2009 Lexus RX400H 3.3L Hybrid electric · YX09 KXM

The 2009 Lexus RX400h presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 28 March 2024 at 131,531 miles, passed but flagged three distinct advisories relating to the front and rear suspension. Specifically, the tester noted worn rear anti-roll bar linkage pin or bushes, a severely deteriorated front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover, and worn rear bushes on both front suspension arms. While none of these resulted in a failure, their simultaneous presence suggests the front end is entering a phase of bushing fatigue typical of a vehicle approaching 132,000 miles. The trend is not sharply worsening, but it is not resolving either. The 2022 test also flagged anti-roll bar linkage play, indicating this component has been a recurring weak point across at least two consecutive inspections. The mileage accumulation is broadly consistent with typical use for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 7,737 miles per year. Between the July 2020 test at 114,087 miles and the December 2021 test at 121,582 miles, the vehicle covered approximately 7,495 miles in roughly 17 months, which aligns with the annual average. The subsequent jump from 121,582 miles in December 2021 to 124,535 miles by December 2022 represents only about 2,953 miles over a full year, suggesting a period of lighter use or possible standing time. The final recorded interval from December 2022 to March 2024 shows a further modest increase to 131,531 miles, approximately 6,996 miles over 15 months. There are no alarming gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record, and the overall pattern reflects steady, unremarkable usage. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front and rear suspension components. The repeated advisories around anti-roll bar linkages and suspension arm bushes point to a vehicle that may benefit from a thorough check of all bushings, ball joints, and drop links. The deteriorated dust cover on the nearside front lower arm is particularly worth examining, as a compromised cover accelerates joint wear and can lead to costly arm replacement if ignored. Given the hybrid drivetrain, the condition of the rear brake calipers and discs should also be verified, as hybrid vehicles often experience uneven rear brake wear due to regenerative braking reducing mechanical use. The sill covers and under trays noted in the 2019 test may be hiding corrosion, so a close visual check of the inner sills, subframes, and exhaust mounting points is advisable. Tyre wear has appeared as an advisory in both 2021 and 2022, so uneven tread patterns on the current set could indicate lingering alignment or suspension geometry issues that have not been addressed.