2013 Toyota RAV-4 2.2L Diesel · RO13 FWK

Immediate attention to the braking system is required as the most recent MOT on 14 May 2026 recorded an advisory for front brake pads with only 2mm of friction material remaining. This follows a history of wear-related advisories, including rear brake pads being noted as thin in 2023. While the vehicle has maintained a passing status since 2021, the recent mechanical trend shows a shift towards consumable component depletion, specifically within the braking system, following a period of no recorded defects in 2024. The vehicle has covered 126,634 miles over its 13-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 9,741 miles. This mileage profile is consistent with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this level of consistent, moderate use suggests that components such as suspension bushings, dampers, and drivetrain mounts will be subject to standard age-related wear rather than the extreme stress of high-mileage motorway driving or the potential stagnation issues associated with very low annual mileage. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the suspension and steering during a test drive, specifically addressing the major failures recorded in April 2023 regarding excessively worn nearside and offside rear suspension arm pins and bushes. Any knocking, clunking, or dull thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps could indicate that these suspension components have not been fully rectified or are experiencing renewed wear. Additionally, the driver should monitor for any pulling to one side or steering instability, which can stem from worn bushings or uneven tyre wear. Regarding the braking system, the 2mm advisory on the front pads necessitates an immediate inspection. During the test drive, listen for any high-pitched squealing or grinding noises, which often signal metal-to-metal contact, and feel for any pulsation or judder through the brake pedal when applying pressure. The recent advisory regarding a nail in the nearside front tyre in 2025 also suggests the need to inspect the current tyre tread for uneven wear patterns or embedded debris that could lead to a rapid loss of pressure.