2006 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · HJ56 GTY

The most recent DVSA examination on 20 October 2025 resulted in a PASS, however the test produced four advisories that together paint a picture of an ageing vehicle beginning to show structural and rubber-related wear. The advisory relating to both front and rear coil springs being corroded on both sides is particularly noteworthy; on a 20 year old CR-V this typically reflects surface oxidation that will progressively deepen, potentially weakening the spring and altering ride height, and buyers should listen for any knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces as a tell-tale symptom. The advisory concerning rear sub-frame corrosion not seriously weakened at this stage is a forward indicator that structural components beneath the vehicle are starting to deteriorate and will warrant close physical inspection, ideally with the car raised on a ramp. The nearside front tyre edge wear advisory repeated from the 2024 test suggests an unresolved alignment or suspension geometry issue, most likely linked to the corroding front coil springs or worn suspension bushes, which is causing uneven contact patch wear rather than simple age-related tread loss. With recorded mileage of 164,418 miles accumulated over a 20 year life, this CR-V has averaged approximately 8,221 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged standing, and the relatively consistent year-on-year testing indicates regular use. That said, the cumulative mileage is substantial and components such as the engine, automatic or manual transmission, clutch assembly, and dual overhead camshaft drive components will have experienced considerable wear; any irregular idling, hesitation, or transmission slippage on a road test would be a red flag given the historical engine management lamp illuminated defect in 2024. A deeper review of the recent MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of track rod end ball joint dust cover defects, recorded as a minor in 2022 and again in 2024 before escalating to a major at the nearside, indicating progressive deterioration of the protective rubber boots on the steering rack linkages. Once the dust covers fail completely, water and grit contaminate the ball joint, accelerating wear and producing vague steering, uneven front tyre wear, and clonking noises on full lock; a prospective buyer should turn the steering from lock to lock while stationary and listen for any grinding or slack. The offside front tyre dangerous failure in 2024 at below 1.6mm tread depth, alongside the brake pedal insufficient reserve travel and smooth pedal advisories, suggests the braking system may not have been inspected or serviced thoroughly, and the discs, calipers, pads, and rear brake mechanism should be physically examined for wear, corrosion, and binding. The recurring engine management indicator lamp failures in 2022 and 2024 point to intermittent emissions or sensor-related faults that could still be present, even though the 2025 test did not flag this; buyers should ideally plug in an OBD diagnostic scanner to retrieve any stored fault codes, particularly relating to the lambda oxygen sensors, catalytic converter efficiency, or evaporative emissions system, as these are common failure points on high-mileage Honda K-series engines. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, additional age-related checks should include inspection of all cooling system hoses and the radiator for perishing, the timing chain and tensioner for any rattle on cold start, the condition of the 12V battery which typically requires replacement every five to six years, and the brake fluid and engine coolant which degrade over time regardless of mileage and benefit from periodic renewal. A thorough road test should include warm and cold engine starts, steady speed cruising to detect any driveline vibration from the noted deteriorated offside front driveshaft flexible coupling, and firm braking from higher speeds to confirm pedal firmness and straight-line stability, all of which would give confidence that this CR-V remains mechanically sound for continued use.