2009 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · FN09 SVP

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 25 June 2024, though the history reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance regarding consumables and chassis components. While the vehicle consistently achieves a pass, the recurring nature of advisories for tyre wear, brake degradation, and suspension fatigue suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to maintenance. The overall trend indicates a vehicle that is kept legally roadworthy but may be lacking in preventative care, particularly concerning the undercarriage and braking system. With a recorded mileage of 176,946 miles over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 10,409 miles per annum. This is considered typical usage for a RAV4 of this vintage, suggesting a consistent history of regular use rather than periods of prolonged standing. However, at this mileage, the drivetrain and chassis are subject to significant cumulative wear. Prospective buyers should anticipate that major components, such as the alternator, water pump, and various rubber seals, may be approaching the end of their natural service life if they have not already been replaced. Particular attention must be paid to the suspension system, as the records show a progression of failures and advisories. The current oil misting on the front nearside and rear offside shock absorbers indicates seal failure, which will eventually lead to poor damping and unstable handling. Combined with previous advisories for worn suspension arm bushes and corroded rear coil springs, there is a high probability of chassis fatigue. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces and inspect the inner tyre edges for uneven wear, which would confirm that the suspension geometry is compromised. The braking system has a concerning history, including a dangerous failure in 2022 for critically thin pads and earlier reports of binding calipers and pitted discs. This suggests a potential issue with the sliding mechanisms of the calipers or a lack of regular brake fluid flushes. When testing the vehicle, feel for any shuddering through the brake pedal or a pulling sensation to one side under braking. Additionally, given the age and mileage, verify the service history for timing belt or chain maintenance and check for any signs of oil seepage around the engine gaskets, as these are common wear points for high-mileage Toyota engines of this era.