2004 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · LG04 AUH

The 2004 Honda CR-V’s most recent MOT, conducted on 15 October 2024 at 180,339 miles, passed without any defects or advisories, though it was preceded by a near-miss failure just six days earlier at 180,334 miles. This pattern of consecutive tests—two passes and two fails within a single year—suggests a vehicle that has narrowly avoided repeated issues rather than one with a deteriorating maintenance trend. The absence of recurring advisories or defects in the last three tests implies that any problems were either minor or swiftly addressed, though the lack of recorded defects does not preclude underlying wear in high-mileage components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers. The most recent pass is now over 18 months old, which for a vehicle of this age and mileage is concerning—standard practice would recommend an interim inspection to verify components like the subframe, exhaust system, and wheel bearings, all of which are prone to failure in this mileage bracket. The recorded mileage of 180,339 miles over 22 years averages approximately 8,200 miles annually, a rate consistent with typical light-to-moderate usage for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious gaps in service history to suggest prolonged neglect, nor are there abrupt spikes that would indicate aggressive driving or repeated short-term ownership. The most notable pattern is the clustering of tests in October 2023 and 2024, with just six days between the failed and passed tests in each year, which may indicate the vehicle was driven to the test centre multiple times in quick succession—potentially to avoid a longer period without an MOT. The previous test in October 2022, at 164,737 miles, shows a consistent interval of roughly 9,500 miles between tests, though the lack of advisories or defects in any of these records does not provide insight into whether intermediate maintenance was performed. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the condition of the rear coil springs and bushes, which are common failure points in this model. The repeated near-failures in October 2023 and 2024, despite no recorded defects, warrant scrutiny of the braking system—binding calipers, warped discs, or worn brake pads could have been the cause, even if not explicitly noted. Structural integrity should also be assessed, including the underbody for corrosion around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, as well as the exhaust system for leaks or cracks. The lack of advisories in recent tests does not rule out these issues, and a thorough check of fluid levels (brakes, power steering, coolant) would confirm whether basic maintenance has been consistently performed. Given the vehicle’s age, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised.