2008 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · RV08 LXZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 19 March 2026 resulted in a pass, although the vehicle was presented only the day before on 18 March 2026 and failed on multiple major items, namely inoperative nearside and offside front position lamps, an ineffective offside windscreen wiper, and advisories relating to product contamination on both headlamp lenses. Reviewing the broader trend, the MOT record shows a gradual accumulation of advisories and intermittent failures across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests, particularly in the areas of lighting, wiper function, tyres, and suspension component sealing. Although the vehicle has continued to pass, the pattern suggests that minor wear-and-tear issues are being addressed reactively rather than preventatively, and a prospective buyer should treat the advisory record as a useful indicator of components approaching the end of their effective service life. Recorded mileage of 141,817 miles over an 18-year period equates to an average of approximately 7,879 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and is neither unusually low nor excessively high. There are no obvious gaps or sudden mileage escalations within the recorded test history, indicating steady operational use rather than long periods of standing or extended high-mileage driving. That said, even at a moderate annual figure, an 18-year-old vehicle of this mileage will have accumulated substantial cumulative wear on engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, and braking components, and a comprehensive inspection of age- and mileage-sensitive items remains essential. The recurring advisory and failure items warrant particular attention. The 2026 advisory concerning front brake pads wearing thin suggests that the friction material is approaching the minimum legal thickness and a replacement will be due imminently; on a test drive, listen for any brake squeal, grinding, or vibration under firm application, and check for pulling to one side which could indicate uneven pad wear or a binding caliper. The 2025 failure involving the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover indicates that the protective boot is no longer sealing properly, which permits dirt and moisture ingress into the joint and accelerates wear; this should be inspected for perished or split boots, and any knocking or rattling over uneven road surfaces would suggest the joint itself has deteriorated. The earlier 2024 advisories across all four tyres showing wear close to the legal limit indicate that a full set was likely required, and the buyer should confirm the current tyres have adequate tread depth and, importantly, check the sidewalls for age-related perishing and cracking given the vehicle's overall age, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of mileage. The 2025 advisory of an illuminated engine management warning light also warrants verification that any underlying fault has been properly diagnosed and rectified, ideally by requesting evidence of diagnostic trouble codes and rectification work. Beyond the recorded MOT items, several age- and usage-related checks are strongly advisable for an 18-year-old vehicle. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as units of this age frequently hold insufficient charge, particularly after periods of short-trip use. Brake discs should be examined for corrosion ridges on the outer edges and for any signs of seized caliper slide pins, which are common on vehicles that see predominantly low-speed urban driving. All fluids, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid, should be checked for condition and age, with particular attention to brake fluid hygroscopic degradation and coolant inhibitor condition, both of which are time rather than mileage dependent. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion at joints, hangers, and the rear silencer, while the underside should be examined for surface corrosion to structural and suspension components. Finally, verify a full service history with documented intervals and inspect the timing chain or belt replacement record, as scheduled renewal is critical at this age and mileage.