2008 Toyota RAV4 2.4L Petrol · AM57 SXE

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive repairs rather than preventative care. While it passed the most recent test in April 2024 at 146,760 miles, the record shows persistent mechanical issues including a recurring steering rack inner joint play and thinning rear brake pads. The trend is currently stable following a series of failures in 2022 and 2023, but the history indicates the owner only addresses faults when they threaten an MOT pass. At 146,760 miles over 18 years, the vehicle averages approximately 8,153 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for an SUV of this age. However, a significant gap in records appears between December 2022 and February 2023, where the vehicle covered only 12 miles across two tests. This suggests a period of sitting stationary, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and the seizing of brake mechanisms, coinciding with the parking brake and shock absorber failures recorded during that period. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the engine bay, as a non-excessive oil leak has been flagged in every test since December 2022. This persistent leak suggests aging gaskets or seals that have not yet been replaced. The steering rack inner joint play noted in 2024 is a critical mechanical concern that should be monitored, as it can worsen and lead to more expensive steering failure if left untreated. The suspension system requires close scrutiny following the total failure of all four shock absorbers and anti-roll bar linkages in late 2022. You should check for signs of new fluid leaks or excessive play in the bushings. Given the historical damage to the nearside front wing and bumper mentioned across multiple years, you must also inspect for hidden structural corrosion or impact damage behind the bodywork that may have been masked by cosmetic repairs.