2004 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · LT04 AEC

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 April 2026 resulted in a PASS, although three advisories and two minor defects were recorded alongside the pass certificate. The current advisory relates to a minor exhaust gas leak, while both front suspension arm ball joint dust covers were noted as severely deteriorated. Tracing the history backwards reveals a clear worsening trajectory. In April 2025 the vehicle passed with advisories noting only slight deterioration of the same front ball joint dust covers and worn suspension bushes, but by April 2026 these dust covers had progressed to severely deteriorated status. More concerning are the brake related failures in the recent test record: a dangerous failure for front brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick on 8 April 2026, accompanied by a major rear brake imbalance across axle two, and a dangerous failure for rear brake pads below 1.5 mm in April 2025. While the vehicle is currently legal, the pattern suggests suspension and braking components are nearing the end of their service life and warrant close physical inspection. With a recorded odometer reading of 79,263 miles across approximately 22 years, this Honda CR-V has averaged around 3,603 miles per year, which is notably low for the age and segment. Such modest annual usage can indicate either light running predominantly consisting of short trips or extended periods of standing between uses. The MOT record itself only captures tests from 2024 onwards, so there is no documented insight into mileage accumulation patterns between tests, but the consistency of the readings implies the car has been in regular but infrequent use rather than covering high mileages. Mechanically, low mileage of this nature tends to be kinder to major drivetrain components such as the engine, gearbox and clutch, but it places greater stress on items that degrade with calendar age rather than use, including rubber seals, brake system internals, cooling system hoses, and the 12 volt battery. The relatively recent brake failures, however, suggest that despite low mileage the friction materials had evidently reached the end of their wear life, which is consistent with age related hardening of brake pads combined with surface corrosion on the discs. Given the recurring front suspension ball joint dust cover deterioration across three consecutive tests, this is a component requiring urgent visual inspection. The dust covers serve to retain grease within the ball joint and exclude dirt and moisture; once they split or perish, contamination accelerates wear of the joint itself. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces or when turning at low speed, and check for uneven tyre wear particularly on the inside or outside edges of the front tyres which can indicate worn bushes or play in the joints. With the advisories noting worn front suspension arm pins and bushes not yet resulting in excessive movement, replacement is approaching and should be budgeted for. The persistent exhaust gas leak advisory also warrants a physical examination from underneath the vehicle to identify whether the leak is at a joint, clamp, or the flexible section, as prolonged exhaust leaks can affect emissions, increase cabin noise, and in some cases allow fumes into the passenger compartment. For a vehicle of this age and low usage profile, several age related checks should form part of any pre-purchase inspection regardless of the MOT record. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing even if the tread depth appears adequate, as old rubber loses flexibility and grip well before it wears out, and a 2004 manufactured tyre fitted to a low mileage car may itself be aged out. The braking system should be inspected for seized or binding calipers which commonly occur on standing vehicles, visible scoring or lipping on the disc edges, and the condition of the flexible brake hoses which perish with age. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as batteries older than five years frequently fail without warning, and the cooling system should be checked for the condition of the radiator hoses, water pump weepage, and the age of the coolant which degrades over time and loses corrosion protection. Service history stamps should be verified to confirm regular oil and filter servicing despite low mileage, as infrequent oil changes accelerate internal engine sludge formation. Finally, given the Honda CR-V rear brake failures in 2025 and the imbalanced rear braking in 2026, a thorough inspection of the rear caliper slide pins, handbrake mechanism, and ABS sensors is advisable to ensure the system is functioning correctly and safely.