2012 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · RO62 UTP

A recurring pattern of consumable wear on tyres and braking components defines the recent mechanical profile of this Toyota RAV4, with the most recent test on 17 November 2025 recording advisories for both nearside and offside front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and both front brake pads wearing thin. This follows a similar trend observed in the 2023 MOT, which flagged rear tyre wear and rear brake pad depletion. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record since 2018 without any recorded failures, the frequency of these specific advisories suggests a trend of components reaching the end of their service life around the time of annual inspections. The vehicle has covered 82,806 miles over its fourteen-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of approximately 5,915 miles. This is a relatively low mileage profile for a vehicle of this age and class. Such a usage pattern typically implies less frequent high-speed motorway running and lower cumulative stress on drivetrain components, though it can also mean that components like tyres and brakes are subject to more frequent cycles of use and rest, which can sometimes lead to uneven wear if the vehicle is driven primarily on short, local trips. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the condition of the four tyres and the front braking system, as the 2025 advisories indicate both are nearing the legal threshold. During a test drive, it is essential to check for any pulling to one side under braking, which could indicate uneven pad wear or binding calipers, and to listen for any rhythmic thumping or increased road noise that might suggest the tyres are worn unevenly on the edges as noted in the records. The presence of edge wear on multiple tyres often points to alignment issues or suspension geometry changes that should be investigated. Beyond the immediate consumables, the lack of recorded structural or suspension defects across the MOT history provides a baseline for the vehicle's integrity, but the buyer should still verify the condition of the suspension bushes and steering linkages. Given the low annual mileage, a physical inspection should confirm that rubber components have not perished due to age rather than wear. Any noticeable knocks or knocks from the front end when traversing uneven surfaces should be treated as a priority for investigation, particularly as the recent history focuses heavily on the front axle's wear items.