2013 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · WR13 KNF

The latest MOT test on 2026-06-05 resulted in a failure due to a dangerous condition—exposed tyre cords on the offside rear tyre—alongside persistent advisories and minor defects that had previously passed. This outcome marks a clear deterioration in the vehicle’s tyre integrity, with the previous MOT on the same date recording only advisories regarding tyre wear and minor damage, indicating a rapid progression of tyre failure. While earlier MOTs showed stable maintenance trends with only minor issues, the recent failure underscores a concerning trend of worsening tyre conditions, which is critical as tyres are a primary safety component and their degradation can lead to hydroplaning, loss of traction, or catastrophic blowouts under load. The failure also highlights the need for immediate attention to the exposed tyre cords, as this is a severe breach of legal standards and poses immediate risk to roadworthiness. The vehicle’s mileage of 157,285 miles over approximately 13 years represents an exceptionally high annual usage rate of around 12,099 miles per annum, which is far above the typical mileage accumulation for a 13-year-old car. Such high mileage typically correlates with increased wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, suspension components, and drivetrain elements, as well as accelerated degradation of fluids and seals. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been in active use, likely under demanding conditions, which can exacerbate wear patterns. This usage profile demands particular scrutiny of high-wear items such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushes, and exhaust components, as these are most susceptible to rapid deterioration under heavy or frequent use. Given the recent MOT failure and recurring advisories, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the tyres, focusing on the rear offside tyre for signs of cord exposure, tread depth, and internal damage. On a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as a grinding or scraping sound from the rear tyres, which may indicate tyre failure or excessive wear. Additionally, check for uneven tyre wear patterns, which could signal misalignment or suspension issues. The exposed tyre cords are a critical concern, as they suggest the tyre has reached a point of imminent failure, and replacing it should be prioritised without delay. Beyond tyres, inspect the rear brakes for excessive pad wear, which was previously noted in advisories, and listen for a grinding sound when applying the brakes, which could indicate metal-to-metal contact between pads and discs. If the grinding persists, it may signal worn pads or warped discs, warranting further inspection. For the suspension and bodywork, the buyer should examine the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover for signs of severe deterioration, as previously flagged in the MOT. A test drive should reveal any clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, which may indicate worn suspension bushes or damaged coil springs. Inspect the rear suspension for uneven ride height or excessive play in the joints, as these could lead to handling instability. The vehicle’s high mileage also necessitates attention to fluid levels and condition, particularly the brake fluid, which should be checked for contamination or degradation, as standing fluid can corrode brake components over time. Finally, verify that the service history records are up to date, particularly for fluid changes and brake servicing, to ensure the vehicle has not been neglected in critical maintenance areas. If the buyer is concerned about the tyre history, they may also consider a professional tyre inspection to assess the extent of internal damage beyond what the MOT can detect.