2002 TOYOTA RAV-42.0L Diesel

The most recent MOT test on February 27, 2024, confirms the vehicle passed without any recorded defects, though it is notable that the test was conducted just six miles before a prior failure at 168,893 miles on the same date. This suggests a very tight window for servicing or maintenance just before the test, as no defects were logged in either instance. The preceding tests in February 2023 and February 2022 also passed cleanly, indicating a stable roadworthiness trend over the past three years. However, the absence of advisories or minor faults in any record means there is no historical evidence of recurring issues, but this does not preclude undocumented wear or deferred maintenance. The mileage progression shows a consistent average of around 7,000 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps in testing—each annual or near-annual MOT was conducted within a few weeks of the previous one, suggesting regular compliance with legal requirements. The only outlier is the November 2020 test, which occurred nearly a year after the February 2022 test, but this could reflect seasonal variations or temporary non-use rather than neglect. The lack of rapid mileage spikes or prolonged inactivity means there is no immediate red flag for accelerated wear on high-stress components like suspension or drivetrain. Given the clean MOT history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components, particularly the rear bushings and coil springs, as these are common failure points on this model at this mileage. The brakes, including calipers, pads, and discs, should be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially since no advisories were recorded. Structural integrity is another critical area—examine the subframe, sills, and wheel arches for corrosion, as rust can compromise the vehicle’s load-bearing capacity over time. While the MOT record does not reveal any past issues, visual and functional checks will confirm whether maintenance has been consistently applied.