2004 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · SP54 SWN

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness status, though the maintenance history indicates a pattern of reactive repairs rather than proactive prevention. The most recent test in September 2023 at 129,955 miles resulted in a pass following an initial failure for a rear fog lamp and front brake components. While the vehicle met the minimum legal requirements, the presence of an engine oil leak and worn brake pads and discs at this mileage suggests that components are only addressed once they reach the point of failure or significant wear. At approximately 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 129,955 miles represents a low annual average of roughly 5,900 miles. The data shows consistent usage patterns between 2021 and 2023, with 15,314 miles covered over that two-year period. This low-mileage often leads to age-related degradation of rubber components rather than mechanical wear, which is evidenced by the perished front tyre and corroded coil springs noted during the September 2021 test at 114,641 miles. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and structural integrity. The record highlights a history of coil spring corrosion and fractures, as well as worn anti-roll bar linkage joints, which are common failure points on this model. The buyer should check for further rust on the springs and critical structural mounting points like the subframe and shock towers. Additionally, the engine oil leak noted in 2023 requires close scrutiny to determine if it is a minor seal seep or a more significant gasket failure that could worsen. Given that the last recorded MOT was conducted nearly three years ago in September 2023, the vehicle's current roadworthiness is unverified. The gap in testing increases the likelihood that consumable items, such as tyres, wipers, and bulbs, have degraded since the last inspection. The front brake discs and pads should be measured specifically to ensure that the pitting and thinning reported in 2023 have not progressed into structural thinning or uneven braking performance.