2009 Toyota RAV4 2.2L Diesel · YS58 BUE

Tyre wear and front‑brake service have dominated this RAV4’s MOT record, with two dangerous failures recorded in 2021 and 2022 for front‑pad thickness and disc condition, and a 2022 dangerous failure for front‑tyre tread depth. Since the 2022 failure the vehicle has passed three consecutive tests, albeit with repeated advisories about the rear tyres’ 2008 date stamps and a recent advisory for a near‑side rear nail. The trend shows the most recent test (15 January 2026) was a clean pass, but the recurring tyre and brake alerts indicate that these wear items have required attention and may still be approaching the end of their service life. At 30,185 mi over 17 years the annual average is roughly 1,800 mi, well below typical usage for a family SUV. Such low mileage often reflects limited daily travel or extended periods of inactivity, which can accelerate rubber hardening and rubber‑compound ageing, especially for tyres that have been on the car since 2008. The mileage record shows no significant gaps in MOT testing, suggesting the vehicle has been regularly presented for inspection despite the low use, but the age of the rubber and the recorded nail in a rear tyre point to the need for a comprehensive tyre assessment rather than reliance on mileage alone. Prospective buyers should inspect all four tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and any embedded objects; the rear tyres carry a 2008 date stamp and have already prompted an advisory for a nail, so replacement is likely imminent. Verify that the tread on each tyre meets the 1.6 mm legal minimum and that there is no uneven wear that could indicate alignment or suspension issues. A visual check for bulges, cuts or delamination, followed by a short road test listening for thumping or vibration, will help confirm tyre integrity. Given the historic front‑brake failures, the pads and discs should be measured for remaining thickness; any pad wear below 1.5 mm or disc scoring will require immediate replacement. During a test drive, feel for a firm, progressive pedal without pulsation, and listen for squeal or grinding that could signal residual pad wear. Although rear brakes have not failed an MOT, a visual inspection of the rear pads and discs is prudent, as they share the same wear cycle. Any signs of brake judder, pull to one side, or reduced stopping distance should be investigated before finalising purchase.