2016 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Diesel · LV16 AAN

The 2016 Toyota RAV4’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-16 confirms it remains roadworthy, though the record reveals an unusual pattern of repeated failures at the same mileage—74,074 and 63,433—before passing the subsequent tests. This suggests either a temporary oversight in test scheduling or, more critically, a recurring mechanical issue that was resolved between failures. The lack of defects in the latest pass indicates no ongoing serious faults, but the history warrants scrutiny of components prone to intermittent failure, such as brake systems or suspension elements, which often exhibit inconsistent performance. The vehicle’s current MOT is just under a year old, which is acceptable but not ideal for a car of this age and mileage, where a more frequent inspection cycle would be prudent. The mileage progression shows a steady but typical accumulation of around 8,000 miles annually, aligning with average usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no concerning gaps or spikes in the record, though the repeated failures at identical mileages—particularly the double test at 74,074 miles—stand out as anomalous. This could imply either a test centre error or a mechanical issue that required repeated assessment, possibly linked to wear items like brakes or suspension components that degrade predictably. The absence of any advisory notes in the passing tests further suggests the vehicle was either well-maintained or that critical failures were addressed privately before testing. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the brake system, including caliper binding, disc thickness, and pad wear, as these are common causes of intermittent MOT failures. The suspension—particularly rear bushes, coil springs, and strut mounts—should also be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these components often fail predictably and can lead to repeated test issues. While the MOT record shows no structural corrosion or drivetrain faults, a thorough check of wheel bearings, exhaust integrity, and underbody corrosion is advisable, given the vehicle’s age. The lack of advisories in recent tests is reassuring, but the repeated failures warrant closer attention to components that might not have been fully addressed between tests.