1997 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · P871 KOE

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a clear trend of worsening structural integrity and mechanical neglect. While it passed its most recent test in January 2025 at 166,319 miles, this followed a significant failure on the same day. The history shows a pattern of addressing critical faults, such as the rear wheel bearing and emissions issues, only after failing the test. The persistence of corrosion issues in structural mounting areas and brake lines suggests a reactive maintenance approach rather than a proactive preservation schedule. At 29 years old, the recorded 166,319 miles represent a low annual average of approximately 5,700 miles per year. However, the low mileage has not prevented age-related decay. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the vehicle covered only 5,069 miles, yet it suffered from multiple failures including power steering leaks and split CV boots. This low usage pattern suggests the car may sit for long periods, which likely accelerates the observed corrosion of brake pipes and the degradation of rubber-based components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and suspension mounting points. The record repeatedly flags the offside inner suspension mounting and sill for corrosion, with the 2024 failure specifically noting a significant reduction in structural strength. This is a high-risk area that could lead to catastrophic structural failure. Additionally, the recurring corrosion on the rear brake pipe and the presence of corroded front discs indicate that the braking system requires close monitoring for safety. The power steering system should be checked for further leaks, as the 2024 failure highlighted leaking hoses. Given the previous failures for high carbon monoxide and lambda readings, the engine's combustion efficiency and exhaust health should be verified. The frequent mentions of worn tyre edges indicate that tyres were not replaced until they reached the legal limit, further supporting the assessment of minimal maintenance.