2003 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · FN03 SNF

The most recent MOT test on 27 April 2026 resulted in a pass, which is a positive immediate indicator, but it was achieved against a backdrop of four advisories that together paint a clear picture of age-related corrosion and wear. The previous test on 12 March 2026 was a failure with five major defects, most notably an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush, elevated exhaust carbon monoxide at idle, and inoperative rear stop and registration plate lamps, indicating that while the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the mechanical trend is one of gradual decline rather than active improvement. Across the 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 tests there is a persistent and worsening theme of corrosion affecting the rear sub-frame, rear suspension components, integral body structure, and general underbody areas, alongside recurring advisories for rear brake disc wear and front suspension wear. The fact that advisories for the rear sub-frame corrosion have appeared repeatedly over several years suggests a slow but steady progression, and the appearance of a major failure for the front suspension arm bush in March 2026 demonstrates that suspension components are now reaching the end of their service life. The recorded mileage of 142,939 miles over approximately 23 years equates to an average of around 6,215 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no anomalous gaps or unusually high annual mileages in the test history that would suggest sporadic heavy use or long periods of standing, so the wear patterns observed can reasonably be attributed to the cumulative effects of consistent driving combined with the inevitable corrosion that affects a car of this vintage, particularly one with a known susceptibility to rear sub-frame and sill corrosion. Given the recurring advisories relating to corrosion, suspension components, and braking hardware, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection before purchase. The rear sub-frame and rear suspension arms should be examined on a ramp or over a pit for any advanced corrosion, paying particular attention to mounting points, seams, and boxed sections, and the underbody sills and floor should be probed with a screwdriver or similar tool to check for structural softness, particularly in light of the 2022 failure where nearside front inner structure was found to be significantly reduced. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocking from the rear under load or over bumps, as this would indicate worn bushes or loose components, and feel for any vagueness in the rear handling that might suggest suspension compliance. The offside front lower suspension arm bush that failed in March 2026 should be confirmed as having been replaced, and the nearside front shock absorber that was misting with oil in 2024 warrants a close look for renewed leakage or any deterioration in ride quality. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, and any shudder, pull, or grinding under braking would suggest that the pitted and scored rear discs noted in the latest advisory have deteriorated beyond serviceable limits and require replacement. In addition to the advisories already noted, several time and age-based maintenance items should be verified regardless of the mileage recorded. The tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age even when tread depth remains adequate, and the age codes on the sidewalls should be checked to ensure they are not excessively old. The exhaust system should be inspected for leaks and mounting integrity, particularly given the major leak recorded in 2023, and the catalytic converter and lambda sensors should be considered given the elevated CO readings in March 2026. A 23-year-old vehicle will almost certainly require replacement of the cambelt, water pump, coolant, and brake fluid regardless of service history, and the condition of the 12V battery should be tested as a matter of course. The engine management light malfunction noted in 2022 and 2023 should be investigated with a diagnostic scan to confirm there are no stored fault codes, and the small oil leak noted in 2022 should be checked for progression. Finally, the headlamp lens oxidation and rear lamp defects that have appeared in recent tests should be rectified, as deteriorated lighting is both an MOT risk and a genuine road safety concern, and the condition of all brake pipes, particularly those noted as corroded and greased in earlier tests, should be carefully examined for any underbody corrosion that could compromise braking integrity.