2005 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · LS55 LPV

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend of deferred attention regarding wear and tear. While the most recent test in July 2025 at 142,677 miles passed, it revealed multiple advisories including thin offside rear brake pads, a minor exhaust leak, and pitted front inner brake discs. These issues follow a pattern of recurring brake-related defects, suggesting that the owner only addresses components once they approach the MOT failure threshold rather than performing preventative maintenance. The mileage profile is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 6,800 miles per year. There is a steady accumulation of usage, with roughly 10,000 miles covered between June 2023 and July 2024, and another 10,000 miles in the following year. The data shows a significant failure in June 2022 at 116,274 miles due to a worn track rod end ball joint and a faulty indicator, highlighting that despite low annual mileage, mechanical components are reaching a critical wear point between annual inspections. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the braking system and front suspension. The recurring reports of pitted discs and thin pads across the last three tests suggest the calipers may require inspection for sticking. Furthermore, the previous failure of a track rod end joint necessitates a close check of all steering joints and suspension bushes to ensure no further lateral play has developed. The minor exhaust leak noted in 2025 should also be verified for structural corrosion at the manifold or flexi, as small leaks often escalate into significant system failures if not addressed immediately upon purchase.