2008 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · AE58 EUY

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile with a maintenance history showing a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 139,920 miles passed, it followed a significant failure just two days prior. This failure revealed critical mechanical issues including a failed track rod end with excessive play and a serious fluid leak on the nearside rear shock absorber. The transition from a major failure to a pass suggests the owner only addresses faults when legally compelled by the MOT test, rather than performing routine preventative maintenance. At 139,920 miles, this 18-year-old RAV4 has averaged approximately 7,700 miles per year, which is consistent with typical domestic usage. The mileage data shows steady progression, with roughly 7,600 miles covered between September 2023 and August 2024, and another 7,400 miles between August 2024 and August 2025. However, the consistent mileage does not offset the visible degradation of the hardware and rubber components noted throughout the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the chassis and braking system due to recurring issues with corrosion. The record from 2023 and 2024 highlights corroded rear brake pipes that were obscured by grease, a common tactic used to mask structural decay from inspectors. Furthermore, the nearside rear shock absorber has progressed from light misting in 2024 to a serious leak by 2025, indicating a total failure of the seal. The presence of corroded rear coil springs noted in 2023 suggests that the underbody is subject to significant environmental-related rust. The steering system also requires close scrutiny as the tester previously flagged play in the steering rack inner joints in 2024 and a failed track rod end in 2025. The recent failure also noted front tyres worn to the legal limit, which often indicates poor alignment settings or neglected suspension geometry. Given the history of exhaust leaks and obscured inspections, a professional should verify the integrity of the entire exhaust manifold and mounting points to ensure no hidden structural damage exists beneath the under trays.