2014 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Diesel · RO64 XSH

The most recent MOT, carried out on 20 January 2026, was passed but returned several advisory and minor items, notably thin front and rear brake pads, a severely deteriorated anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust cover, a defective near‑side wiper blade and minor windscreen damage. Over the last six recorded tests the vehicle has shown a consistent pattern of advisory findings rather than outright failures, indicating that while the car has been kept road‑worthy, wear on consumables is progressing and the maintenance regime is holding the vehicle just above the minimum legal standards rather than improving. At 173 645 miles the 2014 RAV4 has accumulated roughly 14‑15 thousand miles per annum, well above the average for a vehicle of its age. This level of use suggests that major wear items such as suspension bushings, engine mounts, drive‑shaft universal joints and steering components will have been subjected to a high number of load cycles. The mileage also implies that the brake discs are likely approaching the end of their service life, and that the tyre sidewalls may have suffered fatigue from prolonged high‑speed operation, especially if the car has spent periods on the motorway. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the braking system. Verify the remaining pad thickness on both axles and inspect the discs for scoring, glazing or excessive rust, as thin pads will soon require replacement and worn discs can lead to reduced braking efficiency or pulsation under heavy braking. On a test drive listen for any squeal, groan or uneven pedal feel, and feel for any vibration through the steering wheel when applying the brakes. The anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust cover’s severe deterioration may allow dirt ingress to the ball joint, potentially accelerating wear; examine the front anti‑roll bar bushings and ball joint for play or corrosion, and watch for clunking noises when traversing bumps or during cornering. The windscreen damage and faulty wiper blade should be rectified promptly to maintain clear visibility in wet conditions, and the wiper mechanism itself should be checked for smooth operation without streaking. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough inspection of time‑related items is essential. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven wear beyond the legal tread depth, and confirm that the tyre pressure monitoring system is functional, as a previous failure indicates a possible sensor fault. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and assess the battery’s cranking voltage, as a 12‑year‑old unit may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect the suspension components—coil springs, shock absorbers, and rubber bushings—for signs of leakage, sagging or excessive play, and look for any rust on the chassis or under‑body that could affect structural integrity. Finally, verify that the service book contains regular oil, filter and coolant changes at the manufacturer’s intervals, and consider a comprehensive fluid change (engine oil, brake fluid, gearbox oil and coolant) if the records show a long interval since the last documented service.