2005 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · WN05 ONW

The vehicle's most recent MOT, conducted on 25 February 2026 at 82,002 miles, resulted in a pass. This followed a failure just two days prior on 23 February 2026 at 81,982 miles, indicating the owner addressed immediate failures before retesting. The maintenance trend is stable but chronically neglectful. Every single test from February 2024 through February 2026 has flagged corrosion on all four coil springs, a persistent issue that has never been rectified despite repeated advisories. Rear brake discs and a corroded nearside rear brake pipe have also appeared consistently, suggesting the braking system has seen minimal proactive attention. While the car passed its latest test, the underlying faults remain and will worsen without intervention. At 82,002 miles over approximately 21 years, the recorded annual mileage of roughly 3,905 miles is notably low. The gap between the February 2025 test at 78,406 miles and the February 2026 test at 81,982 miles shows only 3,576 miles covered in a full year, consistent with very light use or extended periods of standing. Sparse mileage accumulation can mask deterioration, as components like brake pipes, coil springs, and tyres degrade through age and corrosion rather than use alone. The minimal mileage between the 2026 failure and pass, just 20 miles, confirms the retest was a direct follow-up rather than evidence of sustained road use. A buyer should treat the suspension and braking systems as priority inspection points. The repeated advisories for corroded coil springs on all four corners raise concerns about structural integrity, particularly if the vehicle has been used on rough roads or in salted winter conditions. The nearside rear brake pipe has been flagged as corroded and contaminated across multiple tests, a condition that compromises braking efficiency and demands immediate replacement. Rear brake discs have been noted as worn, pitted, or scored in consecutive years, suggesting caliper drag or deferred pad changes. Tyre condition advisories, including cracking and perishing, point to age-related degradation rather than high mileage, meaning even tread depth may not guarantee safe rubber. The 2025 advisory for rear structural corrosion, while not deemed critical at the time, warrants close examination for any progression. Beyond the flagged items, the persistent oil leak noted in 2025 and the worn rear shock absorber bushes seen in 2026 indicate general wear that has been monitored rather than repaired. The front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in 2025 but did not appear in the 2026 record, suggesting they were replaced, which is one of the few signs of active maintenance. Overall, the record reflects a vehicle that has been kept legal but not properly maintained. Any purchase should be contingent on a thorough independent inspection of the underside, brake lines, and suspension mounting points, with a clear budget for addressing the long-standing corrosion and brake issues.