2005 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · JHT 2X

The most recent MOT on 28 April 2026 was passed with no defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions requirements at that test. However, the preceding test only ten days earlier resulted in a failure due to a major off‑side front anti‑roll‑bar linkage ball‑joint wear and several advisories, and earlier years show a pattern of recurring anti‑roll‑bar joint play, brake‑pipe corrosion, exhaust leaks and a fractured rear coil spring. The trend suggests that while the latest test reflects a temporary improvement—likely the result of recent remedial work—the overall maintenance record has been uneven, with intermittent lapses in addressing wear‑related components. At 205 511 miles the RAV4 has accumulated roughly 9 800 miles per annum over its 21‑year life, a usage rate that sits squarely within the normal UK average. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would indicate prolonged periods of storage, nor is the mileage unusually high for its age. Consequently the wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components is consistent with a vehicle that has seen regular, moderate use rather than extreme short‑term abuse. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the anti‑roll‑bar ball joints on both the front and rear axles, as repeated advisories for slight play and a recent major wear finding imply progressive bush and joint deterioration. On a road test listen for clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps, especially over uneven surfaces, and feel for any looseness in the steering feel. The rear coil spring that fractured in 2023 should be inspected for cracks or fatigue on the opposite side, and the front brake discs, noted as pitted, ought to be measured for thickness and checked for any vibration or shudder under hard braking. The corroded rear brake pipe and the weakened off‑side front seat‑belt webbing are safety‑critical items; visual inspection for rust, fraying or compromised stitching is essential, and the seat‑belt should be tested for proper retraction and resistance. The exhaust system has a history of minor leaks and a loose silencer clamp, so a thorough visual check for cracked manifolds, rusted joints and audible hissing at idle is advisable. Finally, the recurrent rear wiper split points to ageing rubber components that may need replacement. Given the vehicle’s age, the tyre sidewalls should be examined for age‑related cracking or hardening regardless of tread depth, as rubber perishes after six to eight years even on low mileage. The under‑body, particularly the rear area where integral body corrosion was previously noted, should be inspected for rust that could affect structural rigidity. A load‑test of the 12 V battery and a check of the electrolyte level (if applicable) will reveal any loss of capacity from long‑term standing. Time‑based fluids—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid—should be sampled for colour, clarity and moisture content, and replaced if they show signs of degradation. Verifying that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable) and any previous suspension work will give further confidence in the vehicle’s long‑term reliability.