2017 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · BF17 YOT

Developing suspension wear forms the primary mechanical theme of this nine-year-old sports utility vehicle, punctuating an otherwise routine roadworthiness record with recurring component fatigue. On 2026-04-18, the vehicle secured a pass carrying dual advisories for a worn nearside and offside rear suspension trailing arm pin or bush, directly echoing a historical failure from April 2023 when the nearside rear trailing arm bush was condemned as excessively worn. While intermediate tests in 2024 and 2025 recorded clean passes without defects, the re-emergence of rear trailing arm bush degradation indicates that these rubber components are nearing the end of their operational lifespan and will require replacement in the near future. Cumulative mileage stands at 50,383 miles as of the April 2026 test, averaging roughly 5,598 miles per year over its nine-year life, which confirms a distinctly low-usage operational profile. Testing intervals have remained consistent and uninterrupted with the exception of a slightly extended gap between February 2020 and June 2021, aligning with national pandemic testing extensions rather than a prolonged period of deliberate storage. This modest annual mileage accumulation means the powertrain has experienced lower-than-average thermal cycles, though low-mileage regimes can occasionally concentrate mechanical wear on rubber suspension mountings and peripheral components through age-related perishing rather than high-stress friction. Prospective buyers must prioritise a physical inspection of the rear suspension setup during a pre-purchase examination, specifically checking the trailing arm bushes for split rubber or excessive play. On the test drive, pay close attention to the rear axle behaviour when traversing potholes or uneven road surfaces, listening carefully for any dull knocking noises, clunks, or a loose feeling from the rear tracking under cornering or braking. Alignment should also be verified, as worn rear bushes can induce subtle rear-steer effects or uneven tyre wear across the axle. Tyre condition warrants careful scrutiny given the vehicle history, as multiple previous tests flagged perimeter cracking, perishing on sidewalls, and wear close to the legal limit across both front and rear axles. While rubber compounds naturally degrade over time, particularly on lower-mileage vehicles that spend extended periods stationary, inspect all four tyres for adequate tread depth and sidewall integrity before final purchase. Ensuring the rear suspension bushes are replaced and the chassis alignment is corrected will restore stability and prevent premature tread scrubbing on future tyre sets.