2020 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · EX20 XCL

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 September 2025 resulted in a PASS, but the test carried four advisory items, all relating to the tyres. The two front tyres were flagged as worn close to the legal limit with edge wear recorded at 1.6mm and 2.0mm respectively, while both rear tyres were noted as showing slight damage, cracking, or perishing. The 2024-10-23 and 2024-01-29 tests passed without any advisories, but the January 2024 test produced a fail due to a deep cut on the nearside front tyre exposing ply or cords, alongside a wear advisory. A minor advisory for a defective front wiper blade was also logged at the March 2023 test. Taken as a whole, the trajectory suggests a vehicle that is fundamentally roadworthy but with a clear pattern of front-end tyre wear and emerging sidewall deterioration that warrants close attention before purchase. The absence of any structural, brake, suspension, or exhaust advisories across the recorded history is a positive indicator of overall mechanical stability. With 52,224 miles recorded over approximately six years, this RAV4 is averaging around 8,700 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid mileage accumulation that might point to hard motorway use or commercial service. This middle-ground usage profile is generally favourable from a wear perspective, indicating that components such as the clutch, drivetrain, suspension, and braking system have likely been exercised regularly without being subjected to excessive fatigue. That said, the recorded mileage is still sufficient for normal consumable wear to be present, and the advisories already recorded confirm that tyres and ancillary items will need budgeting for in the near term. For a prospective buyer, the most immediate priority is a thorough inspection of all four tyres, given the cluster of advisories. The front tyres were approaching the legal 1.6mm tread limit at the last test and showed edge wear, which can indicate either incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes or strut top mounts, or aggressive cornering habits. A test drive should be carried out with attention to any pulling to one side, vague steering response, or uneven tyre wear across the axle. The rear tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing, which is as much an age-related degradation issue as a mileage one, so the sidewalls should be examined closely for any brittleness, visible ozone cracking, or bulges regardless of remaining tread depth. Replacement of all four tyres is a realistic possibility and should be factored into the purchase negotiation. Beyond the tyre concerns, the remainder of the recorded MOT history is reassuringly clean, with no advisories relating to brake discs, callipers, exhaust integrity, suspension components, or structural corrosion. Nonetheless, at six years of age and over 52,000 miles, several age- and mileage-appropriate checks remain prudent. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as RAV4s of this generation are known to suffer from auxiliary battery degradation that can trigger electrical warning lights. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping, surface corrosion, or binding callipers, particularly if the vehicle has seen any extended standing. Fluid services should be verified through the service book, with brake fluid (typically a two-year or 30,000-mile renewal interval), coolant, and gearbox or hybrid system coolant all due consideration. A check for any oil leaks from the rear main seal or around the engine covers, together with a visual inspection of the underbody for surface corrosion, would complete a sensible pre-purchase evaluation.