2005 Lexus RX: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Lexus RX?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Lexus RX than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.4× usual
  Lexus RX

  25.2% All 2005 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 2.3% of all 2005 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 discs1.7× usual
  Lexus RX

  24.1% All 2005 cars

  13.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Sub-frame2.4× usual
  Lexus RX

  16% All 2005 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.4× usual
  Lexus RX

  5.4% All 2005 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2005 Lexus RX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Lexus RX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 2.4× as often on the 2005 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2005 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2005 Lexus RX as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?