2003 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · LA03 HCL

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening. While the mileage is consistent with its age, the most recent test on 15 September 2025 at 182,751 miles resulted in a failure due to a leaking offside front power steering pipe, an inoperative registration plate lamp, and a smooth brake pedal. This failure follows a pattern of recurring issues, specifically regarding braking systems and lighting, which suggests that preventative maintenance has been neglected in favour of reactive, minimum-requirement repairs. The mileage accumulation is steady, averaging roughly 7,946 miles per year, which is typical for a 23-year-old vehicle. The records show consistent annual testing from 2016 through 2025, though the frequency of failures has increased in recent years. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the vehicle covered approximately 4,400 miles, yet it failed twice within that period. The data shows a lack of long-term mechanical stability, as faults often reappear shortly after a pass is recorded. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system and the chassis. The brake pedal was flagged as wearing smooth in the September 2024, September 2024 (re-test), and September 2025 tests, indicating a persistent issue with pedal feel or component wear that has not been effectively resolved. Furthermore, the 2019 record highlighted significant corrosion on the sills and chassis legs. Although these were noted as not reducing structural rigidity at that time, the age of the vehicle and the history of oil and coolant leaks suggest that underlying oxidation requires close physical scrutiny. Suspension and steering components also require immediate attention. The 2025 failure for a leaking power steering hose, combined with previous failures involving suspension ball joint dust covers and anti-roll bar linkages, points to a history of wear in the front-end assembly. The buyer should also check the exhaust system and emissions, following the major exhaust leak recorded in October 2022 and the lambda reading issues noted in September 2021. Given the recurring nature of these faults, the vehicle likely requires significant upcoming investment to maintain roadworthiness.