1996 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · N206 HRE

The 1996 Toyota RAV4 presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, confirmed by the most recent test on 19 July 2024 at 34,186 miles where the tester recorded no defects. Prior to that, the July 2023 test at 27,234 miles also passed clean. The only blemish is a failure on 15 June 2023 at 27,213 miles, though the record lists no defects, suggesting an administrative or unlogged issue rather than a mechanical fault. No recurring advisories appear across the five-year span. At roughly thirty years old, the vehicle shows 34,186 recorded miles, an average of about 1,140 miles per year. The records trace a gentle climb: 22,608 miles in July 2021, 22,696 in June 2022, then a jump to 27,213 by June 2023 and 34,186 by July 2024. That equates to around 5,000 miles annually over the last two years, up from near-dormancy earlier. Such low lifetime mileage with recent uptick implies long static periods, which risks perished rubber components and seized mechanisms rather than worn drivetrain parts. Given the clean MOT lineage, no structural corrosion, suspension bushes, or brake defects were flagged. A buyer should still inspect the underside for hidden rust on chassis members and check coil springs and suspension arms for cracking from age. Brake calipers may bind after standing; test for free rotation on each wheel. Verify the timing belt history and fluid condition, as thirty-year-old elastomers degrade regardless of mileage. The exhaust and emissions system passed but warrant a cold-start check for leaks. Overall, the documentary evidence supports a low-risk purchase pending physical confirmation of age-related deterioration.