1996 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · P977 CDP

The most recent MOT, carried out on 2 March 2022, was passed but recorded three advisories: a minor leak in the exhaust system, an off‑side rear position lamp that is marginally affected by another lamp’s operation, and a chip in the windscreen that does not impair the driver’s view. No failures were noted, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that time. The presence of only advisory items suggests a generally stable maintenance picture, though the unresolved exhaust leak points to a small but potentially progressive defect that should be monitored. With a recorded 86 742 miles on a vehicle that is now thirty years old, the average annual mileage works out to just under 2 900 miles. This is considerably below the typical usage rate for a car of this age and implies either very light daily use or extended periods of inactivity. Low mileage can be advantageous in terms of reduced wear on engine and transmission components, but prolonged standing often accelerates the ageing of rubber components, corrosion of metal parts, and the degradation of fluids and batteries. Any gaps in the recorded mileage may also hide unlogged mileage, so a physical inspection of the odometer and service stamps is advisable. The exhaust leak advisory should be investigated before committing to purchase. A small leak at a joint or gasket can allow exhaust gases to escape near the under‑tray, potentially leading to rust on the chassis or heat damage to nearby hoses. On a test drive listen for a faint hissing or ticking from the rear of the vehicle and feel for unusual heat on the exhaust pipe. The off‑side rear position lamp’s interaction with another lamp may indicate a wiring fault or a failing bulb that could cause intermittent illumination; verify that all external lighting functions correctly and that the wiring harness shows no signs of corrosion or cracked insulation. The windscreen chip, while not obstructing vision, should be examined for propagation; a chip can spread under temperature swings and eventually require replacement to maintain structural integrity. Given the vehicle’s age and low utilisation, a thorough visual and tactile inspection is essential. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, as rubber deteriorates with time even on low‑mileage tyres, and verify tread depth is within legal limits. Inspect the suspension for cracked or perished bushes, worn coil springs and any signs of uneven tyre wear that could reveal misalignment or worn steering components. Examine the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches, sills and suspension mounting points, as standing periods encourage corrosion. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and assess its ability to hold charge, and consider a load test if the battery is more than three years old. Finally, confirm that brake discs are free of excessive surface rust, that calipers move smoothly without binding, and that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power‑steering) contain fresh, correctly coloured fluid, replacing any that appear dark or contaminated. These checks will give a realistic picture of the vehicle’s mechanical health and any imminent maintenance that may be required.