2002 Toyota RAV-4 1.8L Petrol · WF02 XJJ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of structural decay and component degradation. While the most recent test in November 2024 at 133,113 miles was a pass, it highlighted recurring issues that persisted from previous years. The most critical point was the failure in November 2023 due to significant structural corrosion on the offside rear inner sill. Although this was subsequently repaired and covered in underseal, the presence of surface rust across the underside suggests that the vehicle remains vulnerable to ongoing moisture-related decay. The mileage profile is notably low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,500 miles per year. The data shows consistent, low-intensity usage with the car moving from 126,058 miles in late 2021 to 133,313 miles by 2024. However, this low mileage often correlates with accelerated aging of rubber components rather than mechanical wear. This is evidenced by the repeated reports of perished tyres and corroded brake hose ferrules which appear across multiple test cycles despite the low distance driven. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the structural repair area to ensure the underseal on the inner sill is not masking further bubbling corrosion. The record shows a persistent history of brake hose corrosion across all four wheels from 2021 through 2024, indicating the hydraulic system is reaching the end of its reliable life and requires proactive replacement to prevent sudden failure. The fluctuating offside rear service brake noted in 2024 also suggests a binding caliper or a warped disc that requires immediate attention. Additionally, the recurring oil leak and the condition of the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, which previously failed due to a torn dust cover, should be checked for active leaks or excessive play.