2003 HONDA CR-V2.0L Petrol

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2026-05-05 at 143,002 miles passed without defects, indicating it currently meets minimum roadworthiness standards. However, the record reveals a concerning pattern of recurring issues, particularly with front tyres and rear brakes. The front tyres failed twice in February 2023—once for being worn to the legal limit and cracked, and again for a non-working stop lamp alongside the same tyre faults—before passing with advisories in the following test. The rear brakes also showed progressive wear, with thin pads noted in March 2025, suggesting a lack of proactive maintenance. While the most recent pass suggests temporary compliance, the history implies deferred repairs rather than consistent upkeep. The mileage progression of approximately 6,200 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, though the 14-month gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests—covering 937 miles—stands out as unusually long. This suggests either a period of limited use or delayed testing rather than neglect. The front tyre failures at 138,693 miles, followed by advisories in the subsequent test, indicate the tyres were likely replaced shortly after the first failure, yet the same pattern of edge wear and cracking persisted, hinting at either improper fitting, underinflation, or alignment issues. No other significant mileage jumps or prolonged inactivity are evident, but the irregular testing intervals raise questions about the vehicle’s long-term care. A buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension, particularly the alignment and condition of the tyres, as the repeated failures suggest underlying issues. The rear brakes, which showed progressive wear, should be checked for uneven pad thickness, binding calipers, or worn rotors—especially given the 14-month gap since the last advisory. The absence of structural advisories or corrosion-related defects in recent tests is reassuring, but the suspension bushes and coil springs should still be examined for dryness or cracking, as these components often degrade silently over 23 years. The electrical system, which failed for a non-working stop lamp in 2023, warrants verification, as wiring or bulb failures can recur if not addressed. Given the history, a pre-purchase inspection with a focus on these areas is strongly advised.