2003 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · X14 KEB

The vehicle shows a history of persistent structural corrosion and mechanical wear, despite its low mileage for the age. The most recent MOT test in October 2025 at 71,581 miles was a pass, but it highlighted significant corrosion on both the front and rear sub-frames. While the tester noted these areas were not seriously weakened, the issue is a recurring theme dating back to at least 2022. The failure in October 2025 revealed more critical issues, including an excessively worn front suspension arm ball joint, fluctuating rear brakes, and a failing parking brake, suggesting that maintenance is often only addressed when components reach the point of test failure. At 23 years old, the car has covered 71,581 miles, averaging approximately 3,112 miles per year. This low annual usage often leads to age-related degradation rather than wear from distance, which is evident in the record. A consistent engine-area oil leak has been noted in every test since 2024, and while described as not excessive, indicates a long-term seal failure or wear and tear. The intervals between tests are consistent, but the frequency of failures indicates that the various rubber and metal components are reaching the end of their functional life simultaneously. Specific attention must be paid to the structural integrity of the underside and suspension mounting. The 2024 failure specifically flagged damage to the offside rear inner suspension mounting area that significantly reduced structural strength, which is a serious concern for a vehicle of this age. The braking system has also shown recurring issues, with corroded rear brake hoses and imbalanced efficiency appearing across multiple years. A buyer should request a thorough physical inspection of the sub-frames and suspension mounting points to ensure the corrosion has not progressed beyond what was recorded in the most recent reports.