2009 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · FN09 TKA

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of deferred suspension and brake repairs. While the most recent test in February 2023 at 78,945 miles passed, it highlighted multiple advisories for worn rear brake discs and deteriorated suspension components. The recurrence of the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover failure across both the 2022 and 2023 tests indicates that the previous owner was only addressing faults once they reached the point of failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 78,945 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 4,600 miles per year. This low usage often leads to the degradation of rubber-based components due to age rather than mechanical wear. The data shows a consistent interval of roughly 5,000 to 7,000 miles annually between 2020 and 2023, followed by a three-year gap in the last entry. This pattern of standing explains the accelerated corrosion and split rubber boots noted in the later records. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension geometry and structural integrity. The tester flagged corrosion on both front and rear suspension arms in 2023, and while not deemed weakened at that time, surface oxidation on a vehicle of this age can be a precursor to structural failure. The history of split shock absorber boots in 2021 and a fluid leak in 2020 necessitates a check for current leaks or perished seals. Furthermore, because the last MOT was over three years ago, the condition of the brake discs and pads must be verified immediately to ensure they have not seized or rusted excessively during periods of inactivity.