2016 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · PS66 ACE

A clean roadworthiness profile underpins this ten year old RAV4, with eight consecutive MOT passes and no failures recorded, the most recent being a pass on 27 May 2026 carrying only a single advisory for a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Across the eight tests documented since 2019, only three contained recorded defects, and even those were confined to minor advisories rather than pass or fail items. The only multi advisory test occurred back in May 2022, when front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored (though not seriously weakened) alongside some perishing across all four tyres and edge wear on both front tyres. Since that single cluster of wear related notices, the car has returned two fully clean passes in 2023, 2024 and 2025 before the single tyre advisory reappeared in 2026. This pattern points to a broadly stable mechanical record with isolated consumable wear rather than any chronic structural or systemic deterioration. The recorded mileage of 45,853 miles against a ten year age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,585 miles, which is low for the vehicle's age and suggests periods of light use or extended standing. The MOT testing history itself is unusually frequent, with eight tests recorded across an eleven year registration, and only modest mileage jumps between tests consistent with limited, intermittent running. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components and high cost items such as the clutch, turbo and dual mass flywheel, but it can accelerate ageing of certain parts, particularly rubber components, brake discs through corrosion, tyres through sidewall perishing, and 12V battery condition through extended standing. The 2022 advisory capturing perishing across all four tyres is consistent with age related rubber degradation rather than high mileage wear, supporting the impression of a vehicle that has spent significant time stationary. No significant gaps in testing history are present, which provides continuous visibility of the vehicle's condition over the period. For a prospective buyer, the primary inspection priorities should mirror the components that have actually attracted advisories. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or pedal judder under firm braking, as the 2022 advisory noted pitted and scored front discs, and verify that straight line stopping does not pull to either side which might indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad transfer. Inspect all four tyres for visible cracking, sidewall perishing and uneven shoulder wear, particularly on the nearside front which has been flagged twice across the history, and confirm that none are approaching the tread wear indicator bars. With low annual mileage and likely extended standing periods, check for any surface corrosion on exposed brake discs, a seizing handbrake mechanism, and any binding in the rear calipers which can occur after prolonged inactivity. Ensure the 12V battery is capable of holding charge, as low mileage vehicles frequently suffer from battery degradation through standing rather than cycling, and confirm the engine starts promptly without extended cranking. Given the clean failure record but the 2022 cluster of tyre and brake disc advisories, it would be prudent to physically measure the front brake disc thickness against the manufacturer minimum specification, as pitted and scored discs approaching their wear limit will require replacement before the next MOT. Examine the sidewalls of all tyres closely for the cracking and perishing pattern flagged in 2022, including any replacements fitted since, as aged rubber of this profile can deteriorate regardless of remaining tread depth. A thorough inspection underneath should look for any oil misting or leaks from the engine and transmission seams, as well as condition of the front suspension bushes, anti roll bar drop links and coil springs, as low mileage standing periods can promote corrosion at pivot points. Test the steering for any knocking or vagueness over uneven surfaces, and listen for clonking from the front suspension when turning at low speed, which would indicate worn linkages. A road test under load, including motorway speed engine performance and a full lock steering check, will help confirm that the mechanical components remain in proportion with the otherwise clean testing history.