2010 Lexus RX450H 3.5L Hybrid electric · ML10 CSY

The most recent DVSA examination on 12 January 2026 was a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle was presented in satisfactory roadworthy condition at that time. Reviewing the broader history, the pattern is broadly stable but with intermittent and somewhat concerning items. The 2023 and 2024 tests were passed cleanly aside from tyre edge wear advisories, while both the early 2022 and early 2025 attempts failed outright before being subsequently passed after rectification. The recurring nature of coil spring failures and front tyre edge wear across multiple test cycles suggests that these areas warrant close scrutiny during any pre-purchase inspection, as the underlying causes may not have been fully resolved at source. With 149,700 miles accumulated over approximately sixteen years, this Lexus RX450h has covered an average of around 9,350 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for its age. There are no obvious extended gaps between MOT tests that would imply long periods of standing, which is favourable for avoiding standing-related corrosion on brake discs, seized calipers, or perished rubber components. The annual mileage accumulation is reasonably consistent, suggesting the vehicle has been used as intended and has not been subjected to either neglect through inactivity or excessive high-mileage wear that could disproportionately affect the hybrid powertrain, suspension, and braking components. The two recorded coil spring fractures, one nearside rear in January 2022 and one offside rear in January 2025, are particularly noteworthy because coil springs on a vehicle of this age and mileage commonly fail through metal fatigue, corrosion of the spring coils, or as a consequence of weakened spring seats. A fractured coil spring is both a major safety concern and an MOT failure item, so any prospective buyer should carefully inspect the remaining springs for signs of surface corrosion, cracking, or sagging. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the rear suspension over bumps, observe whether the vehicle sits level, and check for uneven rear tyre wear which can indicate a compromised spring. It would also be prudent to inspect the front springs, as fatigue failures often occur in pairs over relatively short intervals. The recurring advisories for front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on the edge suggest persistent tracking or suspension geometry issues that have not been definitively resolved. This pattern points to possible worn front suspension bushes, degraded anti-roll bar drop links, or slightly misaligned geometry that is causing accelerated shoulder wear. A buyer should request evidence of recent four-wheel alignment and inspect the condition of wishbone bushes, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar linkages for any play or perishing. Additionally, given the vehicle's age, a physical inspection should include checks for tyre sidewall cracking and perishing from age-related rubber degradation even if tread depth appears acceptable, brake disc corrosion around the outer edges and caliper slide pin operation, the condition and charge state of the 12V auxiliary battery which supports the hybrid system's control electronics, and verification of time-based fluid servicing including brake fluid, engine coolant, and the inverter and hybrid system coolant, all of which degrade with calendar age rather than mileage alone.