2018 Honda HR-V 1.6L Diesel · FH18 FTT

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 May 2026 resulted in a Pass, with a single advisory noting that the nearside front tyre is worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Looking back through the recorded history, the vehicle has maintained an unbroken run of Passes since an initial fail in June 2021 was rectified at the same test date, and there are no advisories relating to structural corrosion, brake inefficiency, or major mechanical integrity issues. However, the pattern of advisories over the last three tests points to components that are now reaching the end of their effective service life. The front suspension lower arm pins or bushes were flagged on both sides in 2025, the front tyres have appeared repeatedly for edge wear, and the rear brake pads were reported thinning in 2023. This represents a stable but ageing trend rather than a worsening or improving one, and the next owner should expect to budget for the items that have been progressively flagged over successive examinations. Against an age of approximately eight years, the recorded mileage of 87,594 equates to an annual average of just under 11,000 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this class and is consistent with mixed private and commuting use. There are no significant gaps or sudden spikes in the mileage progression that would suggest prolonged standing periods followed by intensive driving, nor any indication of severely high usage that would disproportionately wear the drivetrain. That said, because the HR-V has now covered close to 90,000 miles, normal wear items such as the timing chain components, clutch (if applicable), drive shafts, and rear brake components will be approaching or already past the threshold where proactive replacement is advisable. The advisory history supports this, with brake pads already noted as wearing thin and suspension bushes beginning to deteriorate. The next 12 months of ownership will almost certainly bring further component renewals, and any negotiation should account for this. With regard to specific items the next owner should scrutinise on inspection and during a test drive, the repeated nearside front tyre edge wear advisory is the most pressing concern. Edge wear on a front tyre typically indicates either incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension components, or a combination of both, and given that the lower arm bushes were recorded as worn in 2025, it is highly likely these two issues are linked. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and when turning into driveways, as this would confirm that the bushes have deteriorated to the point of requiring replacement. Tyres should also be checked for even shoulder wear across both edges, and a four-wheel alignment should be performed once the suspension has been rectified and new tyres fitted. Failure to address the suspension wear will simply cause the new tyres to wear in the same pattern within a relatively short distance. Beyond the advisory items, a vehicle of this age and mileage demands several calendar-based and age-related checks regardless of the MOT outcome. The 12V battery should be load tested, as Honda units can begin to lose capacity after seven to eight years and a weak battery will eventually cause ECU and start-stop faults. Brake discs should be inspected for corrosion ridges on the outer edges, and the calipers should be checked to ensure they are not binding, particularly after the recent standing periods implied by lower annual mileage and the gap between 2021 and 2022 tests. Brake fluid should be renewed regardless of condition, as it absorbs moisture over time and Honda typically specifies a three-year replacement interval. Coolant, transmission fluid (CVT or manual depending on variant), and spark plugs should be confirmed as within their service schedules. The windscreen, which has been chipped or damaged on multiple occasions, should be examined carefully for any spreading cracks, and the tyre pressure monitoring system light that was illuminated in 2024 should be verified as now functioning correctly. Finally, verify full service history stamps and request evidence of the timing chain, water pump, and rear brake overhaul if mileage warrants, as these are the most costly deferred items on the HR-V at this stage of its life.