2002 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · KG02 MBV

The 2.0-litre petrol RAV4 from this era typically returns around 28-32 mpg in real-world mixed driving, with fuel costs depending heavily on usage patterns. Road tax for a petrol vehicle of this age and engine size falls into a modest bracket, and the vehicle is pre-ULEZ charges in most zones. Insurance should sit in a reasonable bracket given the vehicle's age and engine, though group ratings vary.

Maintenance is where costs concentrate on this particular car. The MOT history suggests brake work (discs and potentially hoses), exhaust repair, and suspension refurbishment are imminent. Even on a Toyota, parts and labour for a comprehensive rear suspension refresh — bushes, rod pins, and subframe attention — can run into four figures at an independent specialist. Routine servicing every 12 months or 10,000 miles, including oil, filters, and plugs, is the baseline expectation.

Estimated annual running cost for this vehicle, assuming moderate mileage and including fuel, tax, insurance, and a maintenance allowance for the known wear items, is in the region of £1,800-£2,200. This is elevated compared to a lower-mileage example of the same model due to the documented advisory and failure items.

Focus the physical inspection on the items flagged in the MOT record. The November 2025 test noted corroded rear suspension component mounting areas on both sides — get underneath and check for advanced corrosion around the rear trailing arm and subframe mounts, paying particular attention to the offside where towbar mounting corrosion was also recorded in 2024. The rear suspension rod pins and bushes were noted as worn, so bounce the rear of the vehicle and listen for clonking over uneven surfaces.

The brake system has been a recurring theme across both tests, with front discs pitted, brake hose corrosion, and a corroded nearside rear brake pipe all flagged in 2024. Inspect the front discs for lipping and scoring, check brake hoses for signs of bulging or cracking, and have the rear brake lines examined closely for corrosion that could lead to a fluid leak. The exhaust minor leak recorded in 2024 should also be re-checked, as exhaust repairs tend to escalate if left.

Finally, address the simpler items too — verify that the offside rear registration plate lamp and position lamp function correctly, and confirm the headlamp aim has been corrected since the November 2025 failure. The frayed offside front seat belt webbing is a safety-critical item and must be replaced regardless. A general scan for any warning lights on the dashboard and a thorough test drive covering town, A-road, and motorway conditions is essential.