1998 TOYOTA RAV-42.0L Petrol

The vehicle has maintained a consistent roadworthiness status with no critical failures in recent years, though minor advisories persist. The most recent MOT on September 2 2025 at 164,833 miles resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, indicating stable compliance. Prior tests at 162,614 miles (October 10 2024) and 160,070 miles (October 17 2023) also passed, though the latter noted a rear exhaust mounting defect. The absence of failures since 2021 suggests the vehicle has been adequately maintained in its later years, though recurring issues like corrosion and wear remain unresolved. Mileage accumulation has been gradual and consistent over the past 15 years, averaging approximately 5,887 miles annually. From 2015 to 2025, the odometer rose from 138,876 to 164,833 miles without abrupt jumps, reflecting steady use rather than prolonged idleness. Notably, the 2021 tests at 154,127 miles revealed significant corrosion in fuel lines and suspension components, alongside deteriorated tyres and brake discs, but these issues were not critical enough to cause failure. The lack of major mechanical degradation aligns with the vehicle’s low annual mileage, though sporadic advisories suggest deferred maintenance in earlier years. Recurring advisories highlight vulnerabilities in corrosion-prone areas and consumable wear. The 2021 MOTs documented extensive corrosion in fuel lines, suspension parts, and brake backing plates, alongside perishing rear tyres and a corroded offside coil spring. While these issues were not severe enough to cause failure, they indicate a need for closer inspection of structural integrity, particularly in regions susceptible to rust. Brake discs and pads have shown gradual wear over multiple tests, with scoring and thinning noted as early as 2019. Buyers should prioritize checking for residual corrosion in the exhaust system, suspension components, and brake hardware, as these were flagged repeatedly. The vehicle’s history suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance, with recurring issues like exhaust mounting defects and brake wear persisting across multiple years. While recent MOTs show improved compliance, the presence of advisories in 2023 and 2024—such as the rear exhaust defect and minor brake concerns—implies that some components may require proactive attention. Buyers should inspect the exhaust system for mounting integrity, assess brake disc thickness and scoring, and examine suspension bushes and springs for corrosion. Additionally, the 2021 records of deteriorated tyres and body corrosion underscore the importance of verifying current tyre condition and bodywork integrity, particularly in high-exposure areas like the rear and undercarriage.