2006 Honda FR-V 2.2L Diesel · AX55 GXS

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 December 2022 resulted in a Pass, but it should be read alongside the full recent history rather than in isolation. The vehicle failed on 6 September 2021 with four Major defects concerning a major exhaust leak, excessive corrosion at both rear suspension component mounting prescribed areas which significantly reduced structural strength, and both windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively. All were rectified within ten days for the follow-up Pass on 16 September 2021, but the advisories raised at that same test, combined with those recorded at the 2022 Pass, point towards a deteriorating rather than stable condition. Front tyres worn close to the legal limit and on edge, both rear coil springs corroded, both front suspension arm pins or bushes worn, and corrosion to both front brake hose ferrules indicate that wear items are progressing simultaneously. The pattern from 2017 onwards, showing progressively heavier advisories culminating in the 2021 structural failure, suggests a vehicle that is ageing into a phase where multiple component renewals can be anticipated in the near term. With a recorded mileage of 146,577 miles spread across approximately twenty years, the vehicle has averaged around 7,329 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and not indicative of excessive motorway use or extended standing periods. There is no evidence of very low annual mileage that would raise particular concerns about seized calipers, perished tyres, or a weakened battery from lack of use, nor of unusually rapid accumulation suggesting hard service. Nevertheless, a 2006 Honda FR-V at this odometer reading should be evaluated on the basis that all major drivetrain and suspension consumables have already lived a full working life, and attention should focus on whether original timing chain, clutch, gearbox mountings and engine ancillary drive components have been renewed within the recorded history. The most pressing area for inspection is the rear suspension. The 2021 failure cited excessive corrosion at the prescribed mounting areas on both sides significantly reducing structural strength, which is a structural integrity concern rather than a simple wear item. Any prospective buyer should closely examine the rear suspension turrets, inner wheel arches, and the surrounding inner bodywork for evidence of professional repair, weld patches, or fresh underseal applied to mask ongoing corrosion, as this is a known weakness on older FR-Vs. Both rear coil springs were also flagged as corroded in 2022, and corrosion to suspension coil springs typically progresses to fracturing; listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. The front suspension arm pins or bushes noted as worn but within tolerance in 2022, combined with anti-roll bar bush play in 2020, suggest the front end will also require attention; expect vague steering, uneven inner or outer front tyre tread wear, and a tendency to wander on motorway surfaces if these are allowed to deteriorate further. The braking system warrants careful physical inspection. The front brake hose ferrules have shown slight corrosion at both the 2021 and 2022 tests, indicating progressive degradation of the metal crimps where the flexible hose meets the rigid line; on a test drive, depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it while the engine is running to check for any sponginess or yielding that could indicate hose failure under pressure. The nearside rear brake backing plate was recorded as in poor condition in 2021, which can lead to debris contamination of the braking surface and judder under braking. The exhaust system received an advisory in 2017 and subsequently failed with a major leak in 2021, suggesting either renewal or repair at that point; inspect the full length of the system from manifold to tailpipe for signs of joint blackening, hangers detaching, or fresh welding. Finally, given the vehicle's age, verify the date code on all four tyres for sidewall perishing regardless of tread depth, test the 12V battery under load for cranking strength, confirm recent replacement of coolant, brake fluid and engine oil by service records, and check that all functional bulbs, including the offside rear registration plate lamp flagged in 2022, are operational before purchase.