1998 Toyota RAV4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Toyota RAV4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Toyota RAV4 than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  15.3% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 2.2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm3.4× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  9.3% All 1998 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.7× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  14% All 1998 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  9.4% All 1998 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Sub-frame2.3× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  6.2% All 1998 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 1998 Toyota RAV4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Toyota RAV4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  31% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  25% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Toyota RAV4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 1998 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1998 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 1998 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?