2007 Honda Stepwagon 2.0L Petrol · FB07 FHL

A persistent theme of front‑end wear runs through this Stepwagon’s MOT history, with repeated advisories for anti‑roll bar linkage ball‑joint play and worn suspension‑arm pins or bushes on both sides, alongside a series of minor tyre‑damage notes and a single oil‑leak advisory. The most recent test on 28 January 2026 recorded a minor rear‑plate lamp fault, severe deterioration of the near‑side front anti‑roll bar dust cover, and renewed front‑suspension arm pin wear, but the vehicle still passed overall, indicating that the issues have remained at advisory level rather than escalating to failures. At 136,394 mi the car averages roughly 17,000 mi per year, which is above the typical private‑use figure for a 2018 model. The mileage has been recorded consistently each year, with no long gaps that would suggest prolonged storage, meaning the wear indicated by the MOT entries is likely a consequence of genuine road use rather than age alone. The higher annual mileage accelerates consumption of suspension components, brake pads and tyres, and can exacerbate any existing oil‑seal wear, so the recorded wear items should be expected to be nearer the end of their service lives. When you inspect the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front anti‑roll bar linkage on the near‑side; any perceptible clunk or looseness when the steering is turned or the car is driven over bumps can confirm the reported play. Examine both front suspension‑arm bushes for excessive movement or uneven tyre wear that may betray deteriorating bushings. The tyre advisories (near‑side rear and off‑side front) suggest early cracking or perishing of the rubber, so feel the tread for soft spots and listen for thumping noises that could indicate internal tyre damage. The rear inner brake pads were flagged as thin in 2023, so check for reduced brake pedal feel, squealing on initial application, or a need for pad replacement. The oil‑leak advisory from 2023, though not excessive, warrants a visual check for fresh oil stains around the engine sump or valve cover gaskets. Finally, verify that all external lamps operate correctly, especially the rear‑plate lamps that have been recorded as inoperative on two occasions, and confirm that the front anti‑roll bar dust cover, now listed as severely deteriorated, is not allowing moisture or debris onto the linkage. Replacing the front anti‑roll bar ball‑joint and the worn suspension‑arm pins or bushes will likely be the most immediate remedial expense; budgeting for new front tyres and rear brake pads would also be prudent before committing to purchase.