2004 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · LB04 HFC

The most recent MOT inspection for this 2004 Honda CR-V was a pass in July 2024, following a failure during the same session. The vehicle's maintenance history shows a fluctuating trend rather than a strictly improving one. While the 2024 pass indicates that critical electrical issues, specifically the engine malfunction indicator lamp and stop lamp failures, have been rectified, the history reveals recurring minor issues such as windscreen damage and previous advisories regarding leaks and component wear. The transition from a failure to a pass suggests that the owner is addressing immediate MOT failures, but the presence of long-term advisories in previous years indicates a reactive rather than proactive maintenance approach. With 142,348 miles recorded over approximately 22 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,470 miles per year. This is considered low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age and type, suggesting it has likely been used for local trips or short commutes rather than heavy long-distance motorway use. While lower mileage can reduce wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can also lead to other issues such as carbon buildup or the degradation of rubber components due to lack of regular, sustained heat cycles. The mileage is consistent with the vehicle's age, but the buyer should be mindful that lower usage often correlates with more time spent stationary, which can exacerbate corrosion and fluid degradation. A significant area of concern is the history of mechanical advisories. The 2022 record noted worn front suspension arm bushes, a minor exhaust leak, and worn front brake discs. You should listen closely during your test drive for any knocking or clunking sounds from the front end when driving over uneven surfaces, which would indicate the suspension bushes have deteriorated further. Additionally, pay attention to any vibration through the brake pedal or steering wheel when decelerating, as this can signal warped or excessively worn brake discs. The previous advisory regarding an oil leak, while noted as not excessive in 2023, warrants a thorough visual inspection of the engine bay and the ground beneath the vehicle to ensure the leak has not progressed or worsened. Furthermore, the history of general corrosion underneath the vehicle and headlamp lens clouding requires physical inspection. Check the underside of the chassis for significant structural rust, particularly around the sills and suspension mounting points, as age-related corrosion is a common failure point for this era of vehicle. Examine the headlamp clarity; if the lenses are heavily oxidised, it may affect night-time visibility. Given the low annual mileage, you should also inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which occurs as rubber ages regardless of tread depth, and verify that the service history includes regular oil and fluid changes to combat the effects of time-based degradation.