2006 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · RE06 RHA

The vehicle is currently technically roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred preventative care. While the most recent test in April 2025 at 195,885 miles passed, it introduced new mechanical concerns regarding the steering rack and suspension that were not present in previous years. The recurring presence of worn suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkage issues suggests that components are only being addressed when they approach a failure point rather than on a proactive schedule. At 195,885 miles, the RAV-4 has averaged approximately 10,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The data shows a significant interval of 16,600 miles covered between March 2023 and April 2024, followed by another 15,102 miles over the following year. This consistent mileage accumulation places steady stress on wear items, particularly the braking system and suspension assemblies which show persistent degradation throughout the three-year period. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension and steering system. The tester consistently flagged worn lower suspension arm bushes on both sides since 2023, and the 2025 test identified play in the steering rack inner joints. These issues can lead to unpredictable handling and accelerated tyre wear if left untreated. Additionally, the light misting on the offside front shock absorber in the latest test indicates the start of a seal failure, which will eventually require component replacement. The braking system shows a pattern of reactive maintenance, with records of pitted and scored discs and thin pads appearing in almost every test. The vehicle failed in March 2024 due to pads being below the legal 1.5mm limit, indicating that consumables were run until critical failure. Any buyer should verify the current thickness of the pads and discs and check the parking brake efficiency, as this was a known failure point in 2023.