2010 Toyota RAV-4 2.2L Diesel · VO60 CZG

The 2010 Toyota RAV-4 currently holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 13 February 2026 at 122,744 miles with zero defects recorded. That clean result is a positive sign, but it sits against a backdrop of recurring corrosion and mechanical deterioration that a buyer must not overlook. The maintenance trend is best described as reactive rather than preventative. The vehicle failed on 3 February 2026 for a cut and weakened offside rear seat belt webbing, a defect that should have been spotted during routine interior checks. It then passed ten days later, suggesting the belt was replaced rather than repaired. More concerning is the pattern emerging from the January 2024 cycle, where the car failed on 17 January with significant corrosion to the offside front integral body structure and inner sill, corroded rear coil springs, corroded fuel pipes, corroded rear brake pipes, and a split offside front outer CV boot. A week later on 24 January 2024 it passed, yet the same coil spring corrosion, fuel pipe corrosion, and both rear brake pipe corrosion items reappeared as advisories. That tells us the underlying corrosion was managed cosmetically or partially rather than resolved at the component level. The mileage progression is broadly consistent with typical use for a vehicle of this age. From 113,222 miles in January 2024 to 118,400 miles by February 2025 represents roughly 5,178 miles over thirteen months, and the jump to 122,744 miles by February 2026 adds another 4,344 miles in twelve months. Annual mileage of around 4,500 to 5,000 miles in recent years is lower than the lifetime average of approximately 7,672 miles per year, which may indicate a change of owner, reduced use, or a shift toward shorter local journeys. Shorter trips accelerate corrosion-related deterioration because components never reach full operating temperature long enough to drive off moisture, and this aligns with the rust-related failures seen in 2024. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the structural underside of the vehicle. The offside front inner sill and body structure were flagged for significant corrosion affecting rigidity, which is a structural integrity concern that can worsen rapidly once the protective metal thickness is compromised. Both rear coil springs showed corrosion in January 2024, and corroded coil springs are at risk of fracture, particularly under load or over uneven surfaces. The rear brake pipes were corroded and contaminated with grease or other material, meaning the corrosion may be active beneath surface contamination and the pipe wall thickness could be reduced. Fuel pipe corrosion is another item that demands close examination, as fuel leaks near hot exhaust components present a fire risk. The split CV boot on the offside front driveshaft joint indicates the joint has been exposed to dirt and moisture, so the buyer should check for clicking during tight turns and assess whether the joint needs replacement. Beyond the corrosion history, the February 2026 seat belt defect is worth noting. A cut webbing more than 2mm from the edge suggests possible damage from a sharp object or misuse, and while it has been rectified, it raises questions about how the vehicle was treated by its most recent keeper. Tyre condition, brake disc and pad wear, and exhaust emissions performance should all be verified in person, as the clean February 2026 pass confirms only that the vehicle met minimum legal standards on that specific day. The record shows a vehicle that has had genuine structural and mechanical issues patched up to pass testing rather than systematically maintained, and any buyer should price that risk accordingly.