2001 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · LM51 AET
2001 Toyota RAV4 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 06 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 101,857 miles. MOT valid until 03 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- TOYOTA RAV4
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 101,857 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
LM51 AET Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/02/2026
- 101,857 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LM51 AET MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Toyota Rav4 (LM51 AET) between December 2021 and February 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 12 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (12 issues), Lighting (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
LM51 AET Mileage History
- 20/12/202197,982 mi
- 20/12/202298,864 mi+882 mi
- 11/01/2024100,026 mi+1,162 mi
- 28/01/2025101,056 mi+1,030 mi
- 04/02/2026101,857 mi+801 mi
Average of roughly 939 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Toyota Toyota RAV4 Mk2 (XA20)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution; while the RAV4 has remarkably low mileage for its age, the recent MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of deferred brake maintenance and emerging corrosion that requires immediate attention.
When inspecting this RAV4, focus your attention on the braking system. The MOT history shows a consistent string of 'thin brake pads' and 'worn, pitted, or scored discs' dating back to 2018; ensure these have actually been replaced since the last advisory rather than ignored. You should also pay close attention to the corroded offside rear brake pipe mentioned in February 2026, as this is a safety-critical item if untreated.
Check the service history specifically for oil changes and fluid refreshes. Given the age of the 2.L petrol engine, verify there are no oil leaks and check the condition of the CV boots, which were already noted for severe deterioration in 2021. Ask the owner for evidence of underbody protection, as the MOT data indicates a history of thinning exhaust components and brake pipe rust over the last decade.
The 2.0cc petrol engine is known for reliability but is not particularly frugal by modern standards; expect roughly 25-30 mpg depending on driving conditions. As an older vehicle, it likely falls into a lower insurance band but carries modest annual road tax.
Maintenance costs for this model are generally manageable, though you should budget for frequent brake component replacements. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £900-£1,200, including fuel, insurance, and routine servicing.
Look under the car specifically for rust on the brake lines. The MOT history notes 'corroded rear brake pipes' and 'corroded exhaust boxes,' which are common failure points on older Toyotas in the UK climate. If the corrosion is scaling, it will become an expensive repair soon.
Inspect the suspension thoroughly. This vehicle previously failed on two broken rear coil springs in 2015, so check for any sagging or uneven handling. Additionally, check the headlamp lenses, as they have been flagged as slightly defective in multiple MOT tests, suggesting they may be clouding or perished internally.
This 2001 Toyota RAV4 is a low-mileage example with 101,857 miles, significantly below the average for a 25-year-old vehicle. While it has passed its most recent tests, the data shows recurring issues with thin brake pads, worn discs, and structural corrosion in brake pipes and exhaust. It represents a robust platform, but the MOT history suggests maintenance has often been reactive rather than preventative.
The first-generation Toyota RAV4 is regarded as a highly durable SUV, provided that the cooling system and rust-prone areas are regularly maintained.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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TOYOTA RAV4 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Automatic Transmission Engine Control Module ECU Solder FailureSerious
2000–2003 RAV4 automatic models equipped with the 2.0-litre 1AZ-FE engine suffer from cracked surface-mount solder joints on the circuit board of the engine control unit (ECU). The cracked connections disrupt output signals to the transmission shift solenoids, causing harsh banging shifts between 1st and 2nd gear, delayed reverse engagement, slipping gears, and false diagnostic trouble codes (P0750, P0753, P0755). If ignored, the violent shifts strip clutch pack linings and damage internal planetary gears.
- Front Suspension Coil Spring Salt Corrosion FractureSerious
The front MacPherson suspension coil springs are prone to corrosion fatigue and sudden cracking, accelerated by winter road grit and moisture accumulating in the lower spring perches. If the lower coil fractures, the broken spring end can foul the inner wing or puncture the front tyre sidewall at speed, posing a severe safety danger. Toyota issued UK safety recall campaign R/2004/048 to inspect and replace affected springs.
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