2004 Lexus RX300 3.0L Petrol · RO04 XSE

A structural and brake-related failure in late 2022 is the defining mechanical event in this Lexus RX300's MOT record, with the vehicle subsequently returning four straight passes and no defects recorded at all. That 2022-09-05 test flagged major corrosion to the rear suspension component mounting areas on both nearside and offside sills, significant enough to reduce structural strength, alongside an offside front service brake that lagged in operation and a 40 percent front brake imbalance across the axle. The earlier 2020 failure involved a rear brake imbalance across an axle and front brake fluctuation, while the 2021 pass carried an advisory noting the front brakes were only just meeting requirements. The fact that nothing has been recorded since the September 2022 retest is a positive indicator for the immediate test certificate, but the underlying chassis and braking concerns were resolved without any subsequent advisory appearing, so there is no recent MOT evidence confirming the longevity of those repairs. Recorded mileage of 104,497 against a 2004 registration equates to roughly 4,750 miles per year over the vehicle's 22-year life, which is notably low for the age and suggests long periods of either standing or only light use. The MOT records show tests spaced at broadly annual intervals from 2020 through 2025, consistent with a car that has been used gently rather than as a high-mileage daily driver. Low annual mileage reduces wear on the engine, clutch and drivetrain internals, but it does increase the risk of corrosion taking hold on underbody components and of ancillary items such as brake calipers, bushes and flexible hoses deteriorating through age rather than use. The corrosion finding in 2022 is consistent with that pattern, even though annual mileage is modest. Any prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the areas the MOT history has already highlighted. Examine both rear suspension mounting areas on the inner and outer sills very closely for bubbling, flaking or perforation, particularly around the spring and damper mounting points, and check the same corrosion status across the front subframe, jacking points, brake and fuel pipe runs and the rear axle assembly, as rust in one structural area on a car of this age often signals wider underbody attention being due. On a test drive, listen for clonks, knocks or creaks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn bushes or play in the components that mount to those sills, and pay attention to steering feel and tyre wear patterns, as worn rear trailing arm or control arm bushes can introduce uneven rear tyre wear. For the braking system, carry out a firm stop from around 40 mph on a quiet road and feel whether the pedal feels uneven, spongy or whether the car pulls to one side, which would indicate a caliper issue or brake imbalance returning. With the engine idling, listen for any scraping or grinding from the front wheels that could point to binding calipers, and check that both front discs run cool rather than one remaining hot to the touch after driving, a classic symptom of a seized caliper slide or piston. Finally, inspect the exhaust mounting areas for any looseness or droop given the 2022 advisory for two defective exhaust mountings, and during a cold start listen for any unusual rattles or smoke from the rear silencer area, as exhaust system deterioration is a common MOT failure point on vehicles of this age and may already be close to requiring attention.