2007 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · EA07 VRE

The most recent DVSA MOT test, conducted on 1 February 2017, resulted in a Pass with no advisories or defects recorded, marking a clean outcome following an earlier Pass in February 2016. Prior to that, the vehicle passed in November 2014 without advisories. Earlier records show a Pass on 6 November 2013 with user-entered notes concerning an oil leak on the offside of the engine near the alternator, rear tyres at 70 per cent wear, a top-up of brake fluid, and rear brake pads at three-quarters worn; the same date also carries a Fail recorded against the nearside front position lamp not working. Advisories issued in 2012 and 2013 highlight front brake pads wearing thin, front discs pitted and corroded, and rear brake discs worn and pitted but not seriously weakened. The recent trend therefore indicates a stable and improving maintenance picture at the point of the last recorded test, with no advisory items issued in the two most recent passes. Against a vehicle age of approximately nineteen years, the recorded mileage of 106,203 miles equates to an annual average of around 5,590 miles, which is notably low for the year and model. The MOT history reflects this low usage pattern, with tests recorded in 2011, 2012, 2013, twice in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017, leaving a gap of around three years between 2017 and the present date. Such extended periods of standing or very light use are mechanically significant: low annual mileage does not necessarily preserve a vehicle, as calendar-based degradation of fluids, rubber, and corrosion-prone components can be more relevant than wear from distance covered. Given the age and the low-mileage profile, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to age-related deterioration. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of tread remaining; any tyres fitted should also be checked for manufacture date. The 12V battery is likely to require replacement or thorough testing, particularly if the vehicle has stood for long periods. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for corrosion and seizure, especially on a vehicle that may have been used infrequently, with binding or sticking calipers a known consequence of standing. Brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid are all subject to calendar-based degradation and should be confirmed as recently serviced rather than relying solely on mileage-based intervals. The historic advisories relating to pitted and corroded brake discs warrant confirmation that the discs have been resurfaced or replaced, and the earlier note of an oil leak at the alternator area suggests a careful inspection of that region for fresh seepage and staining on surrounding components. On a road test, attention should be given to any suspension clonks or knocks from bushes, coil springs, and anti-roll bar links, all of which are susceptible to age-related hardening and deterioration on a vehicle of this vintage. Steering response should be checked for vagueness or knocking, which could indicate worn track rod ends or drop links. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for sponginess, suggesting fluid contamination, and any pulling under braking would suggest a binding caliper, consistent with prolonged standing. On start-up, listen for any timing chain rattle from the engine, and check for blue exhaust smoke indicative of oil consumption. Any evidence of coolant or oil leaks beneath the vehicle after running should be investigated, along with verification of the full service history, as consistent documentation would substantially enhance confidence in a low-mileage example of this age.