2003 Toyota RAV-4 2.0L Petrol · YR03 XGS

The vehicle remains roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows a shift toward reactive rather than preventative upkeep. The most recent test in December 2025 at 78,458 miles identified a minor exhaust leak at the central section and slightly defective front headlamp lenses. These defects follow the December 2024 test where the tester flagged thin front brake pads and a nearside front tyre worn to the legal limit, indicating that consumable components are reaching their service intervals. The mileage profile is notably low for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,400 miles per year. Between April 2024 and December 2025, the car covered 11,270 miles, suggesting consistent but low-frequency usage. The gap of 10,133 miles between the 2024 and 2025 tests shows a recent increase in annual mileage. While low mileage reduces wear on the drivetrain and engine, it often leads to the degradation of rubber components and potential corrosion on brake assemblies due to long periods of inactivity. A buyer must conduct a physical inspection of the central exhaust system to ensure the leak identified in late 2025 has not progressed into a structural failure. Given the previous report of thin brake pads and uneven tyre wear, the front suspension geometry and brake calipers should be checked for excessive play or perished bushings. Because of the age of the vehicle and the low mileage, the chassis should be scrutinized for structural corrosion on the mounting points and sills, as these are common failure points for this model that MOT tests do not always capture until they become significant.