fuel pipes covered in grease. Though currently deemed not excessive or seriously weakened, this level of corrosion requires professional assessment to determine if it compromises structural integrity. Equally concerning are the recurring braking and running gear issues. The tester flagged a nearside front inner brake disc as seriously weakened in February 2026, alongside parking brake efficiency failures in both January 2025 and February 2026. The buyer should examine the front brake discs and pads closely, verify the parking brake mechanism, and inspect the front suspension, given the January 2025 failure for a nearside front tyre bulge and an offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover defect.