2017 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric · LC17 XEE

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 presents a stable mechanical picture at its most recent MOT on 25 May 2026, passing at 79,838 miles. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, though a recurring pattern of minor suspension wear and tyre degradation suggests the vehicle has not been maintained to a meticulous standard. The May 2026 test flagged a slightly damaged or perishing nearside rear tyre alongside an offside rear inner tyre worn close to the legal limit. These are consumable items, yet two advisories in one test point to deferred basic upkeep rather than an acute mechanical failure. No serious structural or braking defects were recorded in the most recent pass. The mileage progression is consistent and typical for a nine-year-old vehicle. Recorded at 37,983 miles in October 2021, the car reached 47,670 miles by October 2022, 57,791 miles by October 2023, 66,831 miles by October 2024, and 79,838 miles by May 2026. This equates to roughly 8,900 miles per year, a steady accumulation with no alarming gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest long periods of standing or recent high-intensity use. The annual test intervals align well with the mileage gain, giving a reliable service and inspection record across the vehicle’s life. A prospective buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the rear suspension and braking components. Rear suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn in October 2023 at 57,791 miles and again in October 2024 at 66,831 miles, with no corresponding replacement noted in the record. By May 2026, these items were not re-advised, which could indicate replacement or simply that wear had not yet reached the advisory threshold. Either condition warrants a physical check for play, knocking, or perished rubber, particularly at the nearside and offside rear trailing arms. Tyre condition also deserves close scrutiny. Front tyres were worn to the legal limit in October 2024, and rear tyres were flagged in May 2026 for wear and perishing. This pattern suggests irregular rotation, possible alignment drift, or simple neglect of replacement intervals. A buyer should inspect the full set for uneven tread, sidewall cracking, and date codes, and verify whether the rears have been replaced since the May 2026 test. Rear brake pads were noted as wearing thin in October 2024, so disc thickness and pad life should be confirmed, especially if the car has covered nearly 13,000 miles since that advisory. Overall, the vehicle appears fundamentally sound with no evidence of major structural corrosion or recurring brake failures, but the record implies a maintenance style that tolerates minor wear items rather than addressing them proactively.