2005 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · OV05 WJC

The 2005 Honda CR-V passed its most recent MOT test on 9 January 2026, though it carried forward a handful of advisories and minor defects, primarily relating to front suspension components, headlamp lens condition, and an offside rear anti-roll bar linkage with slight play at the ball joint. When reviewing the trajectory across recent years, the record suggests a largely stable but slowly worsening picture. The same offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover has been flagged as severely deteriorated across at least four consecutive tests from 2022 through 2026, indicating a long-standing unresolved item that has never quite been bad enough to fail but has clearly been ignored. More significantly, in January 2025 the nearside front suspension arm pin or bush was recorded as excessively worn and resulted in a failure, only to be replaced and pass the following day with no further mention, which suggests that repair was carried out. However, the rear suspension component mounting areas were first noted as corroded in 2023, have recurred in 2024 and 2025, and the sub-frames themselves were also flagged for surface corrosion in 2024 and 2025, painting a picture of progressive structural surface oxidation rather than any sudden deterioration. The January 2026 advisories for an offside rear anti-roll bar ball joint with slight play and an offside front service brake binding slightly suggest that additional suspension and brake attention is now approaching. The recorded mileage of 102,636 miles over 21 years equates to an average of roughly 4,887 miles per year, which is notably low for any vehicle and particularly so for a Honda CR-V of this era. Such low annual mileage often indicates a vehicle that has either been used as a secondary car for short journeys or has spent extended periods standing unused. The MOT record itself shows gaps of twelve months between tests, with no recorded mileage progression available in the supplied data, so it is difficult to confirm whether the car has been regularly used or has had long lay-up periods. Low-mileage vehicles typically suffer less internal engine and drivetrain wear, but they are disproportionately prone to problems arising from standing: brake disc corrosion, seized or binding calipers, perished rubber components including tyres, drive belts and hoses, and degradation of fluids that are time-sensitive rather than mileage-sensitive. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisories warrant close physical inspection and a careful test drive. The offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover has been severely deteriorated for at least four consecutive MOTs; on inspection, the cover itself may be split or missing, allowing dirt and water ingress into the joint, so listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven front tyre wear particularly on the inner or outer edges, which would suggest the joint has now worn beyond acceptable limits. The offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint flagged in January 2026 should be checked for any free play by hand and again listened for on test. The advisories relating to brake binding on the offside front should prompt a careful check that the wheel rotates freely when cold and that the vehicle does not pull to one side under braking; a binding caliper can lead to uneven pad wear, disc overheating and reduced fuel efficiency. Given the recurring sub-frame and suspension mounting corrosion advisories, the underside should be examined on a ramp for any advancing rust, particularly around mounting points, although at present none of these have been classified as seriously weakened. The nearside rear direction indicator failure in 2025 and the nearside front position lamp failure in 2023 are simple electrical items and not concerning in isolation, but a general check of all exterior lighting is sensible. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and low-usage profile of this 21-year-old CR-V demand additional age-related scrutiny. Tyres should be inspected not only for tread depth but also for sidewall cracking or perishing, as tyres older than around seven years begin to harden and deteriorate regardless of remaining tread, and the date code on the sidewall should be checked against the current date. The 12V battery is very likely due for replacement on age alone if it has not been changed recently, particularly given low annual usage which tends to shorten battery life through chronic undercharging. Brake discs should be examined for surface corrosion and any lipping at the outer edge, and the handbrake mechanism should be tested on an incline as standing can cause seizure. Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid should all be considered time-expired rather than mileage-expired at this age; brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage to prevent corrosion within the ABS modulator and brake lines. Finally, verify that the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals and that the cambelt and water pump replacement history can be confirmed, as on a 21-year-old Honda CR-V these are critical maintenance items that, if neglected, can lead to catastrophic engine damage.