2006 Honda FR-V 2.2L Diesel · LB56 MTO

A pattern of corrosion-related advisories and front suspension wear has been quietly accumulating across this Honda FR-V's recent MOT record, suggesting that structural and chassis components are beginning to demand attention on a 20-year-old vehicle. The most recent test on 20 May 2026 was a pass, but it carried an advisory for under-body corrosion, joining a growing list of similar observations from earlier tests. In 2024, both outer sills were noted as corroded in the suspension mounting prescribed areas, though not considered excessive at that time. The 2025 test sequence is particularly telling: the vehicle initially failed on 23 May 2025 due to an insecurely attached offside front anti-roll bar linkage, a Major defect, before passing the same day with advisories for wearing front brake pads and a deteriorating offside rear tyre. An anti-roll bar linkage dust cover was also flagged as severely deteriorated in 2023. Taken as a whole, the trajectory is one of gradually worsening chassis and suspension condition rather than sudden deterioration, which is consistent with a car of this age entering the phase where structural advisories become routine. With 137,957 miles recorded over approximately 20 years, this FR-V has covered around 6,898 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage expectations for a vehicle of its vintage. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest extended periods off the road, indicating reasonably continuous use rather than long-term storage. This kind of steady, moderate accumulation generally points to a car that has been exercised regularly, which tends to be kinder to components like seals, gaskets, brakes, and the drivetrain than a vehicle left standing for months at a time. However, at this mileage, wear items such as bushes, dampers, brake discs and CV joint boots will all have experienced substantial cumulative fatigue, and the advisories recorded align broadly with what one would expect from a chassis approaching the upper end of its working life. The mileage pattern itself does not raise any particular red flags. For a prospective buyer, the under-body corrosion advisory from the 2026 test warrants a thorough physical inspection on a ramp or over a pit, paying close attention to the outer sills, rear suspension mounting points, floor pans, and subframe areas for any progression beyond surface rust. Given the history of anti-roll bar linkage failures and ball joint play on both sides, it is essential to listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when driving over speed bumps, potholes, or uneven surfaces, and to feel for any vagueness or rattle through the steering when cornering. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2025, so a check of remaining pad material and disc condition, including any lipping or hot spots on the disc edges, is advisable, along with a firm brake pedal feel to rule out seized calipers. On the test drive, the rear tyres should be inspected closely for cracking, particularly on the offside rear, which has been flagged for damage and perishing. Additional attention should be directed towards the condition of all suspension bushes, drop links, and wishbone joints, as the recurring anti-roll bar linkage advisories across multiple years suggest these components may need replacement imminently. Any signs of fluid leakage from dampers, weeping from the power steering system, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle could indicate deeper suspension issues that the MOT advisories only begin to hint at. It would also be prudent to verify the operation of all warning lights, the condition of the exhaust mounting rubbers, and the general integrity of undertrays and splash shields, as these often conceal the true extent of corrosion on older Hondas. Finally, confirming a complete service history with evidence of regular brake fluid, coolant, and timing belt replacements would provide meaningful reassurance given the vehicle's age and mileage.