2002 Toyota RAV-4 1.8L Petrol · LA51 OTT

Most recent MOT (04‑Apr‑2024): The vehicle passed, but the test highlighted a repeat of “slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” on all four tyres and a long list of corrosion notes on front and rear suspension arms, sub‑frames, MacPherson struts, coil‑spring mounts and chassis rails. No items were deemed “seriously weakened”, but the sheer number of corrosion remarks is noteworthy. Recurring pattern: Every MOT since early‑2022 has recorded corrosion across the chassis and suspension, plus tyre surface damage. The 2024‑03‑28 failure added an “excessively corroded” front‑to‑rear brake pipe, a safety‑critical component that was not flagged in earlier tests. Trend assessment: The corrosion notes are stable in that they persist, but the addition of the brake‑pipe defect suggests the condition may be edging towards a more serious problem. Tyre wear is also ongoing; all four tyres are flagged as slightly damaged, indicating they are approaching the end of their service life. Mileage vs. age: At roughly 4,300 mi yr⁻¹, the RAV‑4 has low mileage for a 24‑year‑old vehicle. Low use can mean less mechanical wear, but it also often coincides with long periods of inactivity, which accelerates rust on chassis and suspension components – exactly what the MOT reports show. What to check first: - Inspect all four tyres for cracking, sidewall damage and tread depth; replace them if any are near the legal minimum.