2008 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · LD08 WNT

The 2008 Toyota RAV4 presents a broadly stable mechanical picture at its most recent MOT on 27 August 2024, passing at 114,701 miles. The maintenance trend is neither sharply worsening nor clearly resolving. A minor exhaust leak at the middle box was noted in 2024, a small gas leak rather than a structural failure. The suspension bushes flagged as worn in the September 2023 test did not deteriorate enough to cause a failure by the following August, suggesting the wear has plateaued for now rather than accelerated. No new advisories appeared in the 2024 pass, which is a positive sign that the car has held together over the last year. Mileage accumulation tells a steady story. From 77,096 miles in August 2021 to 114,701 miles in August 2024, the car covered roughly 37,605 miles in three years, averaging around 12,535 miles annually during that period. That is higher than its lifetime average of roughly 6,372 miles per year, pointing to a phase of heavier use or more regular long-distance driving under recent ownership. The jump from 100,978 miles in September 2023 to 114,701 miles in August 2024 alone accounts for 13,723 miles in under twelve months, reinforcing that this vehicle has been driven consistently and not left standing. No suspicious gaps or sudden drops appear in the record, so the odometer progression looks genuine. A buyer should focus inspection on the rear suspension and exhaust system. The nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins or bushes were flagged as worn in September 2023, and while they did not worsen to a failure point by August 2024, aged bushes on an eighteen-year-old SUV can still cause vague rear-end handling, knocking over bumps, and uneven tyre wear. Have a technician check for play in the rear arms and look for cracking or perishing in the rubber. The minor exhaust gas leak at the middle box noted in 2024 deserves attention too. A small leak at the centre silencer can worsen with heat cycling and vibration, potentially leading to a louder drone, failed emissions test, or fumes entering the cabin. Inspect the middle box and its joints for corrosion or pinholes, especially if the underside has seen road salt. Brakes and consumables also warrant a closer look. Rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in August 2021 at 77,096 miles, and with 114,701 miles now on the clock, the rear pads and discs are likely well into their service life or have been replaced without record. Check pad thickness and disc condition, particularly for lipping or scoring. The nearside front tyre noted close to the legal limit in August 2022 at 87,264 miles suggests previous owners may have deferred basic tyre upkeep. Inspect all four tyres for uneven wear, sidewall damage, and age-related cracking, as rubber degrades regardless of tread depth on a vehicle of this age.