2002 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · WM02 WDF

The most recent DVSA MOT test dated 6 February 2025 resulted in a Pass, although it was conducted only two days after a previous failure on 4 February 2025, which suggests that essential repairs were carried out immediately prior to retest. The earlier failure noted a major leak of exhaust gases at the rear, together with deteriorated dust covers on both offside and nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, all of which were presumably rectified to achieve the subsequent pass. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has passed every annual test since at least 2019, with only one outright failure and one advisory-only pass in that period, indicating a generally stable maintenance history with isolated component issues that have been addressed as they have arisen. With 206,139 miles recorded on a 24 year old vehicle, the annual usage works out at approximately 8,589 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests consistent rather than exceptional use. There is no significant mileage gap between successive tests that would indicate long periods of standing, which is favourable for avoiding issues such as seized calipers, perished coolant hoses, or severe underbody corrosion from disuse. However, the cumulative wear associated with this level of mileage is considerable, and consumable items such as timing belts, water pumps, suspension bushes, engine and gearbox mounts, and clutch components will all have been subjected to substantial working life already. The recurring appearance of anti-roll bar linkage and ball joint defects across the 2020, 2023, and 2025 MOT records is a clear theme worth investigating. Both front and rear anti-roll bar components have been flagged, with dust cover deterioration progressing to a major defect at the front by early 2025, and an excessively worn rear ball joint recorded as a major in late 2023. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front and rear suspension over speed humps, uneven bumps, or when cornering, as these are classic symptoms of worn anti-roll bar bushes and ball joints. Also pay close attention to any uneven or feathered tyre wear, particularly on the inside edges, which often accompanies worn suspension linkages. The 2019 advisory regarding both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit suggests monitoring of rear axle geometry and regular tyre rotation, while the 2020 advisory for rear brake pads wearing thin indicates that braking components should be inspected for remaining life and the condition of the discs for lipping or corrosion. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and mileage related items warrant physical inspection before purchase. Given the 206,139 recorded miles, the cambelt or timing chain service interval should be verified through the service book, along with evidence of regular coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox oil changes, as these fluids degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. The exhaust system, although recently repaired at the rear, should be examined from the manifold back for corrosion and blowing joints, particularly given the vehicle's age. The 2023 advisory regarding an inoperative or malfunctioning engine management indicator lamp warrants confirming that the MIL now illuminates correctly with the ignition and extinguishes when the engine runs, and that any underlying fault codes have been cleared. Finally, inspect all tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing common to older vehicles, check the 12V battery for holding charge, examine the underbody for corrosion around suspension mounting points and sills, and verify that the nearside rear seat belt damage noted in 2025 has been addressed if rear seats have since been refitted.