2008 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · VN58 CVE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a pattern of reactive rather than proactive care. The most recent MOT test in February 2026 at 133,420 miles resulted in a pass after initial failures for a worn offside front tyre and a deteriorated registration plate. While the immediate safety defects were rectified, the recurring failure of the position lamp across the last two years suggests the owner only addresses faults when forced by a tester rather than performing routine inspections. At 133,420 miles over 18 years, the RAV4 averages approximately 7,400 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for an SUV of this age. The mileage progression between February 2024 and February 2025 shows an increase of 6,368 miles, indicating consistent annual use rather than long periods of standing. However, the relatively low mileage does not offset the chronological age of the vehicle, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and metalwork as evidenced in the inspection notes. A buyer must scrutinise the structural integrity of the chassis and underbody. Records from 2024 and 2025 highlight heavy corrosion and the use of undersealing to obscure components, which is a common red flag for masking structural rust on older Japanese. The 2024 mention of a corroded rear coil spring and play in the nearside front wheel bearing indicates that the suspension system is reaching the end of its service life. Physical inspection should verify if the rust has progressed beyond what the underseal can hide. The braking system also requires attention. Both front and rear brake discs were flagged as pitted and scored in early 2024, suggesting long-term exposure to moisture or lack of cleaning. Given that the offside front tyre was worn on the edge in 2026, an alignment issue may also be present. A prospective buyer should check for uneven tyre wear and binding calipers, ensuring that the reported underside corrosion has not compromised the brake lines or structural mounting zones.