2007 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · ML07 YDA

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 21 August 2025. Evaluating the overall maintenance trend, the vehicle shows a pattern of consistent passing but with an increasing frequency of age-related advisories. While the vehicle has avoided major failures for several years, the transition from minor exhaust leaks and structural corrosion to the current advisory regarding corroded rear coil springs suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where environmental degradation of the chassis and suspension is becoming more prevalent. The recorded mileage of 104,209 miles for a 19-year-old vehicle equates to approximately 5,485 miles per year, which is notably low for this type of vehicle. This low annual usage suggests the car has been used for light, perhaps occasional, motoring. While this typically implies less mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, it also means the vehicle may have spent significant periods stationary. This can lead to specific issues such as the perishing of rubber components, the seizure of brake calipers, or the degradation of fluids that occurs due to time rather than distance travelled. Immediate attention should be directed towards the suspension. The advisory for corroded rear coil springs on both the offside and nearside is a priority, as these components are critical to vehicle stability and can fail abruptly if the corrosion is advanced. On a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking sounds from the rear when traversing uneven surfaces, which could indicate that the springs or associated suspension bushes are failing. Additionally, given the history of exhaust leaks and structural corrosion, you should inspect the underside of the vehicle for significant rust and listen for any abnormal engine noise or exhaust rasping that could indicate a more serious leak. Because of the low mileage profile, you must conduct a thorough physical inspection of all age-sensitive components. Check the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, as indicated by the 2024 advisory, as rubber can become brittle and unsafe even if the tread appears deep. Inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting and ensure the vehicle brakes smoothly without any shudder or binding. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that all essential fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid, have been replaced on a calendar basis to prevent chemical degradation from long periods of inactivity.