2000 Toyota RAV4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Toyota RAV4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Toyota RAV4 than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Suspension arm3.4× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  10% All 2000 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2000 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.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  9.5% All 2000 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Transmission oil leaks2.5× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  4.8% All 2000 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  5.2% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.7% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Engine warning light2.7× usual
  Toyota RAV4

  2.4% All 2000 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.9% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2000 Toyota RAV4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 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
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  25% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 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 suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2000 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2000 Toyota RAV4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?