2017 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric · DM11 CON

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding the braking system. While it passed the most recent test in March 2026 at 78,678 miles, the tester identified the nearside rear brake disc as worn, pitted, or scored. More critically, the nearside parking brake force was recorded as substantially lower than the offside. This represents a significant regression from the clean record seen in October 2024, suggesting that the rear braking components are now failing and require immediate attention. The mileage pattern is consistent with a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,700 miles per year. The data shows steady usage with a gap of roughly 9,000 miles between October 2023 and October 2024, and another 9,400 miles between October 2024 and the March 2026 test. This regularity suggests the car has been used consistently rather than sitting for long periods, which generally benefits the engine and mechanical seals components despite the recent issues identified with the braking hardware. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear braking assembly to determine if the low parking brake efficiency is caused by a seized caliper, a stretched cable, or a worn adjuster mechanism. The 2023 record also flagged perishing tyres and a nail in the tyre, which indicates the previous owner may have neglected basic consumable upkeep at times. You should check the sidewalls of all four tyres for dry rot and verify the structural integrity of the rear seat belt anchor points, as the presence of child seats in 2023 prevented a full inspection of the adult belts at that time.