Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2006 Lexus Rx350?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2006 Lexus Rx350?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2006 Lexus Rx350?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

How many 2006 Lexus Rx350 vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

37% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2006 Lexus Rx350 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 689 vehicles, the 2006 Lexus Rx350 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 82%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 2006 Lexus Rx350?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 2006 Lexus Rx350 are: Oil leak, but not excessive (91.8% of vehicles), Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (82.2% of vehicles), Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (44.3% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2006 Lexus Rx350?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Lexus Rx350 (2006)

689 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82% first-time pass rate

2006 Lexus Rx350

CarHunch analysed 689 real MOT records for the 2006 Lexus Rx350. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2006 RX350 edges ahead of the UK average with an 82% first-time pass rate, but the high proportion of vehicles (37.3%) that have recorded dangerous defects is a genuine concern for a used buyer—this is well above typical levels and suggests age-related wear in critical systems. The model sits right at the median mileage for its age at 75,769 miles, indicating average usage rather than hard miles, yet the average of 2.89 failures per vehicle reveals structural reliability issues beyond minor wear items.

Nearly 21 advisories per car on average tells you this is a high-maintenance machine where small faults accumulate quickly—suspension, seals, and ancillary components all show their age. Before committing to one, arrange a full pre-purchase inspection with a Toyota specialist who understands the RX350's known weak points, and budget for incremental repairs rather than expecting a trouble-free year.

The 2006 Lexus Rx350 has a decent first-time pass rate (82%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

82%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

37.3%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

2.89

Over 15 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

76k

Middle half: 59k–92k

For context

🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 20.8 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 689 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 689 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Other issues 91.8%

Oil leak, but not excessive · Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components · Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay · …

Brake wear 82.2%

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Parking brake lever has little reserve travel

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Tyre wear 44.3%

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · …

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Suspension & steering 24.1%

Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2006.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 689 Lexus Rx350 cars.

Before you buy a 2006 Lexus Rx350

Based on MOT data from 689 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 37.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (99%)	679	82%	2.89

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,630 Lexus Rx350 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 29.5%

481

Blue 22.8%

372

Grey 22.5%

366

Black 19.4%

316

Beige 1.9%

Turquoise 1.5%

White 1%

Green 0.5%

Gold 0.4%

Bronze 0.4%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2006 Lexus Rx350 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

75,769

typical

59,219

low mileage

91,542

high mileage

Half of all 2006 Lexus Rx350 vehicles fall between 59,219 and 91,542 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 59,219 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 59,219–91,542 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2006 Lexus Rx350s sit.

⚠ Over 123,581 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2006 Lexus Rx350 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 41% of 2006 Lexus Rx350s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 229 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (41% of peak).

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

2.89

Avg failures per vehicle

20.8

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Lexus Rx350: All Rx350 years → Which year to buy? →

2007 2008

Or browse all models: Lexus →

Compare with another model

See how the 2006 Lexus Rx350 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing