2003 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · MH03 VTY

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a persistent trend of mechanical wear and aging structural components. The most recent test in May 2026 at 152,080 miles shows a pass despite a noted oil leak and general underbody corrosion. While the owner successfully rectified the failures from April 2025 regarding exhaust emissions and lighting, the recurring presence of an oil leak across the last four annual tests suggests a reactive maintenance approach rather than proactive prevention of engine seal degradation. At 23 years old, the recorded mileage of 152,080 represents an average annual usage of approximately 6,600 miles, which is consistent with low-use vehicles of this era. The data shows steady intervals between tests, with roughly 3,000 miles covered between the 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 3,500 miles leading into the 2026 inspection. This consistency suggests the vehicle is used regularly, which helps prevent rubber components from seizing, despite the relatively low annual mileage. A physical inspection must prioritize the structural integrity of the underbody, as the record has consistently flagged corrosion on the rear trailing arms and general suspension arm corrosion since 2023. The buyer should verify if this oxidation has progressed from surface rust to structural thinning, which is a common failure point for this Toyota generation. The 2024 advisory regarding perishing tyres on all corners indicates that age-related degradation is a factor regardless of tread depth; therefore, a thorough check for sidewall cracking and dry rot is essential. Furthermore, the persistent oil leak should be traced to determine if it is a minor valve cover leak or a more significant gasket failure that could lead to oil starvation.