2003 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · EO03 VDF
2003 Toyota RAV4 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 28 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 139,259 miles. MOT valid until 03 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA RAV4
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 139,259 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
EO03 VDF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/04/2026
- 139,259 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EO03 VDF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Toyota Rav4 (EO03 VDF) between March 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 01 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
EO03 VDF Mileage History
- 21/03/2024125,260 mi
- 21/03/2024125,260 mi
- 03/04/2025133,548 mi+8,288 mi
- 01/04/2026139,259 mi+5,711 mi
- 01/04/2026139,259 mi
Average of roughly 6,898 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While the vehicle
Prioritise verifying the repair of the rear exhaust leak recorded in April 2026 to ensure the work was permanent and not a temporary patch. You should also request evidence of any action taken regarding the propshaft seal oil leak noted in the April 2025 MOT, as seals on 23-year-old vehicles can lead to more significant leaks if ignored.
Given the age of this 1998cc petrol engine, check the service history for timing belt intervals and fluid changes. Negotiate the price based on the likelihood of upcoming maintenance for the headlamps and other common model failure points like shock absorbers.
The 2.0L petrol engine offers moderate fuel economy for an older SUV, though it will be less efficient than modern equivalents. Tax and insurance will be based on 2003 emissions standards and the vehicle's specific insurance group, which typically falls into a mid-range category for this model.
Annual maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the vehicle's age. Expect to budget for the replacement of aging rubber components and potential suspension work, leading to an estimated annual running cost of £1,200-£1,600 including fuel, tax, and insurance.
Carefully inspect the underside of the vehicle, specifically the propshaft seal area mentioned in the 2025 MOT, to see if the oil leak has worsened. Check the rear exhaust system for signs of recent welding or replacement following the major leak failure in 2026.
Examine the headlamp lenses for clouding or defects, as these were flagged as defective in 2025 and are a common failure point across the wider RAV4 population. Finally, check the condition of the shock absorbers and brake discs, as aggregate data identifies these as frequent failure reasons for this model.
This blue 2003 Toyota RAV4 has covered 139,259 miles, which is below the average annual mileage for this model. The MOT history reveals a pattern of age-related issues, including a major exhaust leak in April 2026 and worn brake pads in March 2024. It also carries advisories from 2025 regarding headlamp lenses and a propshaft seal oil leak.
The RAV4 maintains a respectable average MOT pass rate of 85.7%, indicating a generally robust design.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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