2004 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · GD04 VPL

The vehicle shows a history of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care, particularly regarding the braking and suspension systems. In the January 2025 test at 115,801 miles, the car passed after a significant failure three days prior. That failure identified a critical fluid leak in the nearside front shock absorber and a front brake pipe that was likely to become detached. While these urgent faults were addressed to secure a pass, the record now warns of thin rear brake pads and worn, pitted discs on both sides. The presence of corrosion on the rear subframe mounting areas and the anti-roll bar indicates that structural components are beginning to show signs of rust that require close monitoring to prevent future failure. At 115,801 miles over 22 years, this RAV4 has covered a relatively low average of approximately 5,264 miles per year. This low usage profile often correlates with the degradation of rubber components, which is clearly evident in the history. During the January 2024 test at 109,666 miles, the tester flagged all four tyres for perishing and cracking on the sidewalls. This suggests the vehicle may sit for long periods, causing the rubber to dry out despite low tread wear. The recurring issues with headlight lens misting and windscreen damage across multiple years further support a pattern of ignoring minor defects until they fail inspection. The mechanical state of the suspension is showing signs of age-related wear. The front coil springs were noted as corroded in 2024, and the offside front suspension arm ball joint failed previously due to a torn dust cover. While the nearside shock absorber was replaced following the early 2025 failure, the offside unit still shows external damage to the casing. A buyer should specifically inspect the integrity of the rear subframe mounting points to ensure the reported corrosion has not progressed beyond surface-level, as this is a common failure point for vehicles of this age.