2021 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric · LS21 UCF

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 presents a stable and largely clean roadworthiness profile through its MOT history. The most recent test on 15 January 2026 at 26,530 miles resulted in a pass, though the tester flagged a defective windscreen wiper blade on both the nearside and offside, along with a deteriorated rear registration plate that remained legible. These are minor cosmetic and consumable items rather than mechanical or structural concerns. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, with no evidence of escalating mechanical defects or recurring serious advisories across the three recorded tests. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a five-year-old vehicle. Between the April 2024 test at 15,548 miles and the January 2026 test at 26,530 miles, the vehicle covered 10,982 miles in approximately 21 months, equating to roughly 6,275 miles per year during that period. Prior to that, between April 2024 and January 2025, the vehicle added 5,401 miles in nine months. The overall average sits around 5,306 miles per year, which is below the UK typical annual mileage of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 miles. This lighter usage pattern generally reduces wear on consumable components such as brake discs, tyres, and suspension bushes, though prolonged periods of inactivity can introduce its own risks, including flat-spotted tyres, brake surface corrosion, and stale fuel system issues. The recurring windscreen wiper blade defect appeared in both the January 2025 and January 2026 tests, suggesting this consumable item was not replaced between inspections. While trivial in isolation, the failure to address a repeated minor defect across consecutive years may indicate a pattern of deferred basic upkeep. The deteriorated rear registration plate is similarly minor but worth verifying in person to confirm it has not progressed to the point of illegibility. A prospective buyer should carry out a focused physical inspection of several areas. Check the condition of all tyre sidewalls and tread depths, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer from age-related rubber deterioration rather than wear. Inspect the brake discs and pads for surface corrosion, which is common on vehicles that stand for extended periods. Examine the suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers for perishing or leaks, and assess the underside of the vehicle for any signs of structural corrosion or underseal degradation. Given the low mileage, verify that the engine, transmission, and coolant systems have been regularly serviced on time rather than solely by mileage intervals, as infrequent use can accelerate moisture build-up and oil contamination.