2017 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Diesel · DT66 AHA

A pattern of rear‑axle wear emerges from the MOT record: both rear tyres were flagged for slight damage or cracking and the rear suspension arm pins and bushes were noted as worn on the latest test, while earlier tests highlighted deteriorating dust‑covers on the front anti‑roll bar and suspension arm. Although the vehicle passed its most recent inspection on 1 May 2026, the recurrence of tyre and rear‑suspension advisories signals that these areas will likely need attention in the near term. At 84,334 mi after nine years the average annual mileage sits around 9,300 mi, which aligns with typical usage for a family SUV of this age. The MOT history shows a consistent yearly testing cadence with no prolonged gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road rather than stored for extended periods. This moderate mileage implies that major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission and differential are unlikely to have reached the high‑wear thresholds that would be expected at substantially higher mileages, but consumables that correlate with distance – tyres, suspension bushings and brake components – will have experienced proportional wear. When inspecting the car, focus first on the rear tyres: examine the sidewalls for any visible cracking, bulges or perished rubber and verify tread depth is even across the width. On a drive, listen for thumping or clunking when passing over bumps, which can indicate excessive play in the rear suspension arm pins or bushes. A simple push‑down test on each rear corner should reveal any abnormal movement; excessive bounce or looseness would warrant bush replacement. Front‑end dust‑covers that were recorded as severely deteriorated should be checked for missing rubber, corrosion on the underlying metal and any ingress of debris that could affect the anti‑roll bar linkage or ball‑joint operation. The wiper deficiency recorded in 2025 has been cleared, but confirm that the nearside front wiper now clears the windscreen effectively, especially in wet conditions. The advisory about a child seat obstructing the adult belt inspection suggests the rear seat belt may be difficult to assess; verify that the adult belt can be fully extended and retracted without snagging. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection should include a professional check of the rear suspension bush wear and a tyre replacement plan, as addressing these items now will mitigate the risk of sudden failures once the vehicle returns to regular service.