2002 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · FA02 ARU

The 2002 Toyota RAV4 has maintained a clean MOT record since its most recent test on 2025-09-04, passing without any defects at 103,993 miles. The absence of advisories or recurring failures across the last three tests—including the duplicate entries for 2024 and 2023—suggests the vehicle has been kept in stable condition, though the repeated failures at those earlier dates (both June 2023 and September 2024) warrant closer scrutiny. No structural or safety-critical components appear to have been overlooked, but the pattern of retesting implies minor issues were addressed between tests, though not documented in the public record. The vehicle’s mileage progression of roughly 4,300 miles annually over the past three years is unusually low for its age, particularly given its pre-2005 origins. Between the June 2023 and September 2024 tests, the odometer only advanced by 3,122 miles, indicating prolonged periods of inactivity. This could reflect storage, limited use, or potential odometer manipulation, though no red flags like inconsistent mileage jumps or gaps exceeding 12 months are evident. The most recent test aligns with the current date (2026-07-23) at just under a year old, which is acceptable but does not provide recent confirmation of ongoing maintenance beyond the MOT threshold. Given the lack of documented defects in the most recent test, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension components—particularly the rear subframe mounts and bushings—since the duplicate failures in 2023 and 2024 may have targeted these areas. The brakes, while not explicitly failed, should be checked for uneven wear or binding calipers, as repeated MOT failures often target high-mileage brake systems. Corrosion around the wheel arches, sills, and underbody should also be assessed, as pre-2005 vehicles are prone to structural weakening. Finally, verify the integrity of the exhaust system, particularly at the rear subframe connections, where leaks or damage could go undetected without a recent visual inspection.