2003 Lexus RX: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Lexus RX?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Lexus RX than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Lexus RX

  21.9% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Lexus RX

  13.1% All 2003 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Sub-frame2.1× usual
  Lexus RX

  9.7% All 2003 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Mirrors2.9× usual
  Lexus RX

  4.1% All 2003 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £30–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both door mirrors adjust and the glass isn't cracked.

• Corroded fuel pipes3.4× usual
  Lexus RX

  2.4% All 2003 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 2003 Lexus RX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Lexus RX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  33% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  23% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Lexus RX

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2003 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?