2008 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · RJI 6332

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a concerning pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. While the latest test in April 2025 at 129,692 miles passed, it introduced new advisories for a nearside front track rod end and continued corrosion on both rear coil springs. This follows a significant failure in February 2024 where the vehicle suffered a fractured rear spring and a missing wheel fixing. The history suggests the owner only addresses mechanical faults once they cause an MOT failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage accumulation is consistent with an 18-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,200 miles per year. Between February 2023 and April 2025, the car covered 7,934 miles, indicating steady but low-intensity usage. However, the narrow gap between the February 2024 failure and the subsequent February 2024 pass suggests the vehicle was driven briefly with serious defects. The low mileage does not compensate for the age-related degradation of rubber components and metalwork given the recurring corrosion noted throughout the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the underbody for structural rust, as the tester has advised on underbody corrosion and suspension condition in every test since 2023. The recurring issue with the rear coil springs, moving from corrosion to a full fracture, indicates the rear suspension assembly is nearing the end of its operational life. Specific attention is required for the steering rack inner joints which showed play in 2024, and the track rod end currently flagged in the most recent test. The history of an exhaust leak in 2023 also warrants a check to ensure the system has not developed further thinning or perforation.