2016 Lexus RX 3.5L Hybrid electric · WN16 MVW

The 2016 Lexus RX holds a valid MOT issued on 24 March 2026 at 172,059 miles, following a failure the previous day at 172,052 miles. That pass is recent relative to today, yet the maintenance trend is not reassuring. The car failed on 23 March 2026 for a deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, worn front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides, severely deteriorated front suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides, a nearside front tyre below 1.6mm, and an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. The very next day's pass at 172,059 miles still carried advisories for worn front suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides and severely deteriorated front suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides, plus an advisory on the offside front tyre. Recurring and overlapping suspension and steering wear items across consecutive tests suggest underlying issues have not been fully rectified, only managed enough to pass. Mileage accumulation is high for a 2016 vehicle, averaging roughly 17,200 miles per year. The record shows 129,189 miles in March 2023, 150,503 miles in March 2024, 164,793 miles in March 2025, and 172,059 miles by March 2026. That is an increase of about 21,394 miles between 2023 and 2024, 14,290 miles between 2024 and 2025, and 7,266 miles between 2025 and 2026. The step-down in annual mileage in the most recent year may indicate reduced use, a change of owner, or a period of limited activity, but the cumulative total remains high and consistent with sustained, demanding use rather than light commuting. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering components. Repeated advisories for worn suspension arm pins or bushes and severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both sides suggest the front end has seen sustained stress. Dust covers that are severely deteriorated allow dirt and moisture into joints, accelerating wear on ball joints and bushes and potentially leading to play, clunking, or vague steering. Check for uneven tyre wear, feathering, or edge wear, particularly on the fronts, as these often point to worn bushes, misalignment, or failing anti-roll bar links. Inspect the condition of all suspension bushes, ball joints, and anti-roll bar linkages for play or perished rubber, and verify whether any components have been recently replaced or simply masked for test. Brakes and secondary suspension components also warrant attention. The 2024 test at 150,503 miles flagged rear brake pads wearing thin, and while no later test has repeated that item, high-mileage use means rear pads, discs, front pads, and discs should all be measured for remaining life and inspected for scoring, lipping, or uneven wear. The 2025 test at 164,793 miles flagged worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides, indicating the rear end has not been immune to wear. Inspect rear suspension bushes, shock absorbers for leaks or damping loss, and subframe mounting points for corrosion or movement. Given the mileage and recurring wear, a full suspension and brake inspection on a ramp is advisable before purchase.