2021 Toyota RAV4 Black Edition HEV CVT 2.5L Hybrid electric · LT71 MXD

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with 54,752 recorded miles has maintained a clean MOT history over the past three years, with all tests passing without recorded defects. The most recent MOT on 2026-05-26 and the preceding test on 2025-05-27 both returned no failures, though the 2024-08-14 MOT included an advisory regarding nearside front tyre wear approaching the legal limit, specifically noted as worn on the edge rather than centrally. This advisory suggests a gradual wear pattern rather than sudden deterioration, which is less concerning than a sudden, uneven wear profile that could indicate alignment or suspension issues. The absence of repeated failures or advisories over the past two years indicates a stable maintenance trend, though the tyre advisory prompts a closer inspection of its underlying cause and potential impact on overall tyre longevity. The vehicle’s mileage of 54,752 miles at the time of this assessment represents a reasonable annual usage rate of approximately 10,950 miles, which is typical for a hybrid model of this age and class. This figure does not suggest excessive wear from high mileage alone, but it does imply consistent use over the past five years. The lack of significant mileage gaps or rapid accumulation suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly, which can help mitigate some wear and tear, particularly on components like brakes, suspension, and drivetrain elements. However, prolonged periods of inactivity—even if not reflected in mileage—can lead to issues such as standing corrosion on brake components, fluid degradation in hydraulic systems, or potential stiffness in seals and gaskets due to lack of movement. Given the clean MOT history apart from the tyre advisory, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection to address potential concerns. First and foremost, the nearside front tyre should be examined for the root cause of its edge wear, which could indicate misalignment, camber issues, or uneven load distribution. On a test drive, check for any lateral pulling to the left, uneven tyre wear patterns, or excessive road noise that might suggest suspension misalignment. Additionally, inspect the front suspension for signs of wear, such as clunking noises when driving over bumps, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or coil spring damage. The brake system should be checked for signs of corrosion on discs or binding calipers, particularly on the near-side front brakes, as standing can accelerate corrosion. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the buyer should also verify the condition of the tyres beyond the MOT check, focusing on sidewall perishing or cracking, which can weaken the tyre structure and lead to blowouts. Inspect the 12V battery for signs of corrosion or poor connections, as hybrids often experience battery degradation over time, and check the fluid levels in the power steering, brake, and cooling systems for any degradation or contamination. The service history should be reviewed to confirm compliance with the manufacturer’s recommended intervals for fluid changes, such as the brake fluid (which should be replaced every 2–3 years regardless of mileage) and the CVT fluid (which should be serviced every 60,000–100,000 miles or annually). Lastly, the exhaust system should be checked for leaks or excessive backpressure, which could indicate catalytic converter or manifold issues, though this is less likely given the clean MOT records.