2020 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric · JB 5518

The mechanical narrative for this 2020 Toyota RAV4 centres on a clear pattern of brake disc wear that emerged partway through its recorded testing history, with the most recent examinations returning a clean pass on 25 June 2026 alongside an unblemished test from 3 July 2025. The vehicle has now completed five MOT tests, four of which were passes with no defects recorded at all, and only a single failure which was confined to the windscreen wiper components rather than any structural or braking concern. However, the brake disc advisories that appeared in the 2024 cycle are highly significant: both front discs were flagged as worn though not excessively, while both rear discs were noted as pitted or scored though not seriously weakened, and these exact same advisories were carried across from the failed test on the same date to the subsequent pass later that day. The repetition of identical brake disc defects across the same inspection visit indicates that the wear had progressed to the point where the tester felt it warranted recording, even though the discs remained within legal limits. With 21,482 miles recorded against a six-year age, this RAV4 has accumulated roughly 3,580 miles annually, which is considerably below average for a modern SUV and suggests either limited utility use or extended periods of standing. The MOT record confirms annual testing without any significant lay-up gaps, but the low annual accumulation means that brake discs, pads, and other friction components have aged through calendar time rather than mileage, with corrosion pitting developing on the rear discs despite limited use. The 2026 and 2025 tests showed no advisories at all, which means the brake wear noted in 2024 did not deteriorate further into flagged defects at the most recent examinations, though the discs will have continued to age in situ regardless of whether they were driven hard. Given the specific brake disc history, a prospective buyer should treat the braking system as the primary inspection focus. On a test drive, listen for any rotational grinding or scraping from the front calipers as the wheels turn, particularly when cold, and feel for any judder or vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel under moderate to firm braking, which would suggest the front discs have developed hot spots or thickness variation since the 2024 advisories. The rear discs should be examined for visible lip formation around the outer edge and any signs of brake fluid weeping from the caliper sliders or rear brake actuator, as standing periods can cause rear caliper slide pins to bind. A thorough road test should also include several firm stops from at least 40 mph to confirm the pedal remains firm and the vehicle tracks straight without pulling to either side. Beyond the braking system, the vehicle warrants a close inspection of the suspension linkages and underbody protection, as the low mileage and limited road exposure does not guarantee that rubber bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, and coil springs have remained free from perishing or corrosion. Press down firmly on each corner and release to check the vehicle settles smoothly without continued bouncing, and listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, particularly from the lower wishbone bushes and drop links which can deteriorate from disuse as much as from heavy use. The windscreen wiper linkage that caused the 2024 failure should be checked by operating the wipers across a wet screen to confirm both blades clear the swept area fully without smearing or leaving un-wiped arcs, and the wiper arms should be inspected for play in their pivot spindles. Finally, given the vehicle age, a check of the coolant hoses, auxiliary drivebelt, and timing chain or belt service interval would be prudent, as these items age by calendar rather than mileage and may be approaching replacement thresholds despite the low odometer reading.