2011 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · SM11 OCJ

The vehicle currently presents a concerning roadworthiness status due to a rapidly worsening structural condition. While it passed its most recent test on 29 April 2026, this result was only possible after repairs were made following a critical failure just nine days prior. That failure identified significant corrosion on the nearside outer sill and offside inner sills, which compromised the structural rigidity of the assembly. Although the vehicle was cleared for the road, the transition from minor surface corrosion to major structural failure suggests the chassis is reaching a terminal stage of oxidative decay. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a 15-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 10,400 miles per year. Between April 2024 at 133,110 miles and April 2026 at 156,141 miles, the car covered 23,031 miles, indicating regular and heavy use. This consistent usage explains the natural degradation of rubber components and metalwork, but the high frequency of use at this age has likely accelerated the progression of the rust issues noted in the recent records. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the sills and underbody to determine if the structural repairs made in April 2026 were cosmetic patches or genuine reinforcements. The history also shows recurring suspension wear, specifically the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage and the offside front suspension arm bush, which were flagged in the 2026 test. Additionally, the misted nearside rear shock absorber noted in 2024 should be checked for active leaks to ensure the damping has not deteriorated beyond the point of safety.