2009 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · SA09 PKV

An accumulation of recent suspension and brake advisories defines the current mechanical state of this 2009 Toyota RAV4, which secured a pass on 20th August 2026 at 155,897 miles. While the vehicle enjoyed a prolonged run of clean test passes between late 2020 and 2025, the latest inspection highlights emerging wear across critical chassis and driveline components. Notably, the test flagged a worn rear propshaft centre bearing, play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage alongside a split dust cover on the offside equivalent, and a grease-covered offside rear brake pipe showing corrosion. This cluster of alerts indicates that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, several hard-working mechanical assemblies require close monitoring and eventual rectification. Tracking the vehicle through its seventeen-year lifespan reveals a steady and consistent usage profile averaging roughly 9,170 miles per year, with no extended periods of dormancy or irregular mileage spikes evident in the DVSA logs. This predictable accumulation rate means that wear and tear across the chassis and drivetrain has been distributed evenly over time rather than accelerated by intense fleet use or exacerbated by standing idle. However, high-mileage four-wheel-drive platforms naturally place heavy demands on suspension geometry, steering joints, and transmission support bearings, making preventative checks essential as the vehicle moves further past the 150,000-mile threshold. Prospective buyers must conduct a rigorous physical inspection of the flagged components during a comprehensive pre-purchase road test. Listen closely for a rhythmic humming, vibration, or clunking from beneath the cabin floor during acceleration and deceleration, which would point to the worn rear propshaft centre bearing noted by the examiner. Additionally, negotiate undulating road surfaces to detect any knocking or vagueness from the front axle, verifying the condition of the anti-roll bar drop links and checking for any residual play left over from the lower suspension arm bush replacements carried out following its November 2022 failure. Finally, inspect the braking system thoroughly, paying particular attention to the offside rear brake line where corrosion and a greasy surface coating were recorded, and verify the condition of the brake discs and pads to ensure adequate friction material remains across all four corners. A detailed visual check underneath the vehicle on a ramp is recommended to inspect the extent of the brake pipe corrosion and assess the underbody structural integrity against age-related oxidation. Addressing these items promptly will help preserve the structural and mechanical roadworthiness of this high-mileage sport utility vehicle.