2004 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Diesel · WL04 AHA

The vehicle presents a stable but aging profile, with the most recent MOT passed on 1 December 2025 at 102,606 miles. While the car consistently passes its inspections, the record shows a persistent and worsening trend of corrosion across the rear suspension and chassis components. Although the tester noted in December 2025 that the rear suspension arm and component mounting areas are corroded but not seriously weakened, these issues have been documented annually since at least 2016. The progression from minor arm corrosion in 2016 to more widespread mounting area corrosion in recent years suggests that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, the structural integrity of the rear subframe and trailing arm mounts is under continuous degradation. The mileage pattern indicates very light use for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,664 miles per year. The data shows consistent, low-interval usage, with the mileage climbing steadily from 83,856 miles in October 2013 to 102,606 miles in December 2025. This low annual mileage can be beneficial for drivetrain longevity, but the record suggests the vehicle may have spent significant time stationary, which often accelerates the type of surface and structural corrosion observed in the suspension and sill areas. The lack of rapid mileage accumulation means there is less mechanical wear on the engine and gearbox, but it does not mitigate the environmental impact on the metalwork. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough underside inspection, specifically focusing on the rear trailing arm mounts and the subframe mounting areas. The MOT history repeatedly flags corrosion in these specific zones, including the inner sills and spring mountings, which could eventually escalate from advisories to structural failures. The tester also noted a non-functional nearside front fog lamp in the 2025 test, suggesting minor electrical or bulb maintenance is required. Beyond the structural concerns, the history shows intermittent issues with consumables and minor repairs, such as windscreen damage in 2024 and 2021, and worn rear brake pads in 2019. The 2020 failure due to excessive exhaust emissions indicates the engine has previously struggled with combustion efficiency, though this was resolved. Given the recurring theme of suspension corrosion and the low-mileage usage pattern, a physical inspection of the rear differential mountings and the condition of all rubber bushes is essential to ensure the vehicle is not nearing a stage of significant mechanical or structural repair.