2003 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Diesel · FD53 KMM

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in April 2023, although this followed an initial failure concerning the registration and position lamps. When reviewing the broader history, the maintenance trend appears to be worsening. While the records from 2018 to 2021 were relatively clean, the tests from 2022 and 2023 reveal an increasing number of advisories related to suspension wear, brake pipe corrosion, and fluid leaks, suggesting the vehicle is now entering a period of significant age-related degradation. With a recorded mileage of 138,843 miles over 23 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 6,037 miles per year. This is a typical usage rate for a vehicle of this vintage, indicating it has been used regularly but not excessively. Mechanically, this means that while the drivetrain has not been subjected to extreme high-mileage wear, the components are now susceptible to the natural decay of rubber seals and the onset of oxidation, which is consistent with the defects appearing in the recent MOT history. Prospective buyers should prioritise a detailed inspection of the braking system and chassis, as brake pipe corrosion has been a recurring advisory since 2019. You should check the rear brake lines for heavy pitting or bubbling, as this can lead to sudden pressure loss. The suspension requires close scrutiny, specifically the front ball joint dust covers and rear suspension arm bushes. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and check for any instability or vagueness in the steering, which would indicate that the previously noted bush and joint wear has progressed. Further attention must be paid to the engine and damping system to assess the reported oil leak and the misting on the offside front shock absorber. A misting shock absorber often indicates a failing seal that will eventually lead to a loss of damping efficiency and uneven tyre wear. Given the vehicle's age, you should also inspect the tyre sidewalls for perishing or weather-cracking, verify the health of the 12V battery, and check the service history to ensure that time-based maintenance, such as brake fluid replacement and coolant flushes, has been carried out to prevent internal corrosion.