2018 Toyota RAV4 2.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · RO68 KCK

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 October 2025 resulted in a Pass, though it should be noted that the same date also records a Fail for an offside front windscreen wiper not clearing the screen effectively, alongside an advisory that the vehicles internal headlight adjuster had been altered to recheck lights. The repair required to secure the pass was evidently straightforward, but the recurrence of front lighting and visibility-related defects across consecutive tests is worth scrutiny. Looking at the broader trajectory, the 2023 and 2024 tests passed without recorded defects, yet the 2024 cycle also included a fail for an offside front headlamp not working on dipped beam, indicating that the dipped beam circuit on that side has now been a point of concern in successive years. While there is no immediate advisory relating to structural corrosion, braking, or suspension wear, the pattern of minor electrical and visibility issues warrants attention, and the overall trend appears stable rather than worsening, provided the lighting and wiper faults have been properly rectified rather than temporarily resolved. With 65,718 miles recorded over approximately eight years, the vehicle has covered around 8,215 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests a mixture of urban and longer-distance use rather than long periods of standing or unusually high motorway accumulation. There are no large unexplained mileage gaps in the available test history, indicating fairly consistent use. This annual mileage is moderate for a RAV4 of this vintage, so major drivetrain components such as the engine, transmission, and clutch should not yet be at the extreme end of their service life, though the timing chain and auxiliary drive components on a 2018 Toyota of this mileage are approaching the territory where preventive inspection is sensible. Given the recurring advisories concerning the offside front headlamp and wiper effectiveness, a prospective buyer should physically verify that both dipped beam units are functioning correctly and that the wiper blades and linkage clear the screen without smearing or skipping across the swept zone, as wiper motor failure or perished rubbers are common on a vehicle of this age. On a test drive, listen for any electrical irregularities such as flickering headlights or intermittent wiper operation, and check that the headlamp aim is correct following the altered adjuster note, as an incorrectly set beam can both fail an MOT and compromise night-time visibility. It would also be prudent to inspect the headlamp connector and wiring loom on the offside front for corrosion or heat damage, since repeat bulb or connector failures can indicate a deeper electrical issue rather than a simple blown bulb. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and mileage profile of this RAV4 means a number of time-based and wear-based checks are warranted regardless of MOT outcome. Tyres should be inspected for both tread depth and, critically, sidewall perishing or cracking given that the vehicle is now eight years old, as rubber degrades with age even when tread remains adequate. The 12V battery should be tested for cranking performance, particularly if the car has seen short journeys, as Toyota stop-start systems place additional load on ageing batteries. Brake discs, especially those at the front, should be examined for lipping and surface corrosion consistent with the recorded mileage, and the caliper slide pins and flexible brake hoses checked for seizure or perishing. Finally, confirm the service book stamps for engine oil, filter, brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable, as brake fluid in particular degrades hygroscopically over time and a Toyota of this age should ideally have had a brake fluid change within the last two to three years irrespective of mileage.