2012 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · GY62 XCM

Corrosion of the fuel tank filler pipes presents a significant structural concern for this vehicle, as highlighted by the advisory recorded during the most recent test on 08 April 2026. This issue follows a period of relatively clean testing, though the latest inspection also required a failure rectification for a nearside rear tyre that was incorrectly fitted. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record since 2020, the emergence of heavy corrosion on the fuel system components and the advisory regarding thinning nearside front inner brake pads suggests that wear and environmental degradation are becoming more prominent in the vehicle's current lifecycle. The recorded mileage of 92,933 miles over a fourteen-year period indicates an average annual usage of approximately 6,638 miles. This represents a lower-than-average accumulation of mileage for a vehicle of this age, which typically implies less frequent mechanical operation. While this lower mileage can reduce the wear on high-use components like the engine and gearbox, it can also correlate with the type of age-related degradation seen in the MOT history, such as the perishing of tyre sidewalls noted in 2023 and the deterioration of anti-roll bar linkage dust covers recorded in 2020. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the fuel system and braking components during a physical inspection. The heavily corroded fuel tank filler pipes should be examined closely for any signs of weeping or structural weakness that could lead to fuel leaks. On a test drive, the braking system requires careful evaluation; given the advisory for thinning nearside front inner brake pads, listen for any squealing or grinding noises during deceleration and check for any unevenness in pedal pressure or vibrations that might indicate uneven pad wear or sticking calipers. Furthermore, the history of issues with tyres and suspension linkages warrants a thorough check of the running gear. Inspect the current condition of all tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, particularly on the nearside rear where previous defects were noted. Regarding the suspension, although the anti-roll bar linkage dust cover issues were recorded in 2020, it is prudent to listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that the ball joints or associated bushes have developed play.