2015 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Diesel · YH15 ACO

The 2015 Toyota RAV4 carries a record of intermittent mechanical advisories spanning several years, culminating in a clean pass on 2026-02-23. The most recent test confirmed roadworthiness despite a history including failed brake disc wear, severely worn front tyres, and suspension arm deterioration, alongside a single TPMS alert regarding low tyre pressure. Between the 2024 and 2025 MOTs there was minimal interval with no new defects, yet the 2023 failure involving rear brake disc scoring and a compromised rear suspension arm pin indicates that high mileage combined with ageing components has produced persistent issues that required intervention before each passing test. At 77,042 miles, the vehicle has accumulated approximately 7,000 miles per year over its eleven-year life, which aligns with normal usage patterns for its generation when accounting for the infrequent testing intervals seen between 2024 and 2025. The gap between the February 2024 and February 2025 MOTs represents a particularly short period with no reported defects, suggesting either diligent maintenance during that window or that minor issues were resolved quickly. However, the concentration of major failures—specifically the rear brake disc wear noted in early 2023 and the suspension arm pin degradation documented in both 2020 and 2023—demonstrates that the cumulative effect of mileage and age has manifested in tangible parts requiring attention rather than remaining latent. On a test drive, the rear suspension arm pins and bush should be inspected for play or visible wear that could cause knocking over bumps, as the 2023 failure identified the arm pin as excessively worn and subject to replacement. The rear brake discs, flagged as worn and pitted in early 2023, may produce a grinding noise when applying the brakes at speed or under load, and the requirement for balance adjustment should be verified at each service. Additionally, the offside stop lamps being non-functional since 2023-02-28 represent a non-safety-related electrical defect that does not affect driving performance but should be addressed for completeness. The TPMS warning from the 2026-02-23 test indicates that one tyre is running significantly below the recommended pressure threshold, which can lead to uneven tread wear, reduced grip, and potential blow-over risk if left unchecked; a visual inspection of the tyre pressures and a road test will confirm whether the issue is confined to a single tyre or systemic. Given the history of brake disc scoring and suspension component fatigue, budgeting for suspension bush replacement and brake disc resurfacing or replacement is prudent, and the non-operational stop lamps should be tested immediately upon acquisition. A full pre-purchase inspection focusing on these three areas will reveal whether the vehicle remains roadworthy or requires immediate remediation before taking delivery.