2009 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · KY59 WRF

Recent major failures—both headlamp lenses were deemed seriously defective and the rear shock absorbers exhibited fluid leaks—required corrective work before the vehicle could be re‑tested, and the subsequent MOTs in 2025 and 2026 have recorded clean passes with only minor advisories. The pattern shows a one‑off, significant defect episode in 2024 that appears to have been addressed, followed by a stable record of compliance. With 77,287 miles logged over a 17‑year lifespan, the average annual mileage sits around 4,500 miles, well below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history shows no gaps in annual testing, indicating the car has been kept on the road consistently rather than sitting idle for extended periods. Low cumulative mileage generally translates to reduced wear on engine internals, drivetrain components and suspension bushings, but it does not guarantee the condition of wear items that are mileage‑independent, such as brake discs or tyre tread. The front brake disc was flagged as worn, pitted or scored in both 2024 tests; although it did not fail the MOT, the surface condition suggests the disc may be approaching its service limit. On a test drive, feel for any pulsation through the pedal, a squealing or grinding noise under braking, and a lengthening stopping distance, all of which would indicate the disc needs replacement soon. The rear shock absorbers suffered fluid leaks in 2024, so inspect the rear suspension for oil stains around the shock mounts, uneven tyre wear, excessive bounce, or a noticeable sag when the vehicle is loaded. Listening for clunking or knocking over bumps can reveal worn bushings or compromised damper internals. The headlamp lenses, recorded as seriously defective in 2024, should be examined for cracks, moisture ingress or severe clouding that could diminish illumination. Verify that the beams are correctly aligned and that the housings are free of corrosion around the mounting points. Additionally, the 2021 tyre advisories—front tyres close to the legal limit and rear tyres showing slight damage—warrant a visual and tactile check of tread depth, sidewall integrity and uniform wear patterns. Confirm that the front registration plate, noted as deteriorated in 2022, remains legible and securely mounted. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection that includes these focused checks will give a clear picture of any residual risk from the recorded defects.