2005 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · AV55 DYY

The vehicle achieved an MOT pass on 29 May 2026, following a failed test just three days earlier on 26 May 2026. The failure resulted in four major defects being addressed: an excessively high nearside headlamp aim, an excessively corroded nearside rear brake pipe, an excessively worn offside rear anti-roll bar ball joint, and a missing bolt on the offside front hydraulic brake caliper. The subsequent pass is positive, as it confirms remedial work was carried out, but the severity and number of majors on the prior test suggests the vehicle was being maintained reactively rather than proactively. Looking back through the history, there is a clear and worsening trend of advisories relating to suspension and brake components, with the prop shaft bearing slight play recurring every year since 2021. In 2024 advisories began flagging brake binding, deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers, and front shock absorber oil misting with corrosion on both front coil springs, all of which progressed into the major defects seen in 2026. This pattern indicates that wear on the undercarriage and braking system has been steadily accumulating, consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage, and the maintenance trend is best described as gradually worsening rather than stable. The recorded mileage of 166,513 miles against an approximate 21 year vehicle age equates to around 7,929 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage. There are no obvious mileage anomalies, gaps, or rapid accumulation phases evident from the MOT records; the annual readings have progressed consistently, suggesting regular use rather than long periods of standing. This is mechanically favourable, as it reduces the likelihood of seized components, severe underbody corrosion, or time-degraded fluids, though the brake, suspension, and exhaust advisories already present show that high cumulative mileage is still taking its toll on consumable and structural components. Given the recurring advisories and the recent major defects, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection and a careful test drive. The prop shaft bearing play has been flagged annually since 2021 and was most recently recorded as an advisory at the 2026 test; this warrants listening for vibration or a rhythmic knocking from the central transmission tunnel, particularly at idle and during gentle acceleration, and physically checking the bearing for lateral movement. The rear brake pipe corrosion advisories from 2025 and the major failure for an excessively corroded nearside rear brake pipe in 2026 indicate the brake linework is reaching the end of its service life, so all underbody brake pipes should be inspected for surface rust and pitting, with budget allowed for replacement. The offside front brake caliper was found insecurely mounted due to a missing bolt, and the offside front service brake was previously noted as binding; the caliper mounting, guide pin operation, and piston retraction should be checked, and any tendency for the wheel to drag, overheat, or pull under braking should be noted on a test drive. The front suspension has shown coil spring corrosion on both sides, a light oil mist on the nearside front shock absorber, and worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes; listen for clonking over bumps, check for uneven tyre wear particularly on the inner and outer edges, and inspect the bushes visually for cracking or splitting. Beyond the items already flagged, age-appropriate checks remain essential on a 21 year old vehicle even with average mileage. The tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, as rubber deteriorates regardless of tread depth, and the wheels should be checked for brake disc corrosion especially on the rear given the binding advisory. The 12V battery is well beyond its typical service life and should be load tested, while all fluid services including brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual gearbox oil should be verified as up to date, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be renewed on a time basis regardless of mileage. The exhaust system has shown rear section rust advisories in 2020 and 2021, so the entire system including mounting rubbers and the catalytic converter should be checked for blowing gases, rattles, and physical deterioration. Finally, a service history review is recommended to confirm cambelt or timing chain replacement intervals have been observed, and a thorough underbody inspection on a ramp would be prudent to verify the integrity of subframes and mounting points given the cumulative corrosion advisories already recorded.