1999 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · S196 APA

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a worsening trend in structural degradation and mechanical wear. While it passed its last test in April 2023 at 130,237 miles, the failed test just one mile prior revealed critical structural failures. The tester specifically flagged the offside rear outer suspension mounting and seat belt anchorage as having excessive corrosion that significantly reduced structural strength. Although the subsequent pass noted the corrosion was no longer excessive, the presence of deep rust in these mounting areas indicates an ongoing structural risk. At 27 years old, the recorded mileage of 130,237 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 4,800 miles. However, this low usage does not correlate with the good state of the chassis. There is a significant gap in recent data, with the last MOT recorded in April 2023, meaning the vehicle has not been professionally inspected for over three years. The history of deteriorating rubber components, such as the cracked tyres and perished boots noted in 2022, suggests the vehicle may have suffered from age-related decay while sitting rather than high-mile wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough underbody inspection focusing on the sills and suspension mounting points to ensure the corrosion identified in 2023 has not progressed. The steering rack inner joints and lower suspension arm bushes were previously flagged for wear and require immediate attention to ensure steering precision. Additionally, the persistent engine oil leak noted consistently since at least 2022 should be monitored to determine if the leak rate is accelerating. Given the history of corroded brake pipes and perished boots, the integrity of the entire rubber system remains a primary concern for this aging Toyota.