2012 Toyota RAV-4 2.2L Diesel · WN12 FAU

The most recent MOT test on the 2012 Toyota RAV-4 was conducted on 2025-11-28 and resulted in a clean pass, marking a significant improvement following its failure two days prior. The vehicle’s previous MOT on 2025-11-27 revealed three major defects—offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessive wear, offside front Macpherson strut top bush or bearing excessive free play, and offside front shock absorbers with negligible damping effect—all classified under 5.3.4(a)(i) and 5.3.2(d). These findings indicate a pattern of progressive suspension and steering system degradation, particularly in the offside (driver’s side) components, which may reflect either cumulative wear from high-mileage use or underlying manufacturing or installation defects. While the vehicle now passes, the prior failures suggest that the suspension and steering systems have reached critical thresholds of deterioration, warranting immediate attention to prevent further alignment or handling issues, which could escalate into binding or misalignment problems over time. The recorded mileage of 122,006 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 14 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 8,715 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a RAV-4 of this age. Lower mileage could imply periods of inactivity or light use, potentially leading to issues such as standing corrosion in brakes, suspension components, or fuel system deposits, while higher mileage would accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension bushings. The lack of extreme mileage spikes suggests that the vehicle has not been subjected to particularly harsh conditions, but the suspension failures from the 2025 MOT failure highlight that even moderate usage can lead to significant wear in critical systems over time. The advisory tyres worn close to legal limits from 2023 further underscore the importance of monitoring tyre condition, as uneven wear patterns may indicate alignment or camber issues that could worsen with continued use. Given the recent MOT failure history, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering systems, focusing on the offside components where defects were recorded. During a test drive, listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises from the offside Macpherson strut area, particularly when cornering or over bumps, as this may indicate further wear in the top bush or bearing. Check for excessive play in the steering wheel or uneven tyre wear, which could signal alignment or camber issues stemming from the anti-roll bar linkage or strut wear. Inspect the offside rear shock absorbers for signs of leakage or a lack of rebound damping, which may manifest as a spongy or unstable ride quality. Additionally, verify that the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are functioning correctly, as compromised suspension can affect braking performance and vehicle stability. For the remaining systems, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive physical and functional check. Given the vehicle’s age and the recorded advisories on tyre wear and cracking, inspect the tyres for sidewall perishing, which can occur even with low mileage due to prolonged exposure to UV light and temperature fluctuations. Check the brake discs and calipers for signs of corrosion or binding, particularly on the nearside (passenger’s side) rear, where the 2023 advisory noted potential damage. Verify that the brake fluid level is adequate and that there are no leaks under the vehicle, as standing brake fluid can corrode components over time. The 12V battery should be tested for charge retention and overall health, especially if the vehicle has been in storage, as battery failure can lead to electrical system malfunctions. Finally, since the vehicle has not had a service in several years, consider checking the service book for any scheduled maintenance, such as fluid top-ups (oil, coolant, brake fluid), timing belt replacement (if applicable), and exhaust emissions compliance, as these are critical for both roadworthiness and longevity. If the service history is sparse, prioritise a professional inspection to address potential calendar-based wear, such as suspension bush degradation or fluid degradation in the cooling or hydraulic systems.