2018 Lexus RX 3.5L Hybrid electric · YN18 DYH

This Lexus RX has maintained a clean MOT record in recent years, with only the June 2025 test revealing any issues—specifically, near-side rear tyre wear close to the legal limit and severe perishing with edge cracking. The trend suggests a stable mechanical condition, as no structural, suspension, or braking defects have been recorded since 2022. However, the recurring tyre faults—particularly the perished and cracking rubber—indicate a pattern of neglect in tyre rotation or alignment, despite the car’s low mileage. The most recent test, just over a year ago, shows no major advisories or failures beyond these tyres, but the presence of edge wear and perishing at 26,502 miles raises concerns about how the vehicle has been stored or driven. The mileage accumulation is unusually low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging just over 3,300 miles per year. This suggests either very light use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate tyre degradation even without high mileage. The gaps between tests are consistent, with annual MOTs recorded in June each year, but the absence of any defects in 2022 and 2024 contrasts sharply with the tyre issues in 2023 and 2025. Such inconsistency implies that while the car may have been well-maintained mechanically, tyre upkeep has been inconsistent—possibly due to infrequent use leading to uneven wear or improper storage causing perishing. For a buyer, the primary focus should be on the tyres, given their repeated failures. The near-side rear tyre’s edge wear and perishing in 2025, combined with the front tyres’ similar condition in 2023, suggests alignment or tracking issues may have persisted. Inspect all four tyres for uneven tread wear, sidewall cracking, or bulging, as these are early signs of structural compromise. Beyond tyres, check for any signs of corrosion on suspension components, such as control arms or coil springs, particularly if the vehicle has been exposed to moisture or salt. While no braking or suspension advisories appear in the MOT history, a thorough brake inspection—including caliper binding and disc thickness—is prudent, given the car’s age and the potential for hidden wear from light but irregular use. The absence of structural defects in recent tests is reassuring, but a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic would confirm whether the vehicle’s low-mileage condition has masked any deferred maintenance.