2009 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · GL09 VAM

The most recent MOT test on 2026-07-23 resulted in a clean pass, though it included a single advisory regarding the rear registration plate’s deterioration, which is not critical to roadworthiness but may affect identification clarity. Despite this, the overall maintenance trend over the past seven years is mixed but not alarming. While the 2024 and 2025 MOTs were largely clean apart from minor suspension-related advisories, the 2024 test highlighted severely deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers, and the 2025 test confirmed worn suspension arm bushes—both indicative of ongoing wear that could escalate if not addressed. The 2022 and 2023 advisories on tyre wear and anti-roll bar ball joint play suggest that while the vehicle has passed inspections, its suspension and tyre systems are approaching or have exceeded typical wear thresholds for its age. The 2024 failure, however, stands out as a red flag due to the major corrosion failure in the chassis near the inner sill and the broken headlamp levelling devices, which point to either poor maintenance or environmental exposure contributing to structural and mechanical degradation. These recurring issues suggest that the vehicle has either been underutilised with long periods standing or subjected to conditions that accelerate wear, particularly in the chassis and suspension. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 132,756 miles at 17 years old represents an annual usage rate of approximately 7,809 miles, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. This rate is neither exceptionally high nor low, but it does not necessarily correlate directly with wear—longer periods of inactivity can lead to standing corrosion, particularly in the chassis and undercarriage, where moisture and road salt accumulate. The absence of a significant spike in mileage over recent years suggests that the vehicle has not been driven at an accelerated pace, which might otherwise have accelerated suspension, tyre, and drivetrain wear. However, the 2024 failure’s corrosion-related major defect indicates that prolonged exposure to damp or salty conditions—common in UK winters—has likely contributed to structural degradation, especially in the inner sill area. Buyers should also consider whether the vehicle has been stored in a sheltered environment or driven through high-traffic areas prone to salt spray, as these factors can exacerbate corrosion risks. Given the recurring advisories and the 2024 failure’s major defects, the prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase. The severely deteriorated anti-roll bar ball joint dust covers and worn suspension arm bushes require immediate attention, as these components are critical to the vehicle’s handling and stability. On a test drive, listen for unusual clunking noises from the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, which may indicate loose or worn suspension arms or anti-roll bar linkages. Inspect the vehicle’s alignment—uneven tyre wear, such as the edge wear noted in the 2023 and 2025 MOTs, suggests misalignment or suspension issues that could worsen if not corrected. Additionally, check for binding or grinding noises from the headlamps, as the 2024 failure highlighted broken levelling devices, which could lead to uneven lighting or potential electrical issues if left unresolved. The major corrosion failure in the inner sill area demands immediate attention to structural integrity, as further deterioration could compromise the vehicle’s safety and resale value. A professional inspection should also verify the condition of the tyres beyond the legal limits, as the 2023 and 2025 MOTs noted wear close to the legal threshold, and the 2024 failure included a cut exceeding ply depth. For the buyer, the vehicle’s age and mileage profile necessitate a focus on age-related checks that may not be apparent from the MOT history alone. Given its 17-year age, the tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can occur even with low mileage due to prolonged exposure to UV light and road salt. The 12V battery should be tested for health, as older vehicles are more prone to failing without warning, particularly if the vehicle has been left unused for extended periods. The brake system should be examined for signs of corrosion on discs or binding calipers, which can develop from standing in damp conditions. Fluid levels—particularly the brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—should be checked for degradation, as fluids break down over time regardless of mileage, and should be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations, ideally every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 5 to 10 years. Finally, the service history should be verified to ensure that routine maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and suspension servicing, has been documented. If the vehicle has a service book, its stamps should be cross-referenced with the MOT records to confirm compliance with recommended intervals, as the current advisories suggest some maintenance may have been deferred.