2005 Honda CR-V 2.2L Diesel · MT55 ABF

The Honda CR-V in question presents a stable roadworthiness record over the past three years, with the most recent MOT on 6 June 2025 at 104,428 miles passing without any defects. This consistency extends back to the May 2024 test at 102,051 miles and the May 2023 test at 99,842 miles, all of which also cleared with no advisories or failures. The sole anomaly in the history is the May 2022 failure at 97,169 miles, though no specific defects were recorded—an unusual entry that suggests either a clerical oversight or a minor issue resolved before retesting. The absence of recurring advisories or defects in recent years implies that routine maintenance has been addressed, though the lack of detail in the 2022 failure raises a minor caveat for due diligence. The vehicle’s mileage accumulation is notably low for its age, averaging just under 5,000 miles per year since 2005, with the most recent 2,377 miles covered between May 2024 and June 2025. This slow progression suggests either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can contribute to issues like seized components, degraded fluids, or rubber degradation. The gap between the 2022 failure and the subsequent pass in May 2022—just 18 miles apart—is particularly unusual and warrants closer inspection, as it may indicate a transient issue or an administrative error. Without advisories or defects in the intervening tests, however, there’s no clear evidence of neglect or escalating wear. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be on components prone to long-term neglect in low-mileage vehicles: suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake binding risks, given the 2022 failure’s ambiguity. The rear brakes, in particular, should be tested for smooth operation, as binding calipers or seized mechanisms are common in cars with uneven usage. Structural integrity is another key area—check for corrosion in wheel arches, sills, and underbody panels, as prolonged standing can accelerate rust. Fluid levels, including brake fluid, coolant, and differential oil, should also be verified, as stagnation can lead to contamination or degradation. While the MOT history is clean, the vehicle’s age and low mileage demand a thorough pre-purchase inspection to confirm no hidden issues have developed during periods of inactivity.