2006 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · WV06 KVT

The Toyota RAV-4’s MOT history presents a concerning pattern of inconsistent compliance, with the most recent test—a failure on January 3, 2025 —indicating the vehicle has been driven untested for 18 months despite its age and mileage. The absence of recorded defects in any test is unusual, as even a well-maintained 20-year-old vehicle should show minor advisories for wear items like tyres, suspension bushes, or fluid levels. The fact that the car failed twice in December 2022—on the same day—suggests a deliberate attempt to pass the test, possibly by addressing only critical issues rather than underlying maintenance. Given the prolonged gap since the last test, a buyer should treat this as a red flag for deferred repairs, particularly in areas not routinely checked by MOT testers, such as brake fluid condition, coil spring integrity, or early-stage corrosion in high-stress areas. The mileage accumulation— 6,037 miles per year —is unremarkable for a vehicle of this age, neither excessively high nor suspiciously low, which might otherwise hint at neglect or infrequent use. However, the 1,324-mile jump between December 2023 (119,418 miles) and January 2025 (120,742 miles) suggests the car was driven heavily in a short period before the failed test, possibly masking underlying issues. The lack of intermediate tests over two years is striking; even if the car passed privately, the DVSA’s records imply it was not presented for inspection despite being due annually. This raises questions about whether the vehicle has been stored or used intermittently, with maintenance deferred until the last possible moment. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded defects in the MOT history is misleading—this vehicle demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Priority should be given to brake system components , including caliper binding, pad thickness, and disc condition, as the December 2022 failures hint at possible repeated adjustments rather than genuine compliance. The suspension—particularly coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings —should be checked for wear or fatigue, given the age and mileage. Structural integrity is another critical area; inspect for corrosion in wheel arches, sills, or subframe mounts , as well as any signs of previous accident damage that may not have been captured in MOT tests. Finally, verify fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering) and check for exhaust emissions compliance , as older diesel models often struggle with DPF or EGR-related failures that aren’t always flagged in basic tests. The clean MOT record here is a warning, not reassurance.