2020 Lexus RX 3.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · WH69 HYY

The Lexus RX’s most recent MOT test on 2025-12-17 confirms a clean pass at 117,535 miles, though the immediate prior test just five days earlier at 117,530 miles resulted in a failure—despite no recorded defects. This anomaly suggests either a rare administrative oversight or a brief, undocumented mechanical issue resolved before the retest. The preceding annual tests in 2024 and 2023 also passed without fail, indicating a stable roadworthiness trend over the past three years. However, the double-testing in December 2023 and 2025 warrants scrutiny of whether the vehicle was driven between tests or if the failure was procedural rather than mechanical. The recorded mileage of 117,535 miles over five years equates to approximately 19,589 miles annually, which is unusually high for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests spans 13,000 miles in a year, and the 2025 test covers another 16,000 miles in just over a year—patterns that imply consistent heavy usage. While this could account for accelerated wear on components like suspension bushes, brake pads, and drivetrain fluids, it also raises questions about whether maintenance intervals were strictly followed. The lack of advisory notes in any test suggests no recurring issues were formally logged, though this does not preclude hidden wear. Given the high mileage and the vehicle’s age, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue at this mileage. The double-failure in December 2025, despite no recorded defects, hints at potential brake system inconsistencies—either binding calipers or uneven pad wear—that may not have been caught in a cursory test. Structural integrity should also be checked, especially around the wheel arches and sills, for corrosion that could compromise the chassis. Fluid levels and condition in the power steering, transmission, and differential should be verified, as these are often neglected in high-mileage vehicles. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are sound, so visual and functional checks are essential.