2013 Honda CR-V 1.6L Diesel · DY63 NUH

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 June 2026, was passed but returned several advisories – notably deteriorated front track‑rod ball‑joint dust‑covers on both sides, a smooth‑wearing brake pedal and the usual note that items were removed from the driver’s view. Over the last three years the vehicle has shown a generally stable maintenance pattern: a clean pass in 2025, a single failure in 2024 limited to the windscreen‑washer and wiper performance (which appear to have been rectified), and recurring minor advisory items that have not escalated to a failure. This suggests that while the car is being kept road‑legal, there is a modest but ongoing wear of front suspension components and the brake pedal that warrants attention. At 86 321 miles for a 2013 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6 600 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage range for a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression shows no abrupt spikes that would indicate periods of intensive use, but the relatively low annual figure also implies that the car may have spent extended periods standing idle. Prolonged stationary periods can accelerate corrosion of suspension bushings, brake‑disc surface rust and battery degradation, so these areas should be scrutinised even though the mileage is modest. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular focus to the front track‑rod ends and their dust‑covers; the advisory notes describe severe deterioration, which can allow dirt ingress and eventual ball‑joint wear. Listen for clunking or loose feel when steering through corners and check for uneven tyre wear on the front axle, which may hint at compromised joint integrity. The smooth‑wearing brake pedal suggests the underlying pedal pad is thinning – feel the pedal travel during a test drive for a spongy or overly soft response and verify that the braking effort remains consistent without pedal‑fade. The side steps were recorded as severely corroded yet still secure, so examine the step brackets and any surrounding bodywork for rust that could spread to structural panels. Finally, confirm that the windscreen washer system now delivers adequate fluid and that both wipers clear the glass effectively, as the 2024 failure indicates previous inadequacy. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough age‑related check is advisable regardless of mileage. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry‑rot or age‑related hardening, especially if the tyres have not been replaced recently. Test the 12 V battery’s cranking power and check for any signs of sulphation or excessive leakage, as batteries tend to lose capacity after a decade of service. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been refreshed according to the service schedule; fluid darkening or sediment can indicate overdue changes. Examine the suspension bushings, coil springs and shock absorbers for signs of corrosion, leakage or loss of compliance, and ensure the brake discs are free from deep scoring or excessive rust that could impair braking performance. A well‑documented service book with regular oil changes, timing‑belt (or chain) maintenance and any previous replacement of the front ball‑joint assemblies would provide further confidence in the vehicle’s mechanical soundness.