2009 Toyota RAV-4 2.2L Diesel · RE59 YAF

Corrosion of the rear suspension components and brake lines, alongside recurring tyre wear issues, defines the mechanical profile of this vehicle. The most recent test on 06 January 2026 resulted in a pass, but it identified a deteriorating nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover and slight play in the joint, alongside continued advisories for corroded rear coil springs and pitted front brake discs. This follows a trend of persistent advisories regarding structural corrosion on the inner sills and rear spring mountings, as well as repeated warnings about corroded rear brake pipes dating back to at least early 2024. The vehicle has covered 119,213 miles over its 17-year lifespan, which equates to an average annual usage of approximately 7,013 miles. This represents a relatively low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age, suggesting it has not been subjected to heavy long-distance motorway use. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the drivetrain, the MOT history shows that the vehicle has still been subject to significant age-related degradation, particularly regarding the integrity of the chassis, sills, and suspension components, which are often susceptible to environmental corrosion regardless of distance travelled. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the chassis and underside during a physical inspection, specifically focusing on the areas flagged for corrosion. The history notes corrosion on both inner sills and the rear suspension spring mounting areas. On a test drive, listen for any knocking, clunking, or creaking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that the advised play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint or the corroded rear coil springs are progressing. Any irregular pulling to one side or wandering steering may also point to the deteriorating suspension components. The braking system requires careful scrutiny due to the repeated advisories regarding corroded rear brake pipes and pitted front brake discs. During the test drive, monitor the brake pedal for any unusual vibrations, judder, or sponginess, which may indicate issues with the discs or the integrity of the hydraulic lines. Furthermore, given the history of tyres being worn close to the legal limit or having insufficient tread depth, a thorough check of the current tread depth and evenness of wear across all four tyres is essential to ensure they are not nearing the legal minimum.