2011 Infiniti FX 3.0L Diesel · RX61 ACV

The most recent DVSA test on 14 July 2026 resulted in a fail followed immediately by a pass, which is a reasonably reassuring pattern. The vehicle was refused certification on the same day due to an inoperative engine malfunction indicator lamp and an absent windscreen washer function, both of which are comparatively straightforward emissions and visibility items, while the lower suspension arm ball joint concern was recorded as an advisory only and did not prevent the subsequent pass. Reviewing the broader four-year history, the same MIL issue resurfaced in April 2024, having previously appeared and the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint was judged excessively worn in April 2023. The recurrence of the engine management lamp combined with persistent front suspension ball joint wear suggests a maintenance trend that is broadly stable but with ongoing attention required to the front suspension geometry and the engine management or emissions system rather than a clearly worsening or improving picture. The recorded mileage of 147,447 miles over fifteen years equates to an annual average of approximately 9,830 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates neither excessive motorway use nor prolonged standing. There are no dramatic gaps in the testing history to suggest long periods off the road, and the relatively even annual accumulation is consistent with regular mixed driving. At this odometer reading, the mechanical implications centre on consumable and high-wear component replacement, particularly given the vehicle's premium positioning and the cost of parts and labour. The fact that the odometer now reads well into six figures means that items such as timing chains, valve cover gaskets, suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and drivetrain mounts should be considered as items already replaced or imminently due, and confirmation of this work through the service book or invoices is highly advisable. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring front suspension ball joint advisories. The offside front lower arm ball joint has now appeared on two consecutive tests, first as an advisory in January 2022 and again as a slight play advisory in July 2026, which indicates progressive wear on a component that, if left unattended, would progress to the excessively worn category seen on the nearside in 2023. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during full-lock manoeuvres, and check the tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear which can be symptomatic of worn ball joints or accompanying bushes. The engine MIL reappearing twice within two years warrants diagnostic interrogation to retrieve the stored fault codes, as this could relate to lambda sensors, catalytic converter efficiency, ignition or fuel delivery issues, or evaporative emissions leaks, and any remedial work should be confirmed with paperwork. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and mileage-related checks are strongly recommended. Inspect the tyres closely for sidewall cracking or perishing, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and verify that the manufacturing date codes fall within a sensible window. Examine the brake discs for signs of corrosion, pitting, or lipping, and confirm that the calipers are not binding after standing, which can cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. Check the condition of the 12-volt battery and its state of charge, as prolonged standing or short journeys accelerate battery degradation, and review the service history for confirmation that brake fluid, coolant, automatic transmission fluid, and spark plugs have been renewed at the manufacturer-recommended calendar intervals rather than purely on a mileage basis. Given the recurring suspension wear and the reappearance of the engine management lamp, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialist familiar with Infiniti products would be a prudent investment before committing to purchase.