2012 Toyota RAV-4 2.2L Diesel · RO61 VCL

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2012 Toyota RAV-4 was conducted on 9 January 2026 and recorded a pass with no defects or advisories. Of particular note, however, is that an MOT failure was also logged on the same date, suggesting the vehicle was presented, failed on certain items, those were rectified, and it was then re-presented and passed on the same day. Earlier entries follow a similar pattern, as a failure with no recorded defects appears alongside a pass dated 17 January 2024. The absence of specific defect descriptions on these failure entries is unusual and may indicate administrative retests or minor items that were addressed without formal advisory recording. Overall, the maintenance trend can be regarded as stable, with the vehicle consistently meeting MOT standards once any immediate issues have been corrected, and no advisory entries suggest no accumulating wear concerns have yet crossed failure thresholds. With 95,683 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, this RAV-4 has covered around 6,800 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of its age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history visible, with annual tests consistently performed over recent years, indicating regular use rather than prolonged standing. This steady accumulation is generally favourable from a mechanical longevity perspective, as it implies that consumables and fluids have been worked regularly and components such as the clutch, brakes, and drivetrain have not been subjected to long periods of inactivity. Conversely, it does suggest the suspension, bushes, and brake components have experienced continuous service wear, although nothing in the recorded history suggests that any of these items are currently approaching failure. Given the clean MOT history with no recorded advisories, attention should shift to age- and mileage-related degradation that may not yet have reached MOT failure thresholds but warrants physical inspection. The tyres should be closely examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth; a 14-year-old vehicle can exhibit brittleness even on lightly worn tyres. Similarly, the 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries of this age commonly suffer reduced capacity, particularly if the vehicle has experienced any short journeys. Brake calipers, particularly the rear ones, can seize from corrosion during slower-paced or urban use, so a test drive should focus on ensuring the vehicle rolls freely without dragging and that the brakes release cleanly without pulling to one side. Further checks should include a thorough inspection of the underbody and structural areas for corrosion, paying particular attention to wheel arches, suspension mounting points, and exhaust hangers, all of which can deteriorate on a vehicle of this vintage regardless of MOT outcome. Brake discs should be examined for lipping and surface corrosion, as standing or light use can produce uneven wear patterns. Fluid conditions should be verified, as brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should be replaced on a calendar basis irrespective of mileage, while engine coolant and transmission fluid should be checked for condition and age. On a test drive, listen for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, monitor for uneven tyre wear which may indicate tracking or worn bushes, and ensure the automatic or manual transmission shifts smoothly, as any drivetrain irregularities on a 14-year-old Toyota of this mileage would warrant further specialist inspection prior to purchase.