2009 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · DU09 FNN

This 2009 Toyota RAV4 has covered approximately 123,217 miles, which is a typical average for its age. While this mileage suggests consistent use rather than long periods of neglect, the MOT history reveals a clear and concerning pattern of mechanical wear that requires your attention. The vehicle’s condition trend is currently stable following a significant intervention. Between late 2023 and late 2024, the car suffered from serious steering-related issues, including major free play in the steering rack and linkage ball joints. The fact that the vehicle failed its MOT in December 2024 due to these steering faults indicates that the components identified as "slightly deteriorated" in 2023 were not addressed promptly, leading to a total failure. Since the repairs were completed for the February 2025 pass, the car has remained in a better state, with only minor headlamp lens defects noted in the most recent February 2026 test. However, the recurring nature of the steering and suspension wear suggests that the vehicle has been subjected to significant stress, likely from poor road surfaces or heavy driving. The primary risk here is that the steering rack and associated linkage components have a history of rapid degradation. You should be cautious about whether these parts were replaced with high-quality components or if the repairs were merely temporary fixes to pass the test. Before purchasing, you must inspect the steering feel during a test drive.