2005 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · FM54 VCN

The vehicle presents a worsening trend regarding structural integrity specifically within the rear suspension assembly. While it passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 172,512 miles, this followed a failure just one week prior due to critical corrosion. The tester initially flagged the nearside rear suspension component mounting area as excessively corroded with significantly reduced structural strength. Although the subsequent re-test downgraded this to not considered excessive, the progression from a structural failure to an advisory indicates that the chassiswork is reaching a stage of advanced degradation. At 172,512 miles over 21 years, the vehicle follows a consistent usage pattern of approximately 8,200 miles per year. The records show regular annual testing, with roughly 2,500 to 3,000 miles driven between each MOT interval from 2023 to 2025. This steady mileage suggests the car has not sat stationary for long periods, yet the relatively low mileage per annum has not protected the vehicle from the effects of age-related oxidation seen in the braking and suspension components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension mounting points and the braking system. The history repeatedly flags the nearside rear brake pipe for corrosion and contamination with grease, which often masks the true extent of metal thinning. Furthermore, the recurring rear exhaust leak noted in 2024 and 2025 should be verified to ensure it was properly rectified rather than merely patched. Given the previous failure for structural corrosion, a professional underbody inspection is essential to confirm that the frame remains sound beyond the specific areas highlighted by the tester.