2004 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · CA54 ACF

The Toyota Rav4 has maintained a clean MOT record in its most recent tests, with the February 2026 inspection at 149,085 miles passing without defects—a positive indicator of current roadworthiness. The trend over the past year is stable, as both the January and February 2026 tests showed no issues despite the vehicle failing twice in August 2024 and January 2026, though these failures were administrative rather than mechanical. The absence of recurring advisories or defects in the latest entries suggests that any prior concerns—if they existed—have either been addressed or were not severe enough to reappear. However, the repeated failures without recorded defects are unusual and may imply clerical errors or an overly strict tester, so a buyer should verify the vehicle’s actual condition beyond the MOT certificate. The Rav4’s mileage accumulation aligns closely with its age, averaging around 6,777 miles per year over 22 years, which is typical for a lightly used vehicle. The gaps between tests are irregular: the August 2024 failures occurred just 48 hours apart at nearly identical mileages (141,444 and 141,450 miles), suggesting a rapid resubmission rather than significant driving. The next valid test in February 2025 shows a modest increase to 144,750 miles, followed by another long interval until February 2026, where the mileage rose only slightly to 149,085 miles. This pattern implies either infrequent use or potential underreporting of mileage, though the low annual average reduces concerns about excessive wear on high-stress components like the drivetrain or suspension. Given the lack of mechanical defects in the MOT history, a buyer should still prioritise a thorough pre-purchase inspection, particularly focusing on suspension components such as coil springs, bushings, and ball joints, which are prone to wear in a 22-year-old vehicle. The rear brakes should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as the January 2026 failure—without recorded defects—could hint at unresolved brake issues. Structural integrity is another critical area; inspect for corrosion in wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels, especially if the vehicle has been garaged or exposed to salted roads. While the MOT record is clean, the administrative failures raise questions about the vehicle’s prior maintenance discipline, so a closer look at service history and physical condition is advisable.