2009 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · PE09 CSY

Chronic brake and suspension wear dominates the roadworthiness profile of this 2009 Toyota RAV4, with the most recent test on 2026-02-03 producing a pass but flagging an engine oil level above maximum, while the broader MOT history reveals a deteriorating rather than stable trend. The 2025 test sequence is particularly telling: an initial failure recorded a leaking offside front shock absorber, a perished anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, contaminated rear brake discs, and an inoperative offside front position lamp, before a subsequent re-test passed without advisories. A more serious episode occurred in 2024 when front brake pads were measured below the 1.5 mm dangerous failure threshold, paired with advisories for pitted rear brake discs and an inaccessible centre rear seat belt. Recurring rear brake disc pitting across 2023 and 2024, combined with multiple anti-roll bar bush advisories in 2021 and 2023, points to an underlying chassis and braking wear pattern rather than isolated component ageing. Against its seventeen-year life, the recorded mileage of 129,385 miles equates to roughly 7,611 miles annually, which sits within normal parameters for a vehicle of this age and suggests consistent year-round use rather than extended periods off the road. The MOT record shows uninterrupted annual testing back to at least 2021, with no multi-year gaps that might indicate long-term storage or intermittent use. Mechanically, this level of annual mileage on a 4x4 of this vintage places steady demand on suspension components, drivetrain mounts, and brake friction materials, which aligns with the wear items repeatedly flagged in the test record. The absence of mileage gaps also means cold-start wear, condensation, and corrosion cycles have continued without interruption, a relevant factor given the brake pipe corrosion advisory noted in 2023. For a prospective buyer, the brake and suspension items identified in the MOT record warrant close physical inspection. The 2025 leaking offside front shock absorber and perished anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, alongside multi-year rear anti-roll bar bush advisories, mean the front and rear suspension should be examined for oil misting on the strut bodies, cracked or split bush rubber, and any looseness in the anti-roll bar linkages when the vehicle is rocked side to side. The 2024 dangerous brake pad failure and repeated rear brake disc pitting mean a test drive should include firm pedal applications to check for judder, pulling, or a soft pedal, with a visual inspection of pad material thickness and disc surface condition. The 2023 advisories for corroded rear brake pipes covered in grease or other material should prompt a thorough check underneath for fresh corrosion, weeping pipe joints, or evidence of recent repair, as the covering material may mask active deterioration. Additional attention should be paid to the items flagged in the most recent and earlier tests. The engine oil level above maximum recorded in February 2026 could indicate a recent overfill, a failing head gasket allowing coolant into the sump, or fuel dilution from short journeys, so the oil should be checked on the dipstick for a milky residue or a fuel smell, and the coolant reservoir examined for oil contamination. The 2021 advisory for nearside and offside front tyres worn on the edge should be verified by inspecting current tread for uneven shoulder wear, which on an SUV of this mileage can point to misalignment or worn suspension geometry. The inaccessible centre rear seat belt noted in both 2024 tests also deserves clarification, as the tester should confirm whether the belt is physically present and functional, since a missing or improperly routed centre belt is a safety concern rather than a simple accessibility issue.