2001 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · LR51 AFE

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2026-04-09—just three months ago—confirms it passed without defects at 138,221 miles, though it failed the prior test on 2026-03-26 for an unexplained reason, despite identical mileage. This abrupt pass-fail reversal at the same mileage suggests either a last-minute pre-test service or a test centre error, as no defects were logged. The trend over the past two years remains stable, with no recurring mechanical issues recorded, though the repeated failures at identical mileages warrant scrutiny. The 2025 tests also show identical pass-fail patterns at 131,259 miles, reinforcing the need for verification of what, if anything, was addressed between tests. The recorded mileage of 138,221 miles over 25 years equates to approximately 5,529 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age and class. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests—just 4,781 miles in 11 months—followed by another 6,962 miles in the subsequent 12 months, suggests the vehicle was either stored for extended periods or used sporadically. The lack of significant mileage accumulation between tests does not necessarily indicate neglect, but it does imply reduced wear on high-mileage components like suspension bushes, timing belts, or drivetrain seals. However, prolonged inactivity can accelerate corrosion in critical areas such as wheel arches, underbody, and wheel bearings. Given the absence of recorded defects, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components prone to corrosion or wear in low-mileage, long-stored vehicles. The suspension—particularly rear coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers—should be checked for dryness, leaks, or excessive play, as these are often overlooked in lightly used cars. The brake system demands thorough examination: the tester flagged binding rear brakes in the 2025 failure, so caliper binding, seized wheel bearings, or corroded brake hardware must be ruled out. Underbody corrosion, especially around the sills, subframe, and exhaust system, is a critical concern given the vehicle’s age; any rust penetration into structural members would pose a long-term safety risk. Finally, verify the integrity of the exhaust system for leaks or excessive rust, as emissions-related failures are common in older models, even if not explicitly noted in the MOT history.