2018 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · LL18 EOC

A recurring theme of front tyre wear and minor wiper and suspension issues runs through this RAV4's MOT history, marking it as a vehicle with chronic but largely non-structural defects rather than serious mechanical failures. Across six recorded tests from 2021 through January 2026, the car passed every inspection, with the only outright failure being a single PRS (Pass after Rectification at Station) in December 2023 for an ineffective offside wiper, which was evidently corrected on the same day. Advisories on front tyres worn close to the legal limit appear on both the 2023 pass and fail entries, and a further advisory on the nearside front tyre was issued on the most recent test in January 2026. A minor defect recorded in December 2024 noted severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both sides of the front suspension, and an offside rear wiper blade was also flagged as defective. While none of these items resulted in a failure, the pattern suggests the front suspension and tyre wear areas warrant close attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The recorded mileage of 26,030 miles over an eight-year period equates to roughly 3,250 miles annually, which is low for a vehicle of this age and type. The MOT record shows the car tested at 14,212 miles in May 2021 and at 26,030 miles in January 2026, an accumulation of under 12,000 miles across nearly five years of testing. Such a low usage profile typically reduces wear on major drivetrain parts and high-mileage service items, yet prolonged standing brings its own considerations, particularly around ageing rubber components, brake corrosion from infrequent use, and the condition of underbody and suspension bushes that can deteriorate through lack of regular movement rather than through mileage accumulation. For a prospective buyer, the recorded advisories and minor defects point to specific items that should be physically inspected and assessed on a test drive. The repeated front tyre edge wear advisories are worth investigating, as uneven or one-sided wear can stem from suspension geometry issues, worn wishbone bushes, or alignment problems, all of which would be consistent with the deteriorated front ball joint dust covers flagged in late 2024. On a road test, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, particularly over uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, which could indicate worn ball joints or tie rod ends. Inspect the front tyres for inner or outer shoulder wear and check that both front tyres are matching in brand, size, and tread depth. Given the December 2024 advisory on the front suspension ball joint dust covers being severely deteriorated on both sides, the covers themselves should be examined to confirm whether the underlying ball joints remain serviceable or whether contamination has accelerated joint wear; a garage can confirm this by physical inspection. The wiper blade defects across 2023 and 2024 suggest checking the operation of all wiper blades and ensuring the windscreen is cleared cleanly across the full swept area. With the January 2026 advisory on the front tyre being worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, replacement is imminent, and the new tyres should be balanced and the alignment checked to prevent a recurrence of the edge wear pattern. Underneath, given the low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid to brake disc surface corrosion, handbrake efficiency from seized rear mechanisms, and any signs of underbody corrosion or perished rubber boots, all of which can develop on a lightly used vehicle stored or driven infrequently.