2006 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · CE06 DMV

The most recent DVSA examination on 31 March 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or minor defects recorded, which is an encouraging immediate indicator. However, when assessed in the context of the preceding two tests, the overall maintenance trend shows some clear areas of progressive wear that warrant attention. The 2025 test carried four advisories covering anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play on both rear sides, exhaust system corrosion, and front lower suspension arm bushes on both sides, with the 2024 test repeating the suspension arm bush advisories alongside track rod end dust cover deterioration. The fact that these items have appeared as advisories over consecutive years suggests they are progressing rather than resolving, and a buyer should treat them as early-stage wear items that are likely to mature into test failures or noticeable drivability concerns within the next twelve to eighteen months. Recorded mileage of 148,316 miles over a twenty-year lifespan equates to an average of approximately 7,400 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and broadly consistent with regular but moderate private use. There do not appear to be any significant gaps in annual MOT testing, which indicates the car has been in continuous use and has not been laid up for extended periods, reducing the likelihood of standing-related issues such as seized brake calipers or severe underbody corrosion from inactivity. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than aggressive, which is generally favourable for a Honda CR-V of this generation, though the cumulative figure means that wear-related components such as suspension, engine mounts, and drivetrain bushes will have accrued substantial fatigue over time. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring advisories on the front lower suspension arm bushes and rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over uneven roads, speed bumps, or during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering response which can indicate worn front bushes. The rear anti-roll bar links are best checked by rocking the vehicle side to side at the rear and listening for any sloppiness. The exhaust corrosion advisory is also significant on a twenty-year-old vehicle; inspect the system visually from underneath for thinning metal, particularly at joints and the silencer box, and listen for blowing or droning exhaust note on the overrun. The track rod end dust covers, although recorded as minor at the 2024 test, should be inspected to ensure they have not since split, as perished covers allow water and grit ingress and dramatically accelerate joint wear. Beyond the recorded defects, age-appropriate physical checks remain essential. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking or perishing regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with calendar age and a 2021 advisory noted rear tyre perishing. Brake discs should be inspected for corrosion ridges or pitting, particularly given that the vehicle may sit for periods between uses. The twelve-volt battery is likely due for replacement given its age, and a load test would be prudent. Fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should be verified for condition and service history, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage. Finally, given the vehicle's age and four-wheel-drive mechanical complexity, a thorough road test on a mix of urban, dual carriageway, and light off-road surfaces is advisable to confirm smooth operation of the transmission system and absence of any driveline vibration or noise.