2002 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · NG02 THF

The most recent MOT on 17 January 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, and the preceding eight‑year record shows a consistent series of passes. Apart from two non‑critical advisories – a minor centre‑exhaust leak noted in December 2014 and slight corrosion on the near‑side inner rear brake pipe recorded in August 2012 – there have been no failures, indicating a generally stable maintenance pattern rather than a deteriorating one. At 152 767 miles the RAV4 averages roughly 6 300 miles per annum over its 24‑year life, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. The mileage does not suggest any periods of extreme short‑term abuse, nor does it reveal long stretches of inactivity that might have allowed components to seize. Nevertheless, the cumulative distance means that wear items such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, CV joints, and the drivetrain have been exercised sufficiently to merit close inspection for fatigue or excess play. The centre‑exhaust leak advisory points to a small crack or joint failure in the exhaust manifold or pipe that can allow hot gases to escape near the cabin. While not a safety‑critical fault, it can lead to increased corrosion of surrounding heat shields and, over time, may worsen to a louder exhaust note or a noticeable sulphur smell inside the vehicle. A prospective buyer should listen for any hissing or ticking from the rear of the engine bay when the engine is idling and check that the exhaust tip is free of soot buildup. If the leak is confirmed, a weld or pipe replacement is a relatively inexpensive repair that should be addressed before the next MOT. The corrosion on the near‑side inner rear brake pipe, although only advisory, signals that the steel pipe has begun to thin and could eventually develop a leak, reducing brake‑fluid pressure to the rear brakes. During a test drive the driver should be alert for a soft or spongy brake pedal, especially when applying the rear brakes, and for any uneven braking feel. Visual inspection of the rear brake lines for rust streaks or moisture spots is advisable, and a mechanic should assess whether the pipe needs replacement or if a protective coating can extend its service life. Given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should also examine the condition of the tyres for side‑wall cracking or dry‑rot, verify that the battery holds charge under load, check for any sign of brake‑disc rust or sticking calipers, and confirm that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission oil – have been refreshed within the manufacturer’s time‑based intervals, as fluids degrade even when the car is not driven heavily.