2002 Toyota RAV4 2.0L Petrol · YN02 AKJ

This Toyota RAV4 has exhibited a concerning instability in roadworthiness over the past two years, with the most recent MOT test on 8 June 2024—just over a year ago—resulting in a failure despite no recorded defects. The absence of specific advisories or faults in any of the four tests from 2022 to 2024 is unusual, as even minor issues would typically be noted. The repeated failures without explanation suggest either administrative errors in the MOT system or a vehicle that passed unconditionally in every test, though the 2024 failure contradicts this pattern. Buyers should verify whether the 2024 failure was procedural or mechanical, as no defects were logged, which is highly atypical for a vehicle of this age. The recorded mileage of 117,413 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 4,892 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this vintage. The gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests—just 1,193 miles in 12 months—indicates prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate deterioration of suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components due to lack of motion. The identical mileage on the duplicate 2022 tests (115,484 miles) further suggests either a reset error or that the vehicle was not driven between those dates. This pattern implies the car may have spent extended periods stationary, potentially leading to stagnant fluids, seized joints, or corrosion in underbody components. Given the lack of recorded faults but the repeated MOT failures, an immediate inspection should focus on critical wear items that often go unnoticed in routine tests. The suspension—particularly rear bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers—should be checked for dryness, cracking, or binding, as these fail silently and are common in low-mileage but aged vehicles. Brake discs and calipers must be examined for lateral wear, binding, or excessive corrosion, especially if the vehicle was left stationary for long periods. Underbody corrosion around the sills, subframe, and exhaust system should also be thoroughly assessed, as rust can compromise structural integrity without being visible from the road. The absence of advisories in the MOT history does not guarantee these areas are sound, so a detailed visual and functional inspection is essential.