2012 Toyota RAV-4 2.2L Diesel · SD12 HME

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed its most recent test in October 2025 at 112,858 miles, this followed a failure just one mile prior due to poor parking brake efficiency. The presence of multiple advisories regarding suspension bushings and braking components suggests that repairs are only being addressed when they approach the point of legal failure, rather than being replaced during routine service intervals. At 112,858 miles over 14 years, the RAV-4 has averaged approximately 8,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for a family SUV. The record shows a steady progression of mileage, with roughly 4,500 miles covered between August 2023 and November 2024, and another 2,700 miles between November 2024 and October 2025. This consistent usage suggests the vehicle does not suffer from long periods of stagnation which often accelerate degradation of rubber components and fluid lines. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the braking system, as the rear brake pipes have shown recurring corrosion dating back to at least 2024. The tester noted these pipes were covered in grease, which often indicates an attempt to mask surface rust or hide a previous leak. Furthermore, the front lower suspension arm bushes were flagged as worn in the October 2025 test. Although they did not cause a failure, these components are nearing the end of their functional life and will soon affect handling and cause audible noise. The offside front brake disc was noted as pitted and scored, indicating the metal is thinning or suffering from surface oxidation. Given the previous failure for multiple tyres reaching legal limits in late 2024, the vehicle shows a history of delayed consumable maintenance. Any prospective owner should verify the structural integrity of the chassis and the condition of the mounting points to ensure that the corrosion seen on the brake lines has not migrated to more critical areas of the vehicle frame.