2008 Honda CR-V 2.2L Diesel · OW08 GAX

This Honda CR-V’s most recent MOT test on 2025-07-11—just 12 months ago—confirms it passed without defects, though it failed a preliminary inspection on 2025-07-04 at nearly identical mileage. The pattern of two consecutive tests in July 2025, both at over 122,000 miles, suggests a rushed or opportunistic retest rather than proactive maintenance. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the 2024 and 2023 tests implies no obvious mechanical trends, but the double failure in August 2023—both at the same mileage—raises questions about whether critical checks were overlooked or deferred. Without visible advisories, the vehicle appears to have passed all mandatory tests, but the irregular retesting pattern warrants scrutiny of whether minor issues were consistently ignored. The recorded mileage of 122,580 miles over 18 years aligns with typical usage for this age, averaging around 6,800 miles annually. There are no significant gaps or spikes in the MOT history, though the clustering of tests in 2023 and 2025—particularly the two back-to-back tests in August 2023—suggests either a rushed attempt to clear a failed inspection or a deliberate avoidance of deeper diagnostics. The lack of mileage jumps between tests rules out extended periods of neglect, but it also means no extended periods of professional oversight either. Given the age, the suspension bushes, coil springs, and rear brake calipers—common wear points at this mileage—should be visually inspected for excessive play, corrosion, or binding. A buyer should prioritise a thorough examination of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear subframe and bushings, as these often fail silently and can lead to uneven tyre wear or handling issues. The brake system, including rear calipers and discs, should be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially if the vehicle was driven through wet or heavy loads. Corrosion around the wheel arches, sills, and subframe mounts is another critical area; the 2008 model is prone to rust progression in these zones, which can compromise structural integrity. While the MOT record shows no advisories, these components are not covered by the test and may require professional assessment to ensure they remain roadworthy beyond the next inspection.