2002 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · DK52 CKX

The vehicle presents a concerning trend of escalating structural degradation despite passing its most recent recorded MOT test. While it cleared the last inspection in March 2022 at 82,307 miles, the record reveals a persistent history of corrosion across critical load-bearing areas. The transition from minor seat belt anchorages and floor pans in 2019 to corroded rear brake pipes in 2022 indicates that the vehicle's structural integrity is actively deteriorating rather than remaining stable or improving. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,400 miles per year. Between October 2019 and March 2022, the car covered only 6,620 miles. While this low usage suggests less wear on the engine and drivetrain, long periods of sitting often accelerate degradation of rubber components and accelerate oxidation on the metal underwork. The four-year gap since the last recorded MOT in 2022 means the current roadworthiness state is unknown and the previously noted rust issues have likely progressed significantly since the last test. A physical inspection must prioritise the condition of the inner sills and the front floor pan, as these have been flagged for corrosion since 2020. The 2022 report noted corroded rear brake pipes covered in grease, which is a common tactic to hide deep rust from a visual inspector. The buyer should also examine the front anti-roll bar linkages and suspension mounts, which have shown recurring wear patterns across multiple years. Given the history of body damage and structural rust, a thorough underside check of the chassis is required to ensure the corrosion has not reached a point of structural failure.