2009 Honda FR-V 1.8L Petrol · LB09 HTO

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 16 August 2025 with no advisories or defects recorded, which on the surface represents a satisfactory outcome. However, when evaluating the broader maintenance trend across the DVSA history, the pattern shows a degree of deterioration through 2023 and into 2024 that should not be overlooked. The 2023 test involved a dangerous failure for tyre structural bulges on both offside wheels, alongside advisories for anti-roll bar linkage play and minor items relating to deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust covers. By 2024, a nearside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and under-vehicle corrosion were flagged, suggesting progressive wear on consumables and structural surfaces. The clean 2025 result indicates either remedial work having been carried out or that fresh components have been fitted, but the preceding trend warrants verification that these issues were properly resolved rather than simply passing transient checks. With 181,028 recorded miles over approximately 17 years, this Honda FR-V is averaging around 10,649 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with steady, regular use rather than long periods of standing or unusually heavy mileage accumulation. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, with annual tests consistently presented since 2019, indicating the vehicle has been in continuous active use. While this regularity is reassuring from a maintenance compliance perspective, the cumulative mileage places this vehicle firmly in high-wear territory for items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, brake discs and calipers, clutch assembly, and exhaust components. Prospective buyers should be particularly attentive to age-related degradation in mechanical systems that may have been replaced multiple times during the vehicle's life. Given the recurring anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play recorded in both 2021 and 2023, it is advisable to inspect both front and rear anti-roll bar linkages, drop links, and bushes for excessive movement, corrosion, or torn rubber. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the suspension, particularly over speed bumps or during cornering, which would indicate worn or failing anti-roll bar components. The deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust covers flagged as minor items in 2023 should also be re-examined; perished or split dust covers permit ingress of contaminants, accelerating joint wear, so any signs of fresh grease leakage or further deterioration would suggest the joints themselves may now require replacement. Additionally, the dangerous tyre bulges recorded in 2023 are a serious safety concern and highlight the importance of inspecting all four tyres for sidewall bulges, cracks, or perishing, particularly given the age of the vehicle where rubber compounds degrade regardless of tread depth. Beyond the recorded defects, attention should be directed to age and mileage related items that fall outside MOT scope but materially affect roadworthiness. With a vehicle of this vintage, brake discs are susceptible to corrosion and binding calipers from infrequent heavy use, so a test drive should include firm brake applications to check for shudder, pulling to one side, or a soft or spongy pedal feel. Under-vehicle corrosion was flagged in 2024, so a thorough examination of the sills, floor pans, subframes, and suspension mounting points for any advancing rust is essential. The 12V battery should be tested for state of health, and confirmation sought of recent servicing for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, as calendar-based degradation of these fluids occurs regardless of mileage. Finally, verifying the timing belt replacement history is critical on a Honda of this era, as the manufacturer's recommended interval would have been exceeded multiple times, and failure of this component could result in catastrophic engine damage.