2003 Lexus LS430 4.3L Petrol · MP03 AFA

The vehicle remains roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift toward managing aging components and persistent fluid leaks. The most recent test in November 2025 at 157,252 miles passed despite a non-excessive oil leak and general underbody corrosion. While the car has passed its last three tests, the presence of recurring oil leaks and corrosion indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where preventative maintenance and structural monitoring are critical to prevent further mechanical degradation. The mileage pattern is remarkably consistent for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 6,800 miles per year. There is a notable gap of 6,800 miles between April 2019 and October 2020, which suggests a period of lower use. Since 2021, the car has accumulated mileage steadily at roughly 4,000 to 6,000 miles annually. This low annual mileage suggests the drivetrain has not been subjected to high-intensity stress, but it also accelerates the degradation of rubber-based components and fluid seals. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the inner sills and suspension mounting points, as the tester flagged corrosion in these areas in 2021. Although the 2024 entry notes the underbody was protected with sealant, the previous history of corrosion requires verification that structural integrity remains uncompromised. The persistent oil leak from the rear differential, documented back to at least 2019, should be monitored to ensure it remains a minor seep rather than a developing seal failure that could catastrophic damage. The history also reveals a pattern of neglecting basic consumables, evidenced by multiple failures for tyres worn to the legal limit in 2014, 2021, and 2023. The 2022 failure due to excessive parking brake movement indicates that the braking system was not regularly adjusted. Given the age of the Lexus, the buyer should specifically check the condition of the suspension bushings and the state of the exhaust system, as the previous owner appears to have followed a reactive rather than proactive maintenance schedule.