2002 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · OV52 ECJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 November 2021 resulted in a Pass, although it was achieved on the same day as a prior Fail, meaning the vehicle was repaired and re-submitted within hours. The Pass carried a Minor item concerning a deteriorated nearside front track rod end dust cover, together with two Advisories for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit at 2mm and on their edges. Looking back through the available history, the 2020 test also produced a Pass with only a Minor lamp issue, while the underlying Fail from that same date recorded Major defects on the offside front lower suspension arm pin or bush and the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, both of which are wear-related safety items. The 2019 test similarly combined a Pass with Advisories on inner-edge rear tyre wear, and a prior Fail that included a Dangerous defect relating to a fractured offside front anti-roll bar mounting bracket, alongside a worn offside rear anti-roll bar ball joint. The overall trend suggests a vehicle that is being maintained just adequately to clear each test but one which has shown repeated concerns in the front suspension and steering area, as well as ongoing minor lighting and wiper issues, so a prospective buyer should treat the front suspension geometry and bushes as a priority inspection area. The recorded mileage of 171,115 miles over a 24-year vehicle life equates to an annual average of roughly 7,130 miles, which is broadly typical for an older car of this type, albeit with two clear gaps in the MOT record between 2017 and 2018 and beyond 2021. Annual averages of this level suggest regular but modest use, which is generally kinder to mechanical components than very high mileage, but the figure should be verified against the dashboard odometer and service book records. The recurring front suspension and tyre wear advisories, particularly those mentioning edge wear, could indicate either neglected geometry settings or sustained use on under-inflated tyres, both of which would be consistent with a higher-mileage working life even if the annual average appears modest. Given the recurring front suspension defects, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough inspection of the front and rear anti-roll bar linkages, the lower suspension arms, and the ball joints, listening for clonks or knocks over speed humps and uneven road surfaces during a test drive. Uneven or feathered tyre wear across both front tyres, as repeatedly advised, points to compromised geometry or worn components, and any pulling to one side under braking or vagueness in the steering would reinforce this concern. The track rod end dust cover deterioration noted several times is a Minor item only as long as the boot still excludes dirt, but once the joint is exposed to grit and moisture the joint itself wears rapidly, so the covers should be examined closely and the joints physically checked for play with the wheels off the ground. Brake feel should also be tested for shudder or pulling, and the rear brake calipers checked for seizing given the vehicle's age and the likelihood of infrequent heavy use. Beyond the recorded defects, several age-related checks are essential on a 24-year-old CR-V of this mileage. The tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking and perishing even where the tread depth appears adequate, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of wear, and a matching set with consistent brand and age is preferable. The 12V battery is well beyond its typical service life and should be load-tested, while brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid if fitted should be considered overdue for renewal on a time basis, as moisture absorption and chemical degradation occur irrespective of mileage. Look underneath for signs of fluid weeping from the power steering rack, which is a known weakness on this model, and check the exhaust system for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers. Underbonth inspection of the radiator, timing belt service history (if a manual rather than chain engine), and rear wheelarch arches for structural corrosion should also be undertaken, and all previous advisory work verified with invoices or service stamps wherever possible.