2008 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · AF52 KAF

Chronic corrosion of the rear coil springs is the recurring mechanical theme of this RAV4, flagged at every single MOT since at least 2023, alongside a developing issue with the central prop shaft bearing that has now appeared at two consecutive tests. The most recent examination on 14 May 2026 returned a pass, but the advisory list was substantial: the prop shaft bearing showed slight play, a nearside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit on its edge, both rear coil springs were corroded, and the nearside rear trailing arm bush was noted as worn. Earlier in 2023, the vehicle failed its test outright on majors for excessive wear in both front inner suspension arm pins or bushes, a defect that has clearly been rectified but speaks to the broader pattern of suspension component degradation on a car now in its nineteenth year. The prop shaft bearing deterioration is worth particular attention, as it is a progressive defect that, left unaddressed, can lead to vibration through the drivetrain and ultimately require prop shaft replacement. With only 66,801 miles recorded against an 18-year lifespan, this RAV4 averages around 3,700 miles per year, which is well below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. This level of accumulation suggests either genuinely light use or extended periods of inactivity, both of which carry mechanical consequences. Low annual mileage typically means longer oil change intervals are often neglected rather than shortened, brake discs can suffer from surface corrosion due to infrequent use, and rubber components such as bushes, boots, and flexible hoses can harden and crack from age rather than wear. Importantly, the MOT record shows no significant testing gaps or sudden mileage jumps between annual examinations, indicating the mileage shown is consistent and the vehicle has been kept on the road continuously, even if used sparingly. For a prospective buyer, the rear coil spring corrosion warrants close physical inspection underneath the vehicle, as surface corrosion noted at MOT can advance to structural weakening between tests, particularly on a car that has spent years exposed to road salt. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest the corroded springs have begun to fail or that the worn trailing arm bush has progressed to excessive movement. The prop shaft bearing play should be evaluated with the vehicle raised if possible, but at road speed any droning, rumbling, or vibration that changes with throttle input could indicate the bearing is deteriorating further. Also inspect the front inner suspension arm bushes that were replaced following the 2023 failure, as poor-quality aftermarket replacements can wear prematurely and may be worth checking for any recurrence of play by hand once the wheel is lifted. The nearside front tyre wearing on its edge, as flagged at the latest test, suggests a tracking or geometry issue that could be linked to the suspension wear, and any uneven tyre wear across the axle on inspection should prompt a four-wheel alignment check. Given the age and low mileage, it would also be prudent to examine the condition of the brake discs for lipping or corrosion pitting, the flexible brake hoses for surface cracking, and the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and joints. A compression test or at minimum a thorough listening check at start-up for any timing chain rattle would be sensible on a Toyota of this vintage, as these engines are known for chain stretch at high mileage or after extended oil change intervals. Overall, the structural MOT record is clean with no advisories relating to corrosion of structural items, brake pipes, or the subframe, but the suspension and drivetrain wear pattern indicates this is a vehicle that will require ongoing attention to its underpinnings for the foreseeable future.