2021 Toyota RAV4 Black Edition HEV 4X2 CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · GU71 PFF

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Black Edition Hybrid presents an encouraging DVSA MOT history, with the most recent test on 14 March 2026 returning a clean pass and no advisories or defects recorded. This follows a pass on 30 September 2024 which was similarly clear, and an intervening test on 23 August 2025 which passed but carried a single advisory for a nail in the offside rear tyre. Across the three recorded examinations there is no pattern of recurring component failure, no repeat advisories on the same area, and no progression of issues from one test to the next. The overall maintenance trend appears stable, and given that all three tests have been completed with minimal intervention required, this is consistent with a vehicle that has been reasonably well cared for and subjected to standard road conditions without any underlying structural or mechanical concerns surfacing during routine DVSA inspections. With a recorded mileage of 43,681 miles over approximately five years, annual usage works out at around 8,736 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a privately owned family SUV of this type and represents a moderate rather than excessive duty cycle. There are no significant gaps or sudden jumps in the MOT-recorded mileage points to suggest either prolonged standing or unusually rapid accumulation between tests. Mechanical implication of this average usage rate is favourable, as key consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes are unlikely to be at the extreme of their service life purely through wear, yet the vehicle has clearly been exercised regularly enough to avoid the pitfalls associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles such as brake disc corrosion, sticking calipers, or dried-out driveline seals. That said, because the recorded mileage is moderate rather than high, a prospective buyer should still carry out a thorough physical inspection appropriate to a five-year-old hybrid SUV. Begin with the tyres, checking not only the tread depth across the full width but also the sidewalls and shoulders for perishing, cracking, or UV degradation, as rubber compounds deteriorate with age regardless of mileage, and tyres fitted in 2021 may now be due for replacement on age grounds alone. Examine all four wheels for any signs of kerbing damage or uneven wear, which can indicate tracking misalignment or worn suspension components. Inspect the brake discs for any obvious lipping or surface corrosion around the outer edges, and on a test drive listen for any binding caliper symptoms such as pulling to one side, a hot smell after driving, or premature front disc rusting that does not clear quickly. Verify that the hybrid system cycles cleanly through its electric and petrol modes, and ensure the 12-volt auxiliary battery has been recently replaced or tested, as these smaller batteries typically only last four to five years and can cause warning light cascades when failing. Finally, given that the MOT history is largely clean, attention should turn to the time-based service items that do not necessarily appear on an MOT examination. Confirm that the hybrid coolant, inverter coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil have been changed in line with Toyota's recommended intervals, ideally supported by a stamped service book or digital service record, as brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be renewed every two to three years regardless of mileage. Check the condition of all suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs for any perishing or sagging, and listen on a test drive for any clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces which could indicate tired front strut top mounts or worn lower control arm bushes. Examine the underbody, exhaust system, and rear differential area for any signs of corrosion, fluid weeping, or impact damage, and ensure there are no stored fault codes within the hybrid system by requesting a diagnostic scan. Overall, this RAV4 presents as a sound example with a clean MOT trajectory, and provided the physical and service-history checks outlined above are satisfactorily completed, it should represent a reliable purchase.