2004 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · RE54 XUP

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive mechanical care. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 170,871 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a failure involving multiple lighting, washer, and suspension defects. The persistence of the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover deterioration and perished rear tyres as advisories suggests that the owner only addresses faults once they reach an MOT failure threshold rather than performing preventative maintenance on aging rubber components. At 170,871 miles over 22 years, the RAV4 averages approximately 7,767 miles per year, which is consistent with typical annual usage for an older SUV of this age. The data shows steady use, with roughly 3,900 miles covered between September 2023 and August 2024 tests, and another 3,900 miles between August 2024 and August 2025. This consistent interval indicates the vehicle has not sat for long periods, though the high mileage accelerates the degradation of rubber and metal components. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The record shows recurring issues with the rear brake pipes, which were flagged for corrosion in 2023 and 2024, indicating a need to verify that these lines have been replaced rather than merely cleaned or treated. The rear differential mounting bush and anti-roll bar linkages have shown history of excessive wear, so the buyer should check for play or audible knocking noises during a test drive. Additionally, the perishing of the rear tyres noted in 2025 indicates that the rubber is reaching the end of its structural life regardless of remaining tread depth.