2004 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Diesel · WU54 HRP

The 2004 Toyota RAV-4 presents a mixed maintenance profile that has stabilised in recent years, though the record reveals a period of significant neglect around 2019. The most recent MOT, conducted on 14 October 2021 at 151,157 miles, passed but flagged a worn and pitted Nearside Front inner brake disc, a corroded Nearside Rear brake pipe obscured by grease, and a Nearside Rear tyre worn to near its legal limit. These advisories suggest deferred attention to braking components and basic tyre upkeep. The trajectory from the failed test in October 2019 through to the 2021 pass indicates a partial recovery in maintenance standards, but the recurring nature of brake-related advisories points to a pattern of reactive rather than preventative servicing. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,871 miles per year over twenty-two years sits squarely within typical annual use for a vehicle of this age. A notable gap exists between the October 2021 test at 151,157 miles and today, 18 June 2026, with no subsequent MOT recorded. This five-year absence raises questions about whether the vehicle has been in regular use, stored, or simply left untested. The jump from 143,325 miles in November 2020 to 151,157 miles in October 2021 represents an increase of 7,832 miles in under twelve months, which is slightly above the long-term average and may indicate heavier use during that period. The October 2019 failure exposed serious wear across multiple suspension and braking systems. Both front lower suspension arm ball joints, anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, and all four brake pads were flagged, alongside a split Offside Front CV joint boot and misaligned headlamps. The fact that these items were addressed sufficiently to pass the following day suggests a one-off corrective effort rather than ongoing care. Buyers should inspect the front suspension bushes, ball joints, and anti-roll bar links for play or deterioration, as these components endure significant stress on a vehicle of this age and mileage. The corroded rear brake pipe noted in 2021 warrants close examination, particularly where rigid lines meet flexible hoses along the rear axle, as corrosion in this area can lead to sudden brake failure if left unchecked. Tyre condition has appeared as an advisory in three of the five recorded tests, including cracking, perishing, and edge wear. This recurring theme implies the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary or been fitted with budget replacement tyres that degrade unevenly. Any prospective buyer should check the date codes on all four tyres and the spare, assess the condition of the exhaust system for corrosion given the age of the vehicle, and verify that the headlamp aim remains correct, as the 2019 failure indicated both lamps were misaligned. The absence of any MOT since late 2021 means a thorough independent inspection is essential before purchase.