2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric · FN71 XGX

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2021 Toyota RAV4 was conducted on 25 September 2025 and resulted in a pass, with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. The preceding test, carried out on 10 October 2024, also returned a clean pass with no recorded defects. With two consecutive tests both free from advisories, failures, or even minor observations, the documented maintenance trend at official test level is stable and consistent with a vehicle that has been kept in good roadworthy condition throughout the recent testing cycle. The absence of any recorded items relating to braking efficiency, suspension components, tyre condition, corrosion, lighting, or exhaust emissions over these two tests indicates that none of those areas have deteriorated to a point requiring examiner comment. While a clean MOT history is reassuring, it is important to remember that the MOT represents a minimum statutory standard at the point of test and does not necessarily reflect the finer mechanical condition of the vehicle between tests. With 28,925 miles recorded against a vehicle that is approximately five years old, this RAV4 has covered an average of around 5,785 miles per annum, which is notably below the typical usage pattern for a family SUV of this type. Such low annual mileage generally implies lighter wear on major mechanical assemblies, including the engine, transmission, clutch, and braking system, as those components have experienced fewer duty cycles. However, lower mileage vehicles frequently present with age-related degradation that is independent of distance covered. Long periods of standing can lead to moisture accumulation within the braking system, surface corrosion on the brake discs, and potential binding or stiffness in the brake calipers due to lack of regular actuation. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid also degrade over time rather than mileage, and a low-mileage example may still be due for time-based fluid services that an enthusiastic high-mileage owner would have already addressed. From a buyer inspection perspective, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the tyres, as rubber compounds deteriorate with age regardless of tread depth. Look closely at the sidewalls and tread face for signs of perishing, cracking, or UV-related hardening, which on a five-year-old vehicle with low mileage can sometimes be more pronounced than on a higher-mileage car that has had regular tyre rotation and replacement. The 12V battery should also be evaluated, as batteries that have spent long periods partially charged or have suffered from infrequent use often display reduced cranking performance and diminished reserve capacity; a diagnostic battery health check is advisable given the vehicle's age. During a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocking from the suspension, particularly over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn bushes, drop links, or top mount deterioration associated with age and standing rather than high-mileage wear. Steering should feel precise and consistent, with no vibration or pulling, and the brakes should be tested from speed to confirm smooth, even retardation without shudder or grabbing. Finally, given the low annual mileage, it is strongly recommended to verify the full service history documentation, ideally with main dealer or specialist stamps confirming time-based replacement of engine oil and filter, brake fluid, coolant, and if applicable, the hybrid system components and inverter coolant on this electrified Toyota platform. Any service records should evidence annual or bi-annual attention regardless of low mileage. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified independent technician is highly advisable, with particular focus on a compression test or hybrid system health check, an underbody examination for any corrosion or fluid residue that may have developed during standing periods, and confirmation that the brake calipers release cleanly without sticking pistons. The combination of a clean MOT record and low recorded mileage makes this RAV4 a generally promising candidate, but the age-related and standing-related checks described above are essential to ensure that the vehicle has not suffered from neglect during its quieter periods of use.