2009 Toyota RAV-4 2.2L Diesel · CU09 LOH

Recurring issues with exhaust emissions and brake component degradation define the recent mechanical history of this Toyota RAV-4, which successfully passed its most recent MOT on 30 July 2025 following a failure the previous day. While the vehicle maintained a clean record between 2021 and 2022, the subsequent three years have seen a consistent pattern of advisories regarding brake disc condition and a recurring failure related to exhaust emissions. The shift from a clear record to repeated failures suggests that the vehicle has entered a phase where wear-related maintenance is becoming more frequent and critical to maintaining roadworthiness. With 133,336 miles accumulated over 17 years, the vehicle averages approximately 7,843 miles per annum, a figure consistent with standard usage for a vehicle of this age. This steady accumulation suggests the car has not been subjected to long periods of inactivity, which can often lead to seized components or perished seals. However, the consistent mileage means that high-wear items such as the braking system and emissions control equipment have reached a stage where they require regular intervention, as evidenced by the repeated advisories for pitted and worn discs that have persisted since 2023. Prospective buyers should focus their inspection on the braking system, specifically checking for pedal judder or uneven deceleration during a test drive, which would indicate that the worn and pitted discs flagged in the MOT history are impacting performance. Given that the vehicle failed an emissions test in both 2024 and 2025, it is essential to listen for any signs of exhaust blowing, such as a chuffing noise from the engine bay or underbody, and to ensure the engine idles smoothly without hunting. Any hesitation or lack of power under load could point to lingering issues with the fuel or exhaust systems that were previously flagged. Finally, the historical advisory regarding the fuel filler neck corrosion in 2020 necessitates a visual check underneath the rear wheel arch to ensure that the structural integrity of the fuel system remains intact. During the test drive, pay close attention to the front end for any knocking or rattling sounds when traversing uneven surfaces, as the recent tyre wear patterns suggest that steering and suspension geometry may have been compromised. Confirm that all lighting, particularly the position and fog lamps which caused a test failure in 2024, are fully operational, as this indicates the current state of the vehicle's electrical connections.