2006 Lexus RX350 3.5L Petrol · ND56 GWP

The 2006 Lexus RX350 remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 6 October 2025 at 72,773 miles, passing with advisories rather than failures. The maintenance trend is broadly stable but points to a gradual accumulation of age-related wear rather than a programme of proactive renewal. Suspension and braking components have drawn tester attention consistently across the last four annual tests, suggesting the car has been kept on the road without major overhaul. No dangerous or major defects have been recorded, yet the pattern of minor advisories indicates cosmetic and structural deterioration typical of a two-decade-old vehicle that has seen light but sustained use. The recorded mileage of 72,773 miles over roughly twenty years equates to approximately 3,600 miles per year, well below the UK average. Annual increments between tests have remained remarkably consistent: 1,361 miles between October 2024 and October 2025, 1,503 miles between October 2023 and October 2024, 1,314 miles between October 2022 and October 2023, and 1,670 miles between October 2021 and October 2022. There are no abrupt jumps or suspicious gaps in the data, implying steady, low-mileage usage rather than long periods of inactivity or sudden high-demand driving. The MOT record itself is clean and continuous, with no missed years or retests, which suggests the previous owner maintained annual compliance. Buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension, where advisories have recurred across multiple tests. In October 2023 at 69,909 miles, both front coil springs were flagged for corrosion, and by October 2025 at 72,773 miles both front suspension arm pins or bushes were noted as worn, though not yet producing excessive movement. This progression from corroded springs to worn bushes hints at a front end approaching the point where bush replacement or spring renewal may become necessary to prevent handling degradation. The rear braking system also warrants inspection: the October 2025 test recorded worn and pitted rear brake discs alongside thin rear brake pads, while the October 2024 test had no such issues, suggesting a relatively recent decline in rear braking efficiency. A physical check of disc thickness, pad material, and caliper operation is advisable. Structural corrosion is the most significant long-term concern. The October 2025 test explicitly noted general corrosion to the underbody and suspension components, a condition that rarely improves with age. Combined with corroded coil springs flagged in both 2023 and 2024, this points to gradual but persistent rust affecting load-bearing and safety-critical areas. A buyer should arrange an underside inspection focusing on subframe mounting points, suspension trailing arms, and brake line runs. Tyre condition has also drawn repeated attention, with sidewall cracking and perishing noted on all four outer tyres in October 2023 and a spare tyre under-inflation advisory in the same test. Although no tyre defects appeared in 2025, the earlier pattern suggests tyre age and storage conditions deserve scrutiny, particularly if the current set dates from before the last MOT cycle.