2013 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · PX63 UNV

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 10 December 2023 at 138,120 miles, but the advisory items indicate a persistent decline in condition rather than improvement. The corroded brake pipes and slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint, both flagged in the 2023 test, mirror faults recorded in the 2022 test, showing no resolution. These are not isolated failures but recurring issues tied to age and environmental exposure, suggesting deferred maintenance. The mileage progression is consistent with average annual use—roughly 10,600 miles per year—over its 13-year lifespan. There are no significant gaps between tests, and the jump from 111,595 miles in December 2021 to 129,836 miles in November 2022 reflects normal usage. The vehicle was not left standing for extended periods, meaning the wear observed is attributable to operational use rather than neglect through inactivity. A buyer must inspect the brake pipe condition thoroughly, particularly along the rear half of the front-to-rear runs on both sides, where corrosion has been consistently noted and covered in grease—a sign of temporary masking rather than repair. The anti-roll bar linkages have failed twice, first fracturing in late 2021 and then showing wear and play through 2022 and 2023; these components are now high-risk and likely require full replacement. The repeated brake pipe corrosion, especially when masked by grease, implies poor underbody hygiene and possible exposure to salt or moisture without adequate rust protection. The suspension bushes and mounting points should be checked for hidden deterioration, as the anti-roll bar issues often accompany related wear in adjacent control arms or subframe mounts. Any signs of structural rust around the wheel arches or chassis rails would be a critical red flag.