2007 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · PJ07 CKE

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a decline in maintenance standards following several years of stability. While the car passed tests in 2022 and 2023 without defects, the January 2024 test at 141,472 miles revealed three critical safety failures. The presence of an insecure front steering rack and an ABS fault indicates a serious lapse in preventative maintenance of vital safety systems, though the vehicle eventually passed after these issues and a misting shock absorber were addressed. At a recorded mileage of 141,472 miles over 19 years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,400 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for an age of this age. The mileage accumulation between January 2023 and January 2024 is consistent, showing roughly 8,000 miles driven in that period. However, the gap between the last recorded MOT in January 2024 and the current date means the vehicle has not undergone a professional roadworthiness inspection in over two years, increasing the risk of undetected degradation in rubber components or structural corrosion given the previous mechanical failures. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the front end to ensure the steering rack has been properly secured and is not merely a temporary fix. The previously reported ABS fault requires a diagnostic scan to confirm if the issue was a simple sensor failure or a pump malfunction. Given the history of a misting nearside front shock absorber, the buyer should check for significant oil leaks that would indicate imminent failure. Additionally, attention should be paid to the rear exhaust system and suspension mounting, as these are common points of failure on this generation of RAV4 that often go beyond the scope of a standard MOT test.